Caught red-handed! NASCAR busts Gragson for sticking hand out window during Daytona 500 qualifying - AP News
AP News
February 14, 2026
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NASCAR has handed down a surprising penalty to driver Daniel Gragson after he was caught violating a rule during qualifying for the Daytona 500. Gragson, who was competing in his first Daytona 500, extended his hand out of the window of his car while on the track, a move that NASCAR deemed a违规行为 (violation). As a result, Gragson will start the race at the very back of the grid, significantly impacting his chances of a strong finish. This incident has sparked curiosity among fans and highlights the strict enforcement of rules in one of America's most popular motorsports events.
The penalty comes under NASCAR's strict guidelines regarding driver behavior during qualifying sessions. While extending a hand out of the window might seem like a minor infraction, NASCAR views it as a potential distraction or safety risk. This incident follows other high-profile cases where drivers have been penalized for similar actions, emphasizing the organization's commitment to maintaining order and fairness in its competitions.
Gragson's reaction to the penalty has been met with mixed responses from fans. Some view it as a harsh decision, while others argue that such rules are necessary to ensure competitive integrity. The incident also raises questions about the transparency of NASCAR's rule enforcement process and how such decisions are made on race day.
For readers interested in motorsports news, this story underscores the importance of adhering to even the most overlooked regulations in high-stakes competitions like the Daytona 500. It also highlights the broader implications of such penalties on a driver's performance and reputation within the sport. As NASCAR continues to evolve its safety protocols and rules enforcement, events like these will likely remain a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/14/2026