NASCAR and MLB have been mixing it up for years, and the crossovers have always been a hit with fans. It started with splashy sponsorships, like Carl Edwards’ Boston Red Sox-themed car in 2007 and David Ragan’s in 2008, or Michael McDowell’s Chicago White Sox-branded No. 34 Mustang at the 2024 Chicago Street Race, complete with a themed “NASCAR Day” at Guaranteed Rate Field. These moments aren’t just for show; they’re also about blending two fanbases that love speed and competition.

Kevin Harvick tossing the first pitch for a Braves-affiliate team was another fun nod, showing how NASCAR drivers can step into baseball’s world and steal the spotlight. Further, the real game-changer comes in August 2025, when Bristol Motor Speedway transforms into a baseball stadium for the MLB Speedway Classic. The Atlanta Braves will face the Cincinnati Reds in the Last Great Coliseum, with over 100,000 fans expected to pack the stands. Fox will broadcast the event, and NASCAR ambassadors like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Michael Waltrip will be there to hype it up.

It’s a bold move to showcase Bristol’s versatility and pull in fans from both sports, especially in NASCAR’s heartland. Denny Hamlin’s been all in for this crossover, comparing it to NASCAR’s Chicago street race. “It’s about bringing the game to the people,” he said, and he’s not wrong. MLB wants to tap into NASCAR’s loyal regional crowd, while NASCAR gets to flex its venues as more than just racetracks.

It’s a win-win, merging the roar of engines with the crack of bats in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Now, another NASCAR-MLB moment has fans buzzing. Philadelphia Phillies star pitcher Zack Wheeler was recently spotted rocking a Hendrick Motorsports cap, and the internet’s losing it.

The sight of an MLB ace repping Rick Hendrick’s powerhouse team has sparked a wave of hilarious and heartfelt reactions, proving the crossover appeal of these two worlds is stronger than ever.

Fan Reactions to Zack Wheeler’s Hendrick Motorsports Hat

Fans couldn’t contain themselves when Zack Wheeler stepped out in that Hendrick Motorsports cap, and their reactions on social media were pure gold. One fan quipped, “Wheeler to the 5 confirmed.” It’s a cheeky joke, playing off the idea that Wheeler’s joining Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team. Of course, Wheeler’s a pitcher, not a driver, but the sight of him in HMS gear had fans dreaming up a wild driver swap for laughs.

Another fan chimed in, “Bowman’s seat just got hotter.” This one’s poking fun at Alex Bowman, driver of Hendrick’s No. 48, who’s faced heat for inconsistent results and injuries over the past two seasons. Wheeler’s cap sparked playful speculation that he’s gunning for Bowman’s ride, adding fuel to the ongoing chatter about Bowman’s job security in a lighthearted way.

“Long lost cousin of Russ Wheeler?” another fan teased, tying Zack to Russ Wheeler, the fictional NASCAR driver from the 1990 movie Days of Thunder. The shared last name and racing gear made it an easy jab, with fans chuckling at the idea of Wheeler as a Hollywood-style racer.

One comment nailed the crossover vibe: “Zack Wheeler and Jordan Davis are two Philly athletes that are huge NASCAR fans. Davis is typically wearing a Gordon or Chase Elliott shirt. I’m pretty sure Wheeler is a Larson fan.” This one’s spot-on, Wheeler’s been seen in NASCAR merch before, and Philly’s Jordan Davis, an Eagles defensive tackle, often sports Jeff Gordon or Chase Elliott gear. Fans figure Wheeler’s HMS hat points to him being a Kyle Larson supporter, tying him to the No. 5’s star driver.

A Mets fan couldn’t resist a dig: “The man has good taste in racing at least. Should still be a MET, dammit! Even though they are gone…F the Wilpons again anyways.” Wheeler’s early career with the New York Mets still stings for some who blame the Wilson Family’s ownership for his exit. His Hendrick hat earns him props for “taste,” but the Mets’ loyalty runs deep.

Finally, one fan went full NASCAR parody, “Yeah it was a great day out there, got to thank the guys back at the shop for giving me a great glove and ball today. The Citizens Bank machine was strong today, Iooking forvward to going out and doing it again next time.” Mimicking a driver’s post-race interview, this gem imagines Wheeler thanking his “shop” for a stellar pitching performance, blending NASCAR’s lingo with his shutout win at Citizens Bank Park. It’s the kind of playful crossover that has fans hyped for more NASCAR-MLB mashups.