NASCAR Denies Mike Wallace Daytona 500 Entry

NASCAR has declined to approve 65-year-old Mike Wallace for participation in the 2025 Daytona 500 due to his lack of recent experience on intermediate or larger tracks since 2015. Wallace, who last competed in a Cup Series race at the 2015 Daytona 500, expressed shock and disappointment, as he was previously assured by NASCAR's president that he would be able to race. Despite his past success with 197 Cup starts and several wins in lower series, Wallace's inactivity in major professional motorsports was the decisive factor in his denial. The decision leaves MBM Motorsports without a driver and sponsor for their No. 66 car, forcing them to seek a replacement. This ruling comes amid NASCAR's recent rule change to expand the Daytona 500 field, which allowed non-NASCAR drivers like Helio Castroneves to enter. Wallace, however, is not entirely out of options, as he may pursue approval to race in 2026.