As NASCAR fans eagerly count down the 35 days until the Great American Race, Carl Long, co-owner of MBM Motorsports, offered a heartfelt update that highlights both the triumphs and tribulations of operating a small team in the high-stakes world of stock car racing. While MBM Motorsports will field a Cup Series car at the Daytona 500, challenges on the Xfinity Series side have tempered their off-season progress.
The Highs: MBM Motorsports’ Cup Series Expansion
In a beacon of hope for MBM fans, Carl Long confirmed that veteran driver Mike Wallace will pilot their Cup Series entry in the 2025 Daytona 500. This marks an exciting milestone as MBM Motorsports expands its Cup Series program to a planned 20 races this season.
“The good news is most followers know Mike Wallace will be driving for us at the Daytona 500 in Cup,” Long shared, signaling the team’s relentless efforts to cement their presence on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
This move demonstrates a significant investment in the future, with Long and his team pouring countless hours and resources into preparing for one of motorsport’s most iconic events.
The Lows: Xfinity Series Struggles
While the Cup Series program provides optimism, MBM Motorsports’ Xfinity Series efforts tell a more challenging story. Long revealed that their Xfinity cars will not make the trip to Daytona due to financial and logistical hurdles, particularly the inability to secure sponsorship in time to prepare their cars.
“My Xfinity speedway cars will not make the trip to Daytona unless I lease one to a team needing a backup,” Long admitted, underlining the harsh realities of running a small team in NASCAR.
Timing played a critical role in their struggles. Despite veteran David Starr securing sponsorship, it came too late to ready an engine for the Xfinity opener. NASCAR’s early submission deadlines for sponsors and paint schemes further compounded the issues, leaving the team racing against the clock.
“With a small team like ours, we sometimes are chasing sponsor dollars all the way up to race day,” Long explained, a sentiment that resonates with many independent teams navigating NASCAR’s competitive and resource-intensive environment.
Hope for the Xfinity Season
While the Daytona opener is out of reach, MBM Motorsports has not abandoned its Xfinity ambitions entirely. The team plans to compete at three other venues during the Xfinity season, offering fans hope for a rebound later in the year.
The Grit Behind the Glory
Long’s candid update serves as a stark reminder of the immense effort required to participate in NASCAR. From securing sponsorships to meeting tight deadlines, the challenges faced by small teams like MBM Motorsports are a testament to the passion and determination that fuel the sport.
What’s Next for MBM Motorsports?
With their Cup Series entry ready for the Daytona 500 and plans to tackle multiple venues in both series, MBM Motorsports continues to push forward. As Mike Wallace takes the wheel in the season opener, fans will undoubtedly rally behind the underdog team, hoping their hard work pays off on the track.