Chandler Smith has been confirmed as the driver for Garage 66’s Daytona 500 entry, replacing Mike Wallace in a last-minute lineup change.
The 22-year-old driver from Talking Rock, Georgia, will pilot the No. 66 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, marking a significant opportunity in his emerging NASCAR career.
The driver change for Garage 66’s Daytona 500 entry arose following NASCAR’s decision to rule Mike Wallace ineligible to compete in the prestigious race, creating an unexpected opening for Chandler Smith.
Wallace, a veteran driver with 197 Cup Series starts, was initially announced as the team’s driver but was ultimately disqualified due to insufficient recent racing experience.
This sudden development prompted Garage 66, formerly known as MBM Motorsports, to quickly secure a replacement driver capable of competing in the upcoming 2025 Daytona 500.
Chandler Smith brings a promising racing background to the team, having competed in three NASCAR Cup Series races in 2023 with Kaulig Racing and achieving a best finish of 11th at Talladega Superspeedway.
His racing credentials include multiple victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he demonstrated consistent performance and potential.
Smith’s previous superspeedway experience includes a top-15 result in the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, demonstrating his potential in high-pressure racing environments. His three previous NASCAR Cup Series starts have all resulted in top-20 finishes, indicating a consistent performance record.
For the 2025 season, Chandler Smith is set to run full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Front Row Motorsports, adding another layer of momentum to his racing trajectory.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to race Garage 66’s Daytona 500 entry,” said Smith. ”Being in The Great American Race is such an honor, and I can’t thank QuickTie and Carl Long enough for helping put this all together.”
Carl Long, owner of Garage 66, expressed confidence in Smith’s selection, noting the strategic importance of driver connections in superspeedway racing.
“The last few days have been a whirlwind of phone calls and emails after Mike Wallace was not approved to be the driver of Garage 66’s Daytona 500 entry,” said Long.
“After several days of non-stop communication with available drivers who could race a Ford, the pieces came together to place Chandler Smith in our car.
“I am super pleased to have Chandler in our seat. He has friends behind the wheel of the other cars. At Daytona, we will need all the friends we can find to help race our way into the show!
“There are a lot of really quality cars attempting this race, which could easily make the most exciting part of the 2025 Daytona 500 the race to be in the race.
“With Roush-Yates power and Chandler behind the wheel, the odds of Garage 66 and our No. 66 team making the event just got stronger.”
The lineup change represents more than just a driver swap; it symbolizes the dynamic and unpredictable nature of professional motorsports. For Smith, this represents a crucial opportunity to establish himself in the NASCAR Cup Series, potentially opening doors for future racing opportunities.
The decision to select Smith as Garage 66’s Daytona 500 entry driver also reflects the team’s strategic approach to fielding competitive entries.
With support from QuickTie and Coble Enterprises as sponsors, and powered by Roush-Yates engines, the team appears well-positioned to make a compelling attempt at qualifying for and competing in the race.
The qualification process for the 2025 Daytona 500 will be critical for Smith and Garage 66. The team will face significant competition, with at least eight teams vying for four available spots in the prestigious race.
They must secure their position either by being among the two fastest “Open” teams during qualifying rounds on February 12 or through the Duel qualifying races on February 13.
The main event is scheduled for February 16, promising an intense and competitive showcase of racing talent. The race will be broadcast on FOX, MRN, and Sirius XM, offering fans multiple platforms to follow the action and witness Garage 66’s Daytona 500 entry battle for the coveted win.
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