Home / Sports / NASCAR Bans Hand-Window Trick for Safer Speeds
NASCAR Bans Hand-Window Trick for Safer Speeds
7 Feb
Summary
- Drivers can no longer touch window nets during qualifying.
- Daytona 500 qualifying locks in top two non-chartered cars.
- Jimmie Johnson receives open exemption, forfeits points.
NASCAR has implemented significant rule changes ahead of the Daytona 500, focusing on qualifying procedures and aerodynamic practices. A new regulation explicitly prohibits drivers from using their hands to manipulate air flow, including touching the window net, to reduce drag during qualifying attempts. This rule is a direct response to a practice common at superspeedway races and follows a $100,000 fine levied against Joey Logano for an illegal modification to safety equipment.
Further adjustments have been made to the Daytona 500 qualifying process. The top two drivers in non-chartered cars will now be locked into the race and cannot qualify through heat races. This change aims to simplify the process for both competitors and spectators. Jimmie Johnson has been granted an open exemption provisional, guaranteeing his spot in the race, though this means he forfeits prize money and points and cannot qualify on his own merit.
The Daytona 500 starting lineup will feature 41 drivers, including 36 chartered entries and several drivers vying for the remaining spots through qualifying races. The unique provisional for Johnson is intended to ensure a legendary or marketable driver secures a place in 'The Great American Race' for promotional purposes.
