NASCAR’s oldest Drivers who took on the Daytona 500 have shown that age doesn’t define their ability. These legendary drivers defied expectations, showing they still have what it takes to compete at the highest level. With speed, skill, and a love for the sport, they pushed through the challenges of the famous race. Who are these drivers, and how did they overcome the odds?
Key Highlights
- Dave Marcis competed in every Daytona 500 from 1968 to 1999, with a notable 14th-place finish in 2002 at nearly 61 years old.
- Derrike Cope returned to the Daytona 500 in 2021 at age 62, showcasing determination despite an early crash.
- A.J. Foyt finished 21st in the 1992 Daytona 500 at age 57, proving competitive racing is possible later in life.
- Mark Thompson participated in the 2018 Daytona 500 at age 66, showing age is no barrier to entering high-level racing events.
- Dick Trickle’s final Daytona 500 in 1998 at 56 highlighted his enduring skill and commitment to the sport.
NASCAR Rejects Mike Wallace’s Bid for 2025 Daytona 500
Despite his determination, NASCAR rejected 65-year-old Mike Wallace’s attempt to compete in the 2025 Daytona 500, citing his lack of recent involvement in racing as the primary reason for their decision.
Wallace, a seasoned driver with a career spanning several decades, faced the reality that recent racing experience was vital for participation in such a high-stakes event. NASCAR’s stringent requirements guarantee that the drivers competing in the Daytona 500 are not only skilled but also current with the sport’s evolving demands and challenges.
Wallace’s application highlighted the importance of recent involvement, a fundamental criterion that NASCAR prioritizes to maintain safety and competitiveness.
While age is not a barrier, the consistent participation in races is a proof of a driver’s readiness. Historically, NASCAR has allowed older drivers to compete, provided they demonstrate ongoing racing activity.
Wallace’s case emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement in the sport to meet NASCAR’s competitive standards.
Dick Trickle’s Final Daytona 500 Appearance
In 1998, the seasoned NASCAR driver Dick Trickle made his final appearance in the Daytona 500 at the age of 56. Known for his racing skill, Trickle started the race in 34th position and finished 27th. This performance marked the end of his storied participation in this prestigious event, which had seen him achieve a career-best fifth-place finish in 1992.
Trickle, a revered figure in racing, left behind a legacy defined by his resilience and talent.
- Starting Position: Trickle began the race in 34th place, showcasing his determination to compete amongst younger drivers.
- Race Progression: As the laps unfolded, he maintained a steady pace in a field packed with fierce competitors.
- Final Result: Crossing the finish line, he secured the 27th spot, a respectable outcome for his final Daytona 500.
- Legacy: Trickle’s career serves as a reflection of endurance and passion in motorsport.
A.J. Foyt’s Attempt at the 1992 Daytona 500
A.J. Foyt, renowned for his skill in the IndyCar Series, attempted the 1992 Daytona 500 at the age of 57. This endeavor marked one of his final appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he had made 128 starts.
Foyt, celebrated as the initial driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times, had previously tasted victory at the Daytona 500 in 1972, demonstrating his versatility across racing disciplines.
In 1992, Foyt aimed to add another impressive achievement to his illustrious career. Starting the race from the 39th position, he navigated the challenges of Daytona’s high-speed track with seasoned expertise.
Despite not clinching a podium finish, he managed to secure a respectable 21st place. This performance, while not as triumphant as his earlier victory, highlighted Foyt’s enduring commitment to the sport and reinforced the notion that age need not be a barrier to competing at a high level.
Dave Marcis’s Longevity in the Daytona 500
Dave Marcis’s remarkable endurance in the Daytona 500 is a tribute to his dedication and passion for racing. Competing in every Daytona 500 from 1968 to 1999, Marcis displayed a consistent commitment to the sport.
In 2002, at nearly 61 years old, he started the Daytona 500, illustrating that age is not a barrier to performance. Starting in 42nd position, he finished 14th, showcasing his racing skill and tactical insight even in the twilight of his career.
Over the years, Marcis achieved notable milestones:
- 1975 & 1978: Achieved his best race finishes, securing sixth place twice.
- 1975: Reached his highest championship standings position, finishing third.
- 2002: Became one of the oldest drivers to start the Daytona 500.
- 31 Consecutive Years: Exhibited steadfast participation and resilience in the prestigious event.
Derrike Cope and Mark Thompson’s Historic Daytona 500 Entries
Derrike Cope and Mark Thompson have both etched their names into the annals of Daytona 500 history with their remarkable entries as older drivers.
Derrike Cope, a seasoned racer with 428 Cup Series starts, gained fame with his 1990 Daytona 500 victory. In 2021, at 62 years old, he returned for his final Daytona 500 start. Unfortunately, his race ended prematurely, finishing 40th after a crash just three laps in. Despite the setback, Cope’s participation highlighted his enduring passion for racing.
Mark Thompson’s contribution to Daytona history is similarly significant. At 66 years old in 2018, Thompson entered the Daytona 500, becoming one of the series’ oldest competitors.
With only three NASCAR Cup Series races in his career, he raced the No. 66 Ford for MBM Motorsports. Thompson’s legacy extends beyond the track as his company, Phoenix Air, continues to support racing endeavors as a sponsor, demonstrating his lasting influence on the sport.
Mike Wallace’s Missed Opportunity to Join the List
While Derrike Cope and Mark Thompson have made their mark as some of the oldest drivers to compete in the Daytona 500, Mike Wallace’s story took a different turn.
Wallace was poised to join their ranks, set to race under Thompson’s team and car number. However, NASCAR’s decision-makers had other plans, leaving Wallace disappointed and sidelined.
This decision not only altered his path but also kept his name off the list of seasoned competitors who defied age at Daytona.
Had circumstances aligned differently, the racing world might remember Wallace alongside his peers.
Here’s what might have been:
- Anticipation: Fans enthusiastically awaited his return to the iconic track.
- Legacy: Participation could have further cemented his legacy in NASCAR history.
- Milestone: Wallace would have become one of the oldest to compete at Daytona.
- Final Lap: A chance to conclude his career on a high note now seems unlikely.
News in Brief: NASCAR’s Oldest Drivers Who Took on the Daytona 500
Throughout NASCAR history, seasoned drivers like Dick Trickle, A.J. Foyt, Dave Marcis, Derrike Cope, and Mark Thompson have illustrated that age presents no barrier to competing in the Daytona 500. Despite Mike Wallace’s recent setback in his 2025 bid, these veteran racers have indicated that persistence and experience are invaluable assets on the track. Their remarkable achievements underscore a simple truth: in the world of NASCAR, age is indeed just a number, and talent knows no bounds.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Drivers with the Most Daytona 500 Wins Include Legends Who Changed History