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NASCAR veteran denied first Daytona 500 start since 2015

BBG News

Mike Wallace might not automatically be participating in next month’s inaugural race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, even though he was named as MBM Motorsports’ driver. This is due to the challenging task that MBM Motorsports faces in simply qualifying for the race.

Approximately ten non-chartered cars seem poised to vie for the last four positions in the starting grid for the 200-lap race on the four-bend, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) Daytona Beach, Florida oval with its high banks.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that MBM Motorsports hasn’t been leading the pack when they’ve shown up for Cup Series races recently. In gaming terms, they’re not usually the top contenders to secure the fastest spots in the single-car qualifying round; instead, they’ll likely need to fight their way into the race through one of the Bluegreen Vacations Duel heats.

In 2020, the team owned by Carl Long participated in the “Great American Race.” Unfortunately, they were unable to compete in this event in both 2021 and 2022, and they haven’t returned since then. On the other hand, Wallace last competed in the race back in 2015.

And he won’t compete in 2025 either.

Because he hasn’t participated in significant motor racing competitions recently, NASCAR determined that Wallace won’t be able to drive the No. 66 Ford next month. His appearance at the 2015 Daytona 500 is still his latest start in any Cup Series race.

If given the chance and if he had managed to qualify, the 65-year-old from Fenton, Missouri would have made history as the first driver ever in the Cup Series to race through five generations of racing vehicles.

Instead, MBM Motorsports are now searching for a new driver who can also provide financial support. With only a few weeks remaining until Speedweeks commence, this recent challenge might make it tough for the team to even get their No. 66 Ford added to the official entry list.

Even if another candidate steps in for Wallace, entering the race itself will still prove challenging. So far, five other candidates have officially joined, and it appears that as many as five more might follow suit.

On Wednesday, February 12, Daytona 500 single-car qualifying will occur, leading up to the Bluegreen Vacations Duel races which are set for Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (on Fox). The 67th running of the legendary “Great American Race” is planned for Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time (also on Fox).

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2025-01-16 16:03

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