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.

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.

NASCAR Cup Series organization MBM Motorsports is seeking a funded driver for the 67th running of the Daytona 500, after their previously announced pilot, Mike

The nine-time NASCAR national touring series race winner from Fenton, Missouri, did not receive approval from NASCAR to contend for a starting spot for this year's 67th running of the Great American Race nearly two weeks after initially announcing his plans to compete in the event with MBM Motorsports.

Wallace's surprise return to the top level of NASCAR has been upended by the news that the 65-year-old was not approved for the series' biggest race.