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.

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.

As it turns out, NASCAR veteran Mike Wallace, who was attempting to qualify into the Daytona 500 as a 65-year-old five years after his last national touring start has not been approved for any race next month.