Noah Gragson was disqualified from Daytona 500 qualifying after violating NASCAR's new rule prohibiting drivers from sticking hands out the window during qualifying runs. The 27-year-old driver's lap time was thrown out Wednesday when he used his left hand to deflect air, attempting to gain an aerodynamic advantage on the track.

Gragson admitted fault, calling himself 'dumb' for forgetting the rule. 'I completely forgot about that rule, so that one's on me,' he said. The incident drew amusement from fellow drivers, with Chase Briscoe noting, 'Of all the people, I bet he didn't even remember it was a rule.' Kyle Busch won the pole position while Gragson failed to advance to the second round of qualifying.

Gragson, winless in 111 career Cup races, will make his fifth Daytona 500 start regardless of his qualifying position. 'I don't care if I start last for this race,' he stated, noting his best Cup finish was third at Talladega despite qualifying second-to-last. The starting order for Sunday's race will be determined by Thursday night qualifying races, with Gragson acknowledging the Daytona 500's length makes starting position less critical than in shorter events.