After two rain delays, the classic race will continue tomorrow.

Accompanied by the grand ceremony celebrating the inaugural MLB Classic Race, a sudden downpour hit the Bristol Motor Speedway, causing a historic showdown between the Braves and the Reds to be postponed for 2 hours and 17 minutes. The game eventually started but was paused again with one out in the bottom of the first inning.

The event will resume at 1 AM Beijing time tomorrow. The Bristol Motor Speedway will open its gates at 10 AM local time tomorrow, and tickets originally valid for tomorrow will still be honored.

“Although we were affected, the biggest regret is that the fans couldn't fully enjoy it,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “The crowd was incredible, and the atmosphere before the game was unmatched. I hope most fans can come back tomorrow.”

Braves' scheduled starting pitcher Spencer Strider withdrew from the game after the 7:15 PM scheduled start was delayed. Both teams are expected to announce their pitchers for the continuation later.

Despite the lengthy delay, Reds' Chase Burns started as planned, striking out two batters in a perfect first inning. However, he will not continue pitching tomorrow. Austin Cox, who stepped in for Strider, allowed three consecutive singles, including a timely hit from Austin Hays, leading to the game's interruption.

Although the event could not be completed today, the heavy rain did not affect the pre-game celebrations. Players, announcers, and others creatively embraced the spirit of the event—this matchup was not only the first American League/National League confrontation in Tennessee but also the first baseball game held at a racetrack.

Here are the highlights from today's Bristol event:

Burns hit 100 mph as the Reds scored first; he played baseball just over a hundred miles away in Bristol during high school, later transferring from the University of Tennessee to Wake Forest University after two years.

In the bottom of the first inning, Cincinnati took the lead 1-0 with consecutive singles from Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Austin Hays.

Reds players embrace the theme of the event.

Whether or not they are racing fans, several Reds players and staff fully immersed themselves in the racing style. All-Star starting pitcher Andrew Abbott wore a genuine fire suit of NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace (with the sleeves tailored) while inspecting the field.

“This is a special battle,” Abbott said. “I specifically purchased this outfit as a tribute. Growing up in the NASCAR atmosphere, I sifted through several options on eBay, and fortunately, this one arrived just in time. I am familiar with Rusty Wallace and his backstory.”

Catcher Tyler Stephenson customized special gear for the event, paying homage to his favorite actor Will Ferrell and the movie "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." His chest protector features colors reminiscent of Ricky Bobby's race car.

“I contacted the EvoShield team to brainstorm a NASCAR theme—‘Talladega Nights’ is a classic movie. They did an outstanding job with the design, and I decided to wear it.”

Another catcher, Jose Trevino, also drew inspiration from racing movies, creating special cleats that replicate Lightning McQueen's look from the Pixar animated film "Cars."

Pre-game celebrations

Before the game was delayed, country superstar Tim McGraw, pop artist Pitbull, and country singer Jake Owen performed together.

To celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy in October, Music Chief Petty Officer Kathryn Dobyns sang the national anthem under the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Four Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet jets (from the VFA-103 squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach) flew overhead.

Before the first rain delay, a Hall of Fame and NASCAR-themed ceremonial first pitch took place. Former Braves third baseman Chipper Jones threw the first pitch to Chase Elliott, while legendary "Big Red Machine" catcher Johnny Bench caught the first pitch from Kyle Busch.