Joey Logano was caught with modified webbed gloves before the Ambetter Health 400. The gloves were out of date according to SFI certifications and had a modification to help with aerodynamics.
Qualifying in second place, Joey Logano and his Ford teammates were lightning fast. A second week of a Ford front row lockout but this time the positions were swapped, with Michael McDowell getting the pole. Until it was discovered in pre-race that Logano might have had some help. He was found to have a modified glove with duck-like webbing between the thumb and pointer fingers. Caught with the gloves prerace, Logano’s car would have to drop to the rear and a drive-through penalty served at the beginning of the race.
What aerodynamic purpose does the small bit of fabric between the fingers serve? Well during qualifying on superspeedways, drivers hold their hand against the small open part between the window net and the A-pillar. This small gap increases drag and slows the car down. Holding your hand over that gap will block some of the air, decreasing drag and increasing speed.
Joey Logano's glove penalty explained by @LarryMac28:#RaceDay | https://t.co/mRRDpA6iAy https://t.co/oy8V1MYfA8 pic.twitter.com/Mo8agc6bLh
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 25, 2024
Joey Logano’s Glove:
Safety is paramount in all forms of motorsport. Every part of a driver’s safety equipment is SFI-rated. SFI, SEMA Foundation Inc., measures the thermal rating of a piece of equipment in case of fire. A driver’s shoes, suit, gloves, and head sock all have fireproof materials that help keep the driver safe in a situation of direct flames. These materials have an expiration date for their usefulness in a fire. Logano’s glove, not only was it modified, but was past its expiration date.
Joey Logano will drop to the back from the front row to start today's race and serve a pass-through after a penalty for a glove worn during qualifying. @mikejoy500 explains: pic.twitter.com/2aby3z9ubN
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 25, 2024
Logano’s Ambetter 400:
Serving his drive-through penalty on lap one, Logano was saved from going a lap down by a massive crash in turn one on lap two. Keeping his car clean, Logano would make a move for the lead on lap ninety-nine. He would lead twenty-seven laps during the race. His reign of dominance would end when he attempted to block Chris Buescher who had made contact with the wall. The #22 would finish twenty-eighth, a car capable of winning mired to be the last car finishing the race.
Joey Logano, Chris Buescher and Denny Hamlin are involved in a crash on the last lap of Stage 2! https://t.co/8MG8Eqc4Px pic.twitter.com/XFXuqmMzsx
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 25, 2024
