NASCAR Bans Popular Qualifying Trick Ahead of 2026 Season

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

NASCAR Bans Popular Qualifying Trick Ahead of 2026 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 5:06 PM ET

A new NASCAR rule will forbid drivers from using their hands to manipulate the air coming into their car during qualifying. On superspeedways in particular, drivers would stick a hand up in the window or by the window net and try to change the way the air was traveling in and around the car.

When it comes to sticking your hand up and blocking air on a qualifying lap at Daytona, Atlanta, or Talladega, it likely doesn't make much of a difference. You never really know if it worked or not, but many drivers are dedicated to it.

According to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, NASCAR has added a new rule about using your hands to block air in qualifying. Sounds like we won't be seeing that anymore.

Ryan Preece competes in qualifying at Daytona. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"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," the new rule states. "Non-compliance will result in loss of Qualifying time."

When I think of this rule, it reminds me of Joey Logano and his webbed racing glove. I don't believe that is the reason behind the rule. However, drivers like Austin Hill consistently stick their hand up in the window and try to manipulate the air in qualifying. If it didn't work at least somewhat, why would so many drivers be committed to it?

I'm not sure if this rule change was needed. Again, there is no definitive way to tell if this is an advantage, and if it is, it is something that can easily be replicated by every team and driver.

Did NASCAR get this rule change right? Or is this a case of micromanagement? I bet someone will forget this rule change at Daytona and stick their hand up in the window at least for a moment.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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