Dale Jr. Defends 65-YO Mike Wallace’s Daytona 500 Return Against NASCAR Community’s Hatred

“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,” said Nick Bromberg. NASCAR Racing has witnessed family members continuing their legacy in the sport. Often, it is the younger generation that carries the torch, adding to the rich history of their family’s NASCAR story. However, Mike Wallace, the older brother of Kenny Wallace and younger sibling of legendary driver Rusty Wallace, is embarking on an ambitious NASCAR return. The 65-year-old driver will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 with MBM Motorsports. Wallace’s announcement had mixed reactions, with many questioning whether he was fit to compete at Daytona given his long leave of absence.

This development sparked a debate online, which even saw Kenny Wallace defend his brother. Now, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is siding with Mike Wallace after he came to know about the actual reason for his return to competitive racing.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. explains why Mike Wallace’s Daytona 500 entry is a big deal

2015 was Wallace’s last attempt at the Great American Race, but he did continue to race in the Xfinity Series until 2020. Unlike his brother Rusty, Mike had to rely on the park and start teams, as full-time opportunities were few and far during his Cup career. But despite being stacked against the odds, he managed to make the most of these opportunities. Even Dale Jr. highlighted this while backing his return to the Daytona 500.

However, Wallace’s reason to race at Daytona transcends competitive spirit. He lost his wife Carla last year, and his family was on the lookout for something positive. And this story has resonated with Dale Jr., who didn’t find anything wrong with him returning to competitive racing. “I will say this. Yes, he is 65; yes, it’s been a decade since he’s been in a competitive race. 17 or 18 was his last race. I’ll be honest, I remember when we go back to 2003, 04-05, or whatever, when Mike Wallace ran at Daytona or Talladega; you saw him at some point in the race; he was good at taking the 7 car.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said this on the Dale Jr. Download.

From 2001 to 2007, Mike Wallace registered some good finishes competing at the Daytona 500. He had two top-10 finishes and a P4 finish with Phoenix Racing in 2007; despite starting the race 22nd, he managed a strong finish. Moreover, the emotional story and his motivational driver are something Dale Jr. believes will work in the favor of the veteran driver.

“He was always in the top 10 late in the race. When he would run that 4 car for McClure, he would take that car that probably didn’t belong in the top 15 and be there all day, right? He was a competitive racer at Daytona and Talladega. I don’t think it’s out of reach, or I don’t think it’s tone-deaf to see him out there trying to go compete and now when I read this quote, I’m like, yeah, that’s good motivation.” Dale Jr. added.

Although a lot of NASCAR pursuit would like to see Wallace compete in the main, the challenge of duels is indeed daunting. Given the number of registrations already, there could be 44-46 entries battling for the final four spots to compete at the Daytona 500. Despite being stacked up against the odds, Mike Wallace is optimistic about his chances.

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Wallace is geared up to compete against multiple open entries

Unlike the regular NASCAR Cup Series races, the qualifying procedure for the Daytona 500 is unique. With 36 chartered teams securing their spot on the grid, the final four places are awarded to the teams based on the result of the duel races. The 36 chartered entries also take part in these races, which determine their starting position for the main event.

If there are 44 or more entries for the duels, it would only make things even more exciting for the fans, but not so much for the drivers. But Wallace has a different take on multiple entries lining up to race at Daytona International Speedway. “You know, the more cars that are in these qualifiers [the more] exciting, and the sport needs that right now. We need excitement. NASCAR’s been part of my life for many years.” He said this to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

He might not have won the Crown Jewel Cup race, but he has two wins at the high banks of Daytona in the Xfinity and Truck Series. Feeling confident about his chances to clear the qualifying hurdle, the veteran driver added, “You know, I just feel confident. I don’t know what anybody else’s opinion is.” It will be interesting to see how Wallace fares up against the likes of J.J. Yeley and Helio Castroneves. The likes of Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson are also expected to make their announcements soon.