Veteran NASCAR driver Mike Wallace was recently disqualified from the 2025 Daytona 500 due to not having raced in the past five years, leading to a public outcry from the driver himself.
Wallace, who intended to make a return to the NASCAR Cup season opener with MBM Motorsports, shared his strong disappointment at the decision.
Despite being initially promised a chance to qualify, NASCAR management ultimately disqualified him from competing in any national series, citing his inactivity since 2015.
Wallace, aged 65, has a long-standing history of racing success, especially at Daytona, and was shocked by the decision, feeling it disrespected his years of dedication to the sport.
Mike Wallace, driver of the #66 Crazy Vapors/X8 Energy Gum Toyota, talks to Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 Ortho Ford, on the grid during qualifying for the 57th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International… Mike Wallace, driver of the #66 Crazy Vapors/X8 Energy Gum Toyota, talks to Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 Ortho Ford, on the grid during qualifying for the 57th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2015 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mike Wallace hits out at NASCAR after exclusion from new Daytona 500 rule . More Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Wallace is a seasoned racer with a career spanning over 30 years. He made his debut in the Busch Series and Winston Cup in 1990 and has nine wins across the Xfinity and Truck Series. Wallace has also achieved victories in races at Daytona International Speedway.
Having competed in over 809 NASCAR National Series events, with 197 of those in the Cup Series, Wallace’s track record demonstrates a deep commitment to racing, yet he has not found success in securing a Cup Series win.
After being out of major professional motorsports for several years, NASCAR took his inactivity into account when making their decision. Though Wallace sought approval in late December 2024 for the upcoming race, and had verbal assurances from NASCAR management, the decision was reversed at the last minute.
MBM Motorsports, owned by Carl Long, is also impacted by Wallace’s exclusion. They are an