Chandler Smith will drive for Garage 66 in the 2025 Daytona 500, following NASCAR’s decision to disqualify the team’s original driver choice, Mike Wallace. Garage 66, formerly MBM Motorsports, selected Smith to pilot their No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, marking his debut in the iconic event.
Smith’s opportunity comes after a successful career in the NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series, where he secured eight victories over six seasons. Expressing his excitement, Smith stated:
“I’m thrilled to have the chance to compete in the Daytona 500 with Garage 66. It’s an incredible honor to be part of The Great American Race, and I’m deeply grateful to QuickTie and Carl Long for making this possible.”
The team’s transition to Smith was prompted by NASCAR’s ruling against Wallace’s participation, which led to a rebranding effort and driver search. Team owner Carl Long played a key role in securing Smith, describing the process as a whirlwind:
“After NASCAR ruled out Mike Wallace, we worked tirelessly to find a suitable driver. Chandler Smith was the perfect choice, and we’re excited to have him in our car. At Daytona, alliances on the track are crucial, and Chandler has connections that can help us secure a spot in the race. With Roush-Yates power and his talent, our chances have significantly improved.”
Garage 66 and Smith aim to qualify as one of the two fastest “Open” teams on February 12 or secure a spot through the Duel races on February 13.
Initially, the team announced Wallace as their driver, but NASCAR later deemed him ineligible due to insufficient recent experience. Wallace openly criticized the decision, reflecting on his decades-long career:
“After dedicating over 30 years to NASCAR and being led to believe I could compete in this race, I was told I lacked the current experience needed. It’s heartbreaking to know my 800-plus races and past successes mean nothing. Meanwhile, drivers with no experience are guaranteed spots in this race. This decision feels like a knife in the back, and it’s clear my commitment to the sport is no longer valued.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Wallace’s exclusion, Garage 66 is focused on moving forward with Smith as their driver for the prestigious event.
Chandler Smith Lands NASCAR Daytona 500 Seat After Shock Disqualification
