NASCAR did not approve 65-year-old driver Mike Wallace, who hasn't competed in a Cup Series race since 2015, to get behind the wheel for MBM Motorsports at the Daytona 500. Had he been approved, Wallace would have been the second-oldest driver to start the race.

Mike Wallace announced he'd attempt the Daytona 500 at age 65. Ten days later, NASCAR says 'not so fast.' Here's the reason.

NASCAR did not approve veteran driver Mike Wallace, who hasn't competed in a Cup Series race since 2015, to get behind the wheel for MBM Motorsports at the 2025 Daytona 500.

Team says NASCAR has decided that "due to lack of recent races in major professional motorsports," the 65-year-0ld Wallace won't be allowed to attempt comeback."

Mike Wallace’s hopes of a Daytona 500 comeback have been dashed by NASCAR, citing his age, recent inactivity, and perhaps lingering shadows from a 2020 suspension.

Wallace, who last raced in NASCAR on an oval in 2015, had already announced his plans to attempt to qualify for the race next month.

NASCAR has not approved former driver Mike Wallace to compete in the Daytona 500, a NASCAR spokesperson confirmed Monday night to NBC Sports. MBM Motorsports announced Jan. 2 that the 65-year-old Wallace would drive for the team in its attempt to make the Feb.