Drivers can no longer place their hand next to the window net during qualifying
There’s been a new trend in recent years, drivers would take one hand off the steering wheel during qualifying. That free hand would then be placed against the air gap between the A-pillar and the window net.
See the new rulebook language below.
If there wasn’t an advantage, drivers wouldn’t do it. Yet, most of the field would drive around Daytona, Talladega and other tracks with just one hand on the steering wheel during qualifying laps.
In 2024, Joey Logano wore special webbed gloves. That helped direct even more airflow. However, NASCAR issued a fine of $100,000 for wearing the gloves.
Officials have just closed all of this with a new rule.
NASCAR Rulebook
Rule 8.3.2
“K. 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.”
Penalty: “Non-compliance will result in loss of Qualifying time.”
The Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15th. Daytona 500 qualifying is set to begin on February 11th.
Daytona 500 Results: February 16, 2025 (NASCAR)
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