In a surprising turn of events, NASCAR has unveiled an altered glove worn by driver Joey Logano during the qualifying rounds at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The glove, which Logano wore on his left hand, featured webbing made of an unspecified material between each finger, creating an aerodynamic-deflecting effect akin to part of an amphibious costume.

According to the Associated Press, the theory behind the altered glove was that Logano intended to use it as an aerodynamic blocker, positioning his hand out of the window during qualifying. However, NASCAR remains unsure if Logano had been wearing the glove during his pole-winning run at the season-opening Daytona 500.

NASCAR's discovery of the modified glove came during a random inspection, rather than as a result of a tip from a rival team. Brad Moran, the managing director for the NASCAR Cup Series, explained that Logano's car was among five randomly selected for post-qualifying inspection in Atlanta. Officials became immediately suspicious when the in-car camera revealed the altered glove.

"We spotted something that was honestly concerning," said Moran. "As you can see, the entire glove is webbed. The reason for that is you can obviously block more air." Moran emphasized that the altered glove posed not only a "competition problem" but also a "safety violation."

Logano, however, stated that he was not forced to wear the glove by his team and that it was not intended to compromise safety. All equipment used in NASCAR must be approved by the nonprofit SFI Foundation. However, NASCAR is uncertain whether the material used to create the webbing effect is fire retardant.

"I would never have put myself in a situation where I feel unsafe," Logano asserted at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. "I have kids. I have a wife." Despite his denial of any intention to compromise safety, Logano was penalized last Sunday, forfeiting his second-place starting position and being moved to the back of the field at Atlanta. Additionally, he was fined $10,000 for violating NASCAR's safety code.

Team Penske, Logano's team, did not appeal the penalty imposed by NASCAR. The motivation behind the altered glove remains unknown.

NASCAR continues to prioritize the safety of its drivers and will closely scrutinize any modifications or equipment that could compromise the integrity of the sport. As the investigation into Logano's altered glove unfolds, it brings to light the importance of upholding rules and regulations in NASCAR.