In each superspeedway race of the Subsequent Gen period, NASCAR Cup drivers may be seen putting their palms towards the opening between the A-pillar and window web in an effort to search out each potential aero benefit. Drivers have gone so far as manipulating their gloves, together with the notorious case the place Joey Logano was penalized for unlawful webbed racing gloves.
To keep away from the scenario solely, NASCAR applied a brand new rule for the 2026 season, stating that drivers can not use their palms to deflect air throughout qualifying runs.
Effectively, one driver forgot about that. Noah Gragson, driving the No. 4 Entrance Row Motorsports Ford, positioned his hand towards that opening throughout his qualifying run on Wednesday. His 49.504s lap would have left him deep within the pack anyway, however when NASCAR noticed him use the now-banned tactic, officers disallowed his qualifying time.
That may put Gragson to the very again of the sphere for the Duel qualifying races on Thursday. Nonetheless, he’s locked in through his staff’s constitution, so there are not any considerations about making the race.
“I fully forgot about that rule, in order that one is on me,” Gragson advised FOX Sports activities 1. “Fortunately we’ve the Duels and I really feel just like the Daytona 500 is such an extended race, you may sort of begin wherever. It’s what it’s, however hey, I really feel like an fool for that. Oh nicely, we acquired a race tomorrow to do … I am dumb for that.”
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