Veteran NASCAR driver Mike Wallace plans a return to the Daytona 500 after a decade-long absence, but his announcement has sparked controversy. While some question his ability to compete at 65, his brother Kenny Wallace has stepped up in his defense, calling out critics and voicing unwavering support for the comeback.
Mike Wallace’s emotional return: A story of resilience and healing
Mike Wallace, a seasoned NASCAR driver with a career spanning three decades, announced his intent to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 with MBM Motorsports. The 65-year-old last competed in the Cup Series in 2015 and has not raced in a top-tier NASCAR event since 2020. Wallace’s return to the track comes at a deeply personal juncture in his life, following the passing of his wife Carla in January 2024 after a battle with cancer.
Speaking about his motivations, Wallace shared, “The big reason is in January 2024 I lost my wife Carla from being married 44 years. Life wasn’t all that great or fun in 2024. 2025 brings fresh excitement, starting with this Daytona 500 announcement.” He added, “Myself and my kids, we all needed a boost. We need something that would say, ‘Here’s a positive story for us, let’s go make it happen.’”
Wallace’s emotional resolve to return to the Daytona 500 underscores his resilience and his desire to find solace in racing, which has been a central part of his life. He will attempt to qualify in the No. 66 Ford Mustang for MBM Motorsports, an unchartered team vying for one of four open slots in the 40-car field.
Controversy brews over age and qualifications
Not everyone has welcomed Wallace’s return with open arms. Sports reporter Nick Bromberg raised concerns about Wallace’s age, lack of recent experience, and the fairness of granting him approval to compete. Bromberg commented, “I’m sure this will be controversial, but a 65-year-old who hasn’t competed in a Cup Series race or a top-3 series NASCAR race on an oval since 2015 and last raced in a top-3 series NASCAR race overall in 2020 probably shouldn’t get automatic approval to attempt the Daytona 500.”
These remarks sparked a heated response from Wallace’s younger brother, Kenny Wallace, who took to social media to defend Mike. “Would not expect anything less out of you, Nick. You’ve always been a negative reporter,” Kenny wrote, calling out Bromberg’s history of critical commentary. Kenny also highlighted the rigorous physical and procedural requirements that Mike must meet to qualify for the race, stating, “For Mike to go to Daytona, he’s gonna have to get a NASCAR physical, and it’s going to be a complete physical—blood work, EKG, heart regulation, eyes.”
Despite the skepticism, Wallace’s supporters point to his past performances at superspeedways, including multiple victories in the Xfinity and Truck Series, as evidence that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. MBM Motorsports, the team backing Wallace, is also optimistic about his chances, with owner Carl Long expressing confidence in Wallace’s ability to qualify for the “Great American Race.”
Securing NASCAR approval: A behind-the-scenes effort
Mike Wallace’s return was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. He meticulously navigated NASCAR’s approval process to secure a spot in the 2025 Daytona 500. In an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Wallace detailed how he initiated the process by texting NASCAR President Steve Phelps. From there, senior NASCAR officials, including Elton Sawyer and Chad Little, reviewed and approved his application.
“I texted Steve Phelps when this opportunity came up,” Wallace revealed. “My comment was, ‘Steve, got this opportunity; I hope NASCAR with open arms is welcoming me back.’ Elton Sawyer said, ‘I’ll hook you up with membership,’ and Carl Long handled much of the logistics. Finally, we got an email from Chad Little saying, ‘Everything looks fine.’ Once we had that, we made the announcement.”
Wallace’s proactive approach and transparency in seeking NASCAR’s approval have quelled some concerns, but the final hurdle remains: qualifying for the race through the Bluegreen Vacations Duel on February 13, 2025. This qualifying event will determine whether Wallace earns one of the four open spots available for unchartered teams in the Daytona 500 field.
Kenny Wallace’s vocal support and comparisons to Robin Williams
Kenny Wallace has been an outspoken advocate for his brother, not just defending him from critics like Nick Bromberg but also drawing inspiration from the late actor and comedian Robin Williams. On his show, “Coffee with Kenny,” he compared himself to Williams, saying, “I’m a little bit like Robin Williams. Sometimes I’m funny, but I’m very smart. Hey, they say, ‘What you think is what you are.’ So if I think I’m smart, I’m damn smart.”
Kenny emphasized that Mike’s return is not a casual endeavor and noted the stringent requirements NASCAR drivers must meet before competing, such as passing a comprehensive physical examination. “The more you know,” Kenny quipped, highlighting the seriousness of the process and his brother’s commitment to making a legitimate and safe comeback.
What’s next for Mike Wallace and the 2025 Daytona 500?
The 2025 Daytona 500, scheduled for February 16, is set to kick off the NASCAR Cup Series season. While the event is known for its high stakes and emotional moments, Mike Wallace’s bid to qualify adds an extra layer of intrigue. If successful, Wallace will make a historic return to the Cup Series after a decade-long absence, becoming one of the oldest drivers to compete in the Daytona 500.
However, the competition to secure one of the four open spots in the 40-car field will be fierce. Teams like NY Racing and Live Fast Motorsports are also vying for these coveted positions, and Wallace’s performance in the qualifying duels will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
For Mike Wallace, this is more than just a race—it’s a chance to find healing, reconnect with his passion for racing, and inspire others with his story of resilience. As he put it, “They say you have to be in it to win it, and we are rolling into Daytona. Myself and my kids needed a boost, and this opportunity presented itself. Here’s a positive story for us— let’s go make it happen.”
Wallace’s return to Daytona is not just a personal milestone but also a moment that reflects the enduring spirit of NASCAR veterans who refuse to let time define their passion for the sport. Whether he qualifies or not, his journey has already captured the imagination of fans and reignited conversations about experience, age, and perseverance in motorsports.
