The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is set to kick off with its crown jewel, the Daytona 500, on February 16. While the iconic race promises thrilling action, it will also mark a historic moment in the sport: the return of veteran driver Mike Wallace to the Cup Series, nearly a decade after his last appearance.
Wallace’s Surprising Comeback
In a recent announcement via social media, 65-year-old Mike Wallace revealed that he will compete in the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Motorsports Business Management (MBM Motorsports). Wallace, a driver with over 800 starts across NASCAR’s National Series, will aim to qualify as one of four unchartered entries in The Great American Race. His return adds another layer of excitement to an already legendary event.
A Christmas Eve Decision
Wallace opened up about the opportunity during a conversation with his brother, former driver Kenny Wallace.
“Well, I’m excited,” Wallace said. “Carl Long, who is a long-time racer, friend, and car owner now, and I were talking right before Christmas—literally on Christmas Eve—and an opportunity came about that we both agreed upon. I’m going to drive his car for his team, MBM Motorsports, in the Daytona 500.”
This unexpected decision highlights Wallace’s enduring passion for racing and his belief in taking on new challenges, even at an age where many drivers have long since retired.
A Return to Daytona
Wallace’s last Cup Series start came in 2015, also at the Daytona 500, though he failed to qualify for the event. Since then, he has remained connected to the sport, participating in select Xfinity Series road course events in 2020. His return to Daytona, however, is a remarkable feat, not just for his age but for the determination and grit it takes to step back into the sport’s pinnacle.
A Special Place in NASCAR History
Daytona International Speedway has always held a special allure for drivers, veterans, and rookies alike. For Wallace, who has spent decades in NASCAR, the chance to return to the iconic race is a full-circle moment. It’s a testament to his longevity and love for racing—a career spanning over four decades.
Will Wallace Qualify?
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 as an unchartered entry is no small feat, but Wallace’s experience and the support of MBM Motorsports provide him with a fighting chance. Fans will undoubtedly watch closely as the 65-year-old driver battles for a spot in the field, hoping to add another chapter to his storied career.
A Comeback to Remember
Wallace’s return is not just a personal milestone but a moment of inspiration for racing enthusiasts everywhere. As he prepares to take the wheel in the 2025 Daytona 500, Wallace proves that you’re never too old to chase a dream—or to make history.
