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NASCAR provided a promising update on the status of the Cook Out Clash
NASCAR has updated its Cup Series rule book ahead of the new season, banning drivers from using their hands to redirect airflow during qualifying runs at superspeedways. The change arrives just before racing begins at Daytona International Speedway and targets a tactic some drivers used to reduce drag.
According to Matt Weaver of Motorsport.com, the preseason update also included a change to the Daytona 500 qualifying procedure while addressing the airflow practice directly.
Officials say the rule will help standardize qualifying attempts and remove any advantage created by hand placement inside the car. The move ensures drivers rely on vehicle setup and speed rather than physical adjustments once a timed lap begins.
NASCAR Cup rule book update bans hand airflow tactic
The NASCAR Cup Series rule book received several preseason updates before the final weekend leading into the regular season at Daytona International Speedway. One update “banned the practice of drivers placing their hands against their window nets during qualifying in the pursuit of less drag,” according to Matt Weaver of Motorsport.com.
The language appears in Section 8.3.2 as addendum K and clearly explains what drivers cannot do during a qualifying attempt:
“As determined by NASCAR, once a vehicle exits pit road during a Qualifying attempt, the driver’s hands may not be used to redirect air in any manner, including but not limited to, touching the window net, blocking air from entering the cockpit, redirecting air from the window, etc. Non-compliance will result in loss of Qualifying time.”
The tactic had become common at superspeedway-style tracks such as Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta. Drivers would raise a hand toward the window net to deflect air away from the cockpit in hopes of gaining speed. NASCAR’s update now prevents the practice altogether.
The past glove incident highlighted the issue
A widely discussed example came during qualifying for the spring 2024 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Team Penske driver Joey Logano wore a webbed glove on his left hand, and the broadcast captured the modification.
Zack Abert of NASCAR.com reported that NASCAR fined the driver $10,000 for an illegal modification to safety equipment after discovering the glove. The penalty showed how teams explored small aerodynamic gains in unclear areas of the rulebook.
With the new language in place, NASCAR has made it clear that drivers can no longer attempt similar methods. The update closes a loophole before the Daytona 500, often called The Great American Race, where high speeds make even minor drag reductions more valuable.
The Daytona 500 qualifying procedure was also adjusted
The rule book update also changed how drivers qualify for the Daytona 500.
“During time trials, the top two drivers in non-chartered cars will be locked in and are no longer eligible to race their way into the race.”
The remaining open cars that do not secure a spot through qualifying will compete for one position in each qualifying race. In previous seasons, a locked-in driver could still race their way into the event, which would pass the time-trial position to the next-fastest competitor. The new format simplifies the process for teams and viewers.
The open exemption provisional returns this year and was awarded to Jimmie Johnson. He will compete in the race regardless of qualifying results. However, by accepting the provisional, Johnson cannot qualify or race his way in and has already forfeited prize money and points. The rule exists for promotional purposes so that a well-known driver is not at risk of missing the event.
The Daytona 500 starting lineup will feature 41 drivers, including 36 chartered entries and several open teams attempting to race their way into the field. With both the airflow ban and the qualifying update now official, teams will enter the season under revised procedures designed to standardize competition.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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