Veteran driver Mike Wallace, aged 65, has been denied approval by NASCAR to compete in the upcoming 2025 Daytona 500. This decision stems from Wallace’s prolonged absence from top-tier racing, with his last NASCAR Cup Series appearance dating back to 2015.
MBM Motorsports had recently announced plans for Wallace to drive their No. 66 Ford in an attempt to qualify for the prestigious race scheduled for February 16. However, NASCAR officials highlighted that Wallace’s lack of recent experience on intermediate or larger tracks, coupled with his unfamiliarity with the Next Gen car introduced in 2022, were significant factors in their decision.
In a statement, NASCAR emphasized that recent racing activity and performance are primary considerations for driver approvals. Given that Wallace has not competed on a major track since 2015, the sanctioning body concluded that he does not meet the necessary criteria to participate at the Cup Series level at this time.
Wallace expressed his shock and disappointment on social media, stating that he had previously been assured of his eligibility by a senior NASCAR official. He also mentioned that this decision impacts not only his plans but also those of MBM Motorsports, which had secured sponsorships based on his anticipated participation.
MBM Motorsports is now in a challenging position, needing to find a replacement driver and secure new sponsorships on short notice to proceed with their Daytona 500 plans. The team has expressed their commitment to still attempting to qualify for the event and is actively seeking a funded driver to join their lineup.
Wallace’s career includes 197 Cup Series starts, with 14 top-10 finishes, and victories in other NASCAR series, including wins at Daytona in both the Truck and Xfinity Series. Despite this setback, there remains a possibility for Wallace to race in 2026, pending further evaluations and approvals.
This development underscores NASCAR’s stringent criteria for driver participation, prioritizing recent experience and familiarity with current racing technology to ensure competitive balance and safety within the sport.
Be the first to comment