The NASCAR world recently witnessed a curious sequence of events involving MBM Motorsports, a team seeking to make its mark in the 2025 season. Initially, the team, owned by former driver Carl Long, generated buzz by announcing the return of veteran driver Mike Wallace, 65, to the Cup Series for the prestigious Daytona 500. This comeback story, however, was abruptly halted by NASCAR officials, who deemed Wallace ineligible due to his extended absence from Cup Series competition, his last race being in 2015, and his last NASCAR event of any kind occurring in 2020. This decision left MBM scrambling to fill the vacant driver’s seat for the season opener and sparked a series of changes within the organization itself.
Amidst the fallout of the Wallace situation, MBM Motorsports underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as Garage 66. This rebranding, according to Long, represented a streamlining of operations, focusing on fewer personnel and higher standards. The aim was to improve performance and efficiency by concentrating resources and minimizing errors. This shift signaled a move towards a leaner, more focused team structure, prioritizing quality over quantity. The rebranding also offered a fresh start for the team, allowing them to distance themselves from the Wallace controversy and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
The newly christened Garage 66 wasted no time in securing a driver for the upcoming Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, a pre-season exhibition race known for its short track, close-quarters racing, and potential for dramatic incidents. Garrett Smithley, a seasoned NASCAR driver with experience in both the Cup and Xfinity Series, was announced as the driver for this event. Smithley’s familiarity with the team, having driven for MBM in the past, and his extensive short-track experience made him a suitable choice for this unique race. This selection marked a return to Cup Series competition for Smithley, whose last Cup start was in 2022.
Smithley expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining Long’s team and competing in the Clash at Bowman Gray. He viewed the opportunity as a chance to re-establish himself in the Cup Series and potentially secure further drives with Garage 66 throughout the season. Long, in turn, welcomed Smithley back to the fold, highlighting his experience, ability to preserve equipment, and consistent finishes. The mutual respect and shared history between driver and team owner suggest a positive working relationship and a shared ambition for success in the upcoming race.
The Clash at Bowman Gray, returning to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule after a long hiatus, offers a unique challenge for drivers and teams. The quarter-mile track, known as “The Madhouse,” is notorious for its tight corners, close racing, and the potential for contact and tempers to flare. While the race doesn’t award championship points, it provides an opportunity for teams to test their cars, drivers to gain experience, and for everyone to enjoy the spectacle of short-track racing. Long expressed confidence in Smithley’s ability to navigate the challenges of Bowman Gray, emphasizing his short-track prowess and the team’s preparation for the event.
Despite securing Smithley for the Clash at Bowman Gray, the question of who will drive for Garage 66 in the Daytona 500 remains unanswered. While Smithley’s performance in the pre-season race could influence the team’s decision, Long has not yet confirmed their plans for the season opener. This lingering uncertainty adds another layer of intrigue to Garage 66’s 2025 season debut. The team’s journey from the initial Wallace announcement to their current state of flux has been a whirlwind of changes and adjustments, leaving fans and observers eager to see how the story unfolds in the coming weeks. The contrast between the veteran Wallace, initially slated for the Daytona 500, and the younger Smithley, now driving for the rebranded team in the Clash, highlights the unpredictable nature of motorsport and the constant evolution of teams and driver lineups.
