For the first time since the 2015 season, Mike Wallace will attempt to qualify for a NASCAR Cup Series race.
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The veteran driver revealed during a conversation with his brother, Kenny Wallace, that he will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 while driving for MBM Motorsports. This will mark his first time in a Next Gen car.
"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 come about that we both agreed upon," Wallace explained. "And I'm going to drive his car for his team MBM Motorsports in the Daytona 500."
According to Kenny, the car is already fully funded, but MBM Motorsports still has openings for people and companies who want to get involved as sponsors.
Wallace has nine career NASCAR wins split between the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series. This includes a win in each series at Daytona. He also won at Daytona in the ARCA Menards Series.
The Missouri native made his Cup debut back in 1991. He joined Jimmy Means Racing for two starts — one at Phoenix Raceway and one at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Wallace made 197 starts at NASCAR's top level between 1991-2015. He never ran a full season but competed in at least 20 races in five different seasons. His largest schedule was in 2001 as he made 29 starts for two different teams. This season included a runner-up finish at Phoenix Raceway for Team Penske.
Wallace's last start in the Cup Series was the 2015 Daytona 500. He drove the No. 66 for Jay Robinson and finished 36th. Now he will return to the crown jewel race while driving for another team fielding the No. 66.
Wallace hasn't entirely been away from NASCAR since the 2015 season. He joined JD Motorsports for three road course races in 2020. He finished 24th, 24th, and 25th.
Why did he choose to make his return to NASCAR in 2025? The decision happened after a personal loss. Wallace said that he and his children needed a positive story.
"2024 was a devastating year for me with the loss of Carla, my wife of 44 years, who passed away in January from a battle with cancer," Wallace said in a press release from MBM Motorsports.
"2025 brings fresh excitement, starting with this Daytona 500 announcement. They say you have to be in it to win it, and we are rolling into Daytona with the chance to both be a part of and then race to win the Daytona 500!"
