Chandler Smith’s disastrous Daytona crash turned what was supposed to be a fresh start into a nightmare for Garage 66. A severe collision at Daytona International Speedway left the car beyond repair, causing a financial hit of over $100,000. The incident exposed the harsh reality for open teams struggling to survive in NASCAR. But this was just one piece of the story. What led to this disaster, and how will Garage 66 recover?
Key Highlights
- Chandler Smith crashed during the Daytona race, leading to extensive vehicle damage.
- The crash involved a collision with Justin Haley’s No. 7 Chevy.
- The damage rendered the vehicle inoperable and led to its decommissioning.
- Garage 66 faced over $100,000 in repair costs due to the crash.
- The incident highlighted financial vulnerabilities and challenges faced by open teams in NASCAR.
Garage 66’s Rocky Start at Daytona
Although expectations were high for Garage 66 as they entered the iconic Daytona 500, the unfolding events quickly tempered their ambitions. The team, rebranded from MBM Motorsports, anticipated a promising start to the 2025 season. Their tactical decision to bring in Chandler Smith, a talented Truck Series driver, was seen as a fresh opportunity to make a mark in the competitive NASCAR Cup Series.
However, their plans were derailed when Smith qualified 42nd and finished 20th in Duel 1, effectively eliminating their chance to compete in the season opener.
The situation deteriorated further during the practice sessions. Smith, driving the No. 66 Ford, experienced a catastrophic crash at Daytona International Speedway, hitting the outside wall headfirst.
The impact inflicted substantial damage on the vehicle, resulting in a financial setback for the team as they faced the challenging reality of writing off the car, estimated at $100,000.
NASCAR Denies Mike Wallace’s Return, Leading to Chandler Smith’s Entry
The setback for Garage 66 did not end with Chandler Smith’s unfortunate crash. Prior to the Daytona 500, the team faced a considerable roadblock when NASCAR denied Mike Wallace’s return. The decision was grounded in Wallace’s extended absence from top-level competition, as he had not participated in a NASCAR Cup Series race since 2015 and last raced in the national series in 2020.
NASCAR’s hierarchy deemed a return at such a event as too ambitious, prompting MBM Motorsports/Garage 66 to urgently seek a replacement.
- Wallace’s Comeback Hopes: The veteran’s anticipated return was overshadowed by concerns about his competitive readiness.
- NASCAR’s Rationale: The governing body emphasized the need for gradual re-entry to guarantee safety and performance.
- Garage 66’s Challenge: The last-minute driver change added strain to the team’s Daytona preparations.
- Chandler Smith’s Role: As a rising talent, Smith was thrust into the spotlight, tasked with filling Wallace’s shoes.
The Devastating Wreck and Its Aftermath
Despite the initial optimism surrounding Chandler Smith’s appointment as a promising replacement driver for Garage 66, the outcome at Daytona International Speedway was far from ideal.
The race turned into a costly debacle when Smith’s vehicle was involved in a severe crash. The incident occurred after Justin Haley’s No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevy collided with the left rear of Smith’s No. 66 Ford. This collision led to a catastrophic wreck, leaving the car inoperable.
The aftermath was disheartening for Garage 66, which had just shifted from MBM Motorsports. Owner Carl Long confirmed the vehicle’s decommissioning, emphasizing the financial blow of over $100,000 needed for repairs.
Stripping chassis 385 revealed irreparable damage, including a destroyed front clip, marking a grim start to their season. The team’s efforts to operate leaner now face considerable challenges, as the wreck exacerbates their financial strain and disrupts their tactical objectives.
“After stripping chassis 385 down to nothing, It has been decommissioned, non repairable! The front clip was killed also. This crash will cost us over 100k in parts to put back together. Not the best way to start the year….. but we did start!!” – Carl Long
Garage 66’s Plans for the Future
Following the considerable setback of Chandler Smith’s crash at Daytona, Garage 66 is now tasked with strategizing their path forward amidst challenging circumstances.
According to Carl along Motorsports on FB. After tearing their Cup car down it has been unfortunately decommissioned. Front clip is killed and unrepairable.
Will cost the team more than $100K in parts to put back together pic.twitter.com/N9P0QmmQpk
— Small Budget Racing (@BudgetRacing51) February 20, 2025
Despite the hefty $100K financial burden from the incident, the team remains undeterred in its pursuit of success. While this setback presents considerable challenges, Garage 66 has proactively outlined a thorough plan to navigate the road ahead.
- Driver Commitment: Retaining Garrett Smithley as the driver, focusing on his potential to secure future successes.
- Strategic Partnerships: Seeking alliances within the industry to strengthen resources and share expertise.
- Incremental Improvements: Prioritizing small, consistent advancements to car performance and team coordination.
- Financial Resilience: Implementing stringent budget management to counteract the financial impact of the crash.
The Bigger Issue—NASCAR’s Cost Struggles for Open Teams
While competing in NASCAR, open teams face considerable financial challenges that threaten their viability. The high costs of participation, combined with limited financial returns, create a precarious situation for these teams. Carl Long’s Garage 66, formerly MBM Motorsports, exemplifies this struggle.
“We want to deliver great race cars to each track we compete at and produce solid finishes with fewer mistakes. Management and accountability become much less stressful with just one car at the track most weekends and many fewer people.” – Carl Long
By downsizing, Long aimed to trim expenses and improve efficiency, yet open teams like his grapple with the harsh reality of not qualifying automatically for all races, including the prestigious Daytona 500. This lack of guaranteed entry places them at a financial disadvantage, as evidenced by Chandler Smith’s crash.
NASCAR must address these disparities to guarantee the sport’s sustainability, offering more equitable opportunities for open teams.
News in Brief: Chandler Smith’s Disastrous Daytona Crash
In view of Chandler Smith’s catastrophic crash at Daytona, Garage 66 faces considerable financial burdens, emphasizing broader challenges within NASCAR for open teams. The incident highlights the precarious nature of racing, where a single event can derail carefully laid plans.
As Garage 66 strategizes for recovery, the situation draws attention to NASCAR’s ongoing struggle to balance competitive fairness with financial viability, prompting discussions on potential reforms to support smaller teams and guarantee the sport’s sustainability.
ALSO READ: Chandler Smith’s Health Update After Brutal Daytona Wreck Involving Helio Castroneves
