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Heartbreak to hope: Mike Wallace’s Daytona dream dashed, but MBM eyes Chandler Smith for redemption

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 17, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Heartbreak to hope: Mike Wallace’s Daytona dream dashed, but MBM eyes Chandler Smith for redemption

Driver Chandler Smith takes in the festivities with his sons Chandler Jr. and Noble before the 57th SnowBall Derby Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at Five Flags Speedway.

When NASCAR veteran Mike Wallace announced his intent to honor his late wife by attempting the 2025 Daytona 500 at the age of 65, fans were captivated by the emotional gravity of the story. Wallace’s partnership with MBM Motorsports, piloting the No. 66 Ford, promised to be a heartfelt return to NASCAR’s biggest stage. But just ten days after approving the bid, NASCAR’s competition department rescinded its decision, citing Wallace’s near-decade of inactivity in the Cup Series.

The abrupt decision shattered Wallace’s hopes and left MBM Motorsports scrambling for a driver and sponsor to fill the Daytona slot. Now, as the team looks to salvage its Daytona campaign, a compelling rumor has surfaced: former Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) prodigy Chandler Smith could be stepping in to take the wheel.


The fall of Wallace’s dream

Wallace, a seasoned driver with experience across NASCAR’s top divisions, was ready to prove that age is just a number. His announcement to race at Daytona carried the weight of personal tragedy and resilience. But NASCAR’s decision, rooted in concerns over Wallace’s lack of recent competitive Cup Series experience, brought the feel-good story to an unceremonious end.

Carl Long, MBM Motorsports’ owner, was left to pick up the pieces. The No. 66 car, once poised to showcase a heartwarming narrative, was now without a driver or a sponsor. Yet, in NASCAR, the show must go on, and Long has reportedly turned his attention to a younger, dynamic option.


Enter Chandler Smith: The perfect fit?

Speculation from the NASCAR Rumor Nostalgia Instagram page has linked Chandler Smith to MBM’s Daytona bid. Smith, who spent 2024 shining in the Xfinity Series with two wins and 17 top-five finishes, is widely regarded as a future star. Despite his success, Smith parted ways with JGR and has since signed with Front Row Motorsports to return to the Truck Series in 2025.

This transition could make Smith an ideal candidate for MBM’s Daytona plans. Here’s why:

  1. Proven talent: Smith’s 2024 Xfinity performance showcased his ability to compete at a high level, including wins at Phoenix and Richmond. His experience in NASCAR’s next-gen machinery positions him as a capable choice for the high-stakes Daytona 500.
  2. Sponsorship appeal: Smith’s backing by prominent sponsors is a key factor for a smaller team like MBM, which relies heavily on funding to compete in marquee events.
  3. Youth and marketability: At just 22 years old, Smith brings energy and long-term potential that could attract new fans and sponsors to MBM’s program.

The significance for MBM Motorsports

For MBM, the addition of Smith would represent more than just a replacement driver—it would be a statement. The team has long operated on the fringes of NASCAR’s competitive landscape, but a strong showing at Daytona with a young talent like Smith could elevate its profile significantly.

Smith’s presence could also provide MBM with a shot at a Cinderella story. While winning the Daytona 500 would be a tall order, securing a top finish could bring much-needed attention and momentum to the team.


What’s next?

As the Daytona 500 inches closer, time is running out for MBM Motorsports to solidify its plans. While the rumor mill has pointed to Chandler Smith, neither Smith nor MBM has confirmed the move. However, the pieces appear to fit perfectly, making this one of the most intriguing storylines to watch as the season opener looms.

For now, fans can only speculate and hope that MBM’s Daytona ambitions can be revived—and perhaps even surpassed—with the arrival of a rising star.

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