Chandler Smith Gets Another Shot at the NASCAR Cup Series

What’s Happening?

Chandler Smith will drive the No. 66 for Garage 66 in the 2025 Daytona 500. Smith is replacing Mike Wallace, who NASCAR ruled ineligible for the 500 due to his lack of recent on-track experience.

• Wallace announced on Jan. 2 that he had signed with the team, then known as MBM Motorsports, for a one-off start in the Daytona 500. However, though he claimed he was eligible for the race, NASCAR ruled him ineligible on Jan. 13. NASCAR said he was not eligible for the race.
• This dramatic change in Daytona 500 plans sent Garage 66 scrambling for a new driver for their car. The team claimed on X that they were looking for a “funded driver” for the 500. Enter 22-year-old Chandler Smith.
• Smith most recently raced for Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series last season. While he put together a championship-caliber season, following financial troubles, Smith found himself back on the free agent market.
• Tier One Ford team Front Row Motorsports signed Smith to pilot an expansion truck in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. With sponsorship from QuickTie and his new relationship with Ford, Smith seems to be a solid fit for the No. 66.
• Smith has just three NASCAR Cup Series starts with Kaulig Racing in 2023. This schedule was initially supposed to be four races. However, Smith failed to qualify for the 2023 Daytona 500 in the No. 13. Smith will have to attempt to qualify an open car again this year with Garage 66.

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