A 36th-place tail-end finish was the result for Mike Wallace when he last competed in the Daytona 500. Despite the tough going and multiple disappointments in not qualifying for the Great American race, Wallace is looking to script a heroic comeback. The hype around the 67th running of the Daytona 500 was real, with expected entries expected to be around 44-46. However, 65-year-old Wallace making a comeback was perhaps the biggest surprising news.

Things certainly have changed a lot since Wallace last tried to compete at the high banks of Daytona International Speedway, but he’s optimistic about his chances. This opportunity for the veteran driver means much more than just racing, and he shared the emotional reason behind embarking on this journey. Although 2025 has kick-started positively for Wallace, he is destined for more memorable stories. This time around, he has been invited to be at the inauguration of the USA’s 47th president, Donald J. Trump.

NASCAR rekindles its collaboration with US President

There was a time when U.S. President Ronald Reagan visited a NASCAR race to root for his favorite driver. Richard Petty, NASCAR’s very own King, was so influential that he had Ronald Reagan cheer for him while he snagged his 200th win of his career at Daytona International Speedway in 1984. It was an unparalleled milestone that shaped NASCAR racing for years to come. And guess what? President Reagan even stayed on for post-race celebrations and devoured Kentucky Fried Chicken with Petty and other drivers. 41 years later, Donald Trump is attempting to revive the NASCAR connection.

Donald Trump himself graced the Daytona 500 race in 2020, but this time around, he has invited Mike Wallace to be at his inauguration as he takes office for his second term. Sharing this exciting news with his fans, Wallace took to Facebook and wrote, “On Jan 20 we will be in attendance with VIP seating at the inauguration of Donald J. Trump; he becomes the historical 47th President of the USA! Then I’m invited to the Inaugural Ball that night. Tuxedo, Hats, 45/47 Vodka, Airplane ready to go. Then a few weeks later qualifying for my return to the Daytona 500 😃🏁🏆👊.”

The Wallace family has a storied history in NASCAR, starting with Russell William Wallace. His son followed in his footsteps, with Rusty Wallace clinching the 1989 Cup Series championship. Meanwhile, Kenny Wallace transitioned into his successful career in the media industry after his racing stint. Mike Wallace also joined in and made his mark in the Xfinity Series, and since then he has scored two wins at the Daytona International Speedway.

However, the reason behind Wallace’s return is emotional. “The big reason is in January 2024 I lost my wife Carla from being married 44 years. She had a bout with cancer; we thought she had beat it, unfortunately, she didn’t and life wasn’t all that great, wasn’t that fun in 2024… 2025 brings fresh excitement, starting with this Daytona 500 announcement. They say you have to be in it to win it, and we are rolling into Daytona.”

There were a few mixed reactions from the NASCAR fans regarding Mike Wallace’s return to the Daytona 500. His brother Kenny Wallace quickly shut down the noise, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. backing his comeback was indeed wholesome.

Wallace reacts to Dale Jr.’s heartfelt gesture

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“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. This is what started the streak of more such comments online, many pointing out that his age is a restricting factor.

Dale Jr. accepted the reservation about Wallace’s age and limitations, but he wasn’t sold on the notion of him not being a worthy driver to compete at the Daytona 500. “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.” Jr. said on Dale Jr. Download.

The veteran driver tipped his hat for this gesture and shared this message on Facebook: “Thanks, Dale Jr for your support! This a reason your so Loved by the world and a spokesperson about NASCAR Racing!” It will be interesting to see how Mike Wallace fares up against the other open entries, and hopefully, he can achieve his target at the crown jewel NASCAR event.