NASCAR is bringing back its “Open Exemption Provisional,” like it introduced last year during the 2025 Daytona 500. The OEP idea effectively opens a spot for non-full-time Cup drivers who have immense racing experience and accomplishment; it, in effect, was a way in which accomplished drivers can take part in premier NASCAR events.

NASCAR has tweaked its qualifying rules to prevent drivers from manipulating airflow in and around the cockpit. The new rule will be monitored through the onboard camera feed.

Anthony Alfredo will not race in the Daytona 500 after NASCAR disqualified his No. 62 Beard Motorsports car following the second Duel qualifying race on February 12, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway.

Noah Gragson was caught with his hand out of the window during Daytona 500 qualifying and promptly saw his time disallowed for breaking NASCAR's new rule.

Kyle Busch and other drivers give their take on a new rule change that could impact qualifying as it was practiced previously.

We knew that someone was going to do it and get caught. Noah Gragson is the first to break the new rule.

Noah Gragson has been caught red-handed by NASCAR. He became the first driver busted during Daytona 500 qualifying for violating a new rule banning drivers from sticking their hands out the opening of the window during the qualifying run.

NASCAR‘s new rule banning drivers from putting their hand in the side window has already claimed a victim. Noah Gragson stuck his hand out of the netting on his car, triggering a disqualification of his time during single-car qualifying on Wednesday night.

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