Overview
- New Section 8.3.2 addendum K bars drivers from using their hands to redirect air during a qualifying attempt, with violations resulting in loss of qualifying time.
- Daytona 500 time trials now lock in the two fastest non‑chartered drivers, who are no longer eligible to race their way into the field in the qualifying races.
- Remaining open entries will race for one berth in each qualifying race under the simplified format described in the preseason rule‑book update.
- Jimmie Johnson has the open exemption and, by accepting it, cannot qualify or race his way in and has already forfeited prize money and points.
- The update follows past superspeedway hand tactics, including Joey Logano’s 2024 webbed‑glove incident, though outlets differ on whether the fine was $10,000 or $100,000, and fan reaction has been largely critical of the rule’s priority.