NASCAR breaks silence on backlash over disqualifying Mike Wallace from racing in 2025 Daytona 500

NASCAR has refuted that claims that Mike Wallace was already given the green light to race in 2025 Daytona 500, before the controversial DQ.

NASCAR breaks silence on backlash over disqualifying Mike Wallace from racing in 2025 Daytona 500

Mike Wallace (Via IMAGO)

The 2025 NASCAR Cup season opener, Daytona 500, was ready to witnesses history in making as veteran racer Mike Wallace was set to become the second oldest racer to start in the event. He signed a deal to race and sponsor Garage 66 (MBM Motorsports) but NASCAR officials had other plans.

They decided to disqualify Mike Wallace from racing in the event, or any of the national series events in the 2025 season. But the decision didn’t sit well with the fans, as they were furious about the sanctioning body not giving the veteran another chance. Now NASCAR has responded to the backlash and has confirmed that Wallace was never given a permission to race in Great American race.

NASCAR says Mike Wallace was never given approval for the Daytona 500.

Jenna Fryer of AP reported via X.

They also confirmed that they have given the racer, who has last raced in NASCAR five years ago, a road map on how to get the green light to race in the 2025 season. The Cup officials also asserted that they would love to see him race in the event.  

NASCAR adds Mike Wallace has been given “a road map on how to race next year’s Daytona 500 and we’d love to see him there.”

Jenna Fryer added.

Mike Wallace was heartbroken with the DQ  

Following the announcement of disqualification, Mike Wallace shared his feelings via Facebook and pointed out that the decision was like shoving a knife in my heart. He was also disappointed with NASCAR officials who previously gave him informal permission to race in Daytona 500.

Mike Wallace (Via Sports Agents Blog)
Mike Wallace (Via Sports Agents Blog)

Talking about shoving a knife in my heart and back at the same time they have succeeded and I found out this current situation means absolutely nothing to them and they could care less and unfortunately his previous personal commitment to me and verbally indicating everything is good was not honest.

Mike Wallace said.

NASCAR’s decision was brutal, but did have some rational behind it. It’s good to see the sanction body keeping the door open for the veteran to race again in 2026 and it would be interesting to see if that would happen or not.