With the NASCAR 2025 season fast approaching, drama and controversy are already heating the headlines. The latest heated news cycle centered around the drama of Mike Wallace getting barred by NASCAR from racing at the Daytona 500. After which MBM Motorsports who had already been in a spiral of getting trapped in one struggle after another, got tangled in another one of finding a new driver. And now with a new re-branding of Carl Long’s team, MBM will enter the Cup Series under the banner of Garage 66.

Speaking on the change in branding, Long said, “For 2025, we are rebranding our NASCAR Cup Series entry to Garage 66. The new name and logo reflect the streamlining of our team to fewer people with higher standards… Management and accountability become much less stressful with just one car at the track most weekends and many fewer people.” Less is more in the eyes of Carl Long as they strive for consistency over volume in terms of results.

Before they make their mark at Daytona, they will be fielding the 66 car for the clash at Bowman Gray. The car will be piloted by Xfinity fame Garrett Smithley. But this isn’t just about a new driver—it’s the fallout from NASCAR’s rejection of Mike Wallace’s Daytona 500 entry that has fans buzzing.

Rewind a few weeks, and Carl Long’s MBM Motorsports was gearing up to make headlines by fielding Mike Wallace in the Daytona 500. However, NASCAR wasn’t having it, citing Wallace’s extended absence from any high-level racing, specifically long tracks and ovals, as a reason to shut the door on the 65-year-old’s comeback.

Enter Garrett Smithley, a familiar name in NASCAR circles with 77 Cup starts and a reputation of a good steady driver. Smithley will pilot Garage 66’s entry at Bowman Gray’s short track, marking his return to Cup competition after three years. His return will also mark Bowman Gray’s return to the Cup Series for the first time since 1971.

Speaking about the opportunity, Smithley said: “It’s awesome to be back in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025. I’ve been talking to Carl for a while now about putting something together, and finally, all the pieces fell into place. I am looking forward to running this historic race at Bowman Gray, and hopefully, we can do more together throughout the year.”

While Smithley and Long sounded optimistic, fans were far from agreement, some were not having it in their reactions.

NASCAR fans divided over Smithley’s selection

The announcement has lit up NASCAR’s subreddit comments, with opinions ranging from quite optimistic to downright furious.

Some fans see potential in the move. In the Cup Series, Smithley has made 77 starts. While he has yet to secure a top-10 finish, his experience includes competing on various track types, including flat tracks, Rovals, restrictor plate tracks, road courses, and steep tracks. Which is why he has been chosen for the job. This was highlighted in one fan’s comment who feels: “Smithley is a respectable pickup.”

Beyond NASCAR, Smithley has participated in the CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour, the CARS Super Late Model Tour, and the Carolina Pro Late Model Series, showcasing his versatility across different racing platforms. Which why this one fan feels he holds the potential to make a mark in the pre-season clash at Bowman Gray. The fan had commented: “This could be good…”

However, the critics of his were much louder and far more unforgiving, with many referencing Smithley’s ‘wrecked-up’ past in Cup competitions.

Garrett Smithley is a well-known participant in the Mooncar iRacing league, a virtual simulation-based driving competition. Smithley is a driver more suited to the higher speeds and wider turns of larger tracks. His driving style might not be as well-suited to the close-quarters racing and aggressive maneuvering often seen on short tracks. Parallel to which one fan seemed concerned when they said: “Mooncar regular Garrett Smithley at a short track? Dear Lord.”

Smithley’s most infamous incident, a late-race block at NASCAR Las Vegas in 2022, was a particular sore spot for fans. That move ended with a wreck that wiped out Chase Briscoe and a JGR car, derailing Chase Briscoe’s chances of making the Championship 4 that season. Adding insult to injury, it was reported that Smithley’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, had repeatedly warned him about the approaching driver which Smithley apparently ignored. This was evident in one fan’s enraged comment who said, “Oh great, he can wreck another bunch of real front runners.”

With all the criticism pouring their way, what lies ahead for Garage 66?

Garage 66’s future

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While Garrett Smithley may not be everyone’s favorite pick in NASCAR, the Clash at Bowman Gray offers him a chance to prove his critics wrong. For Carl Long and Garage 66, it’s an opportunity to reset expectations after the Mike Wallace saga. With Smithley’s experience and a new team structure, some fans are cautiously hopeful that Garage 66 could surprise at NASCAR’s historic short-track venue.

Despite the backlash, Carl Long has shown faith in Smithley’s prowess.“It has been a while since Garrett last drove for our organization, but I am glad to have him back in our car. He has a solid deal in Xfinity that also gives him more freedom to race in Cup. Garrett knows how to take care of his equipment and be there at the end.” Smithley’s last Cup race with MBM was during the 2021 Daytona Duel Race where he finished in 16th place finish. In the Xfinity Series, his last start for MBM was way back in 2017 at Chicagoland, notching up a 37th-place finish after starting 33rd on the grid.

Whether this gamble pays off or backfires spectacularly, one thing is clear: NASCAR’s 2025 season isn’t short on drama, and Garage 66 is firmly in the spotlight. The Clash at Bowman Gray will be the first test for this rebranded operation—and Smithley’s shot at redemption.