NASCAR Blocks Mike Wallace From Daytona 500 Over Lack of Recent Experience

The 65-year-old veteran expressed shock after being denied entry despite preparations and sponsor commitments.

Mike Wallace, 65, was denied approval by NASCAR to attempt qualifying for the 2025 Daytona 500 due to his lack of recent experience on intermediate and superspeedway tracks.
Wallace last competed in a NASCAR Cup Series race in 2015 and has not raced in the Next Gen car introduced in 2022.
The decision left Wallace, who had spent $2,000 on preparations including safety gear, feeling devastated and disrespected by NASCAR.
NASCAR stated that Wallace could potentially apply to race in 2026, but he was also barred from competing in the Xfinity and Truck Series in 2025.
Wallace received support from fans, family, and some NASCAR insiders, who lamented the missed opportunity to see a veteran driver attempt a comeback at the Daytona 500.