With over 800 starts nationally and 197 in Cup, Mike Wallace was hoping for an unexpected return to the sport in next month’s Daytona 500. But even after 11 Daytona 500 starts and 16 attempts, the experienced driver was denied. 17th, as a NASCAR spokesperson confirmed to motorsport.com.
NASCAR cited “recent racing activity and performance” as motivating factors behind this decision, noting that he has not competed on large oval tracks (intermediate and above) in over a decade. “Due to this inactivity, at this time, he is not cleared to race at the NASCAR Cup Series level.” The series said he has not requested approval to compete in the Truck or Xfinity Series.
“This comes as a complete shock”
The 65-year-old was scheduled to drive the No. 66 MBM Motorsports Ford, and he claims NASCAR’s decision came as a bit of a shock considering he qualified to compete in the race. He reacted to the news with the following Facebook post: “Daytona 500 Non Update! Today at 4:00 pm to my extreme shock and dismay, NASCAR Competition Director Alton Sawyer called to inform me that NASCAR has not only canceled the Daytona 500 , but at this time (I am) not cleared to race in the Cup, Xfinity and Truck series in 2025, but possibly to get cleared. (Their) process can go through in 2026. It’s a big blow because last week the president of NASCAR told me in an actual phone call that everything was good and he would see me at Daytona. I owe this posting to all my fans. And to the non-fans who supported me so much during this time, with great messages of support and postings, I inspired them, as they say!”
Chad Fincham, Power Source, Cooper & Hunter Ford Mustang
Photo by: Gavin Baker/NKP/Motorsport Images
Without Wallace’s leadership, what would happen to the No. 66 car? The eldest Wallace brother urged people to support MBM Motorsports and team owner Carl Long, who are now struggling to find a driver just a month before NASCAR’s biggest race. The team released its own statement saying “MBM Motorsports can confirm that due to a lack of recent races in major professional motorsports, NASCAR has deemed Mike Wallace ineligible to compete in the 2025 Daytona 500 , despite eleven previous 500 starts and multiple superspeedway wins.
“We are disappointed for Mike and the Wallace family that this opportunity will not come to fruition. For MBM, we will have to regroup on this final stretch after losing our driver and sponsor for The Great American Race. Another funded driver opportunity for Speedweeks to attempt the 67th Daytona 500 remains with our No. 66 team: For more information. Contact us at info@mbmmotorsports.com.”
MBM Motorsports ran a partial schedule in 2024, starting 13 races with six different drivers. Even if they find a driver in time, they face an uphill climb with only four open slots on the grid and a recently added open exemption provisionalwhich is available only for Helio Castroneves and number 91 Trackhouse Racing TeamNine open teams could move towards 500, including the possible appearance of former Cup champions jimmy johnson And martin truex jr,
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