In a dramatic and unexpected development at Daytona, Anthony Alfredo and the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet were disqualified from the America 250 Duel 2 after a post-race inspection, potentially clearing the path for the BJ McLeod Daytona 500 entry, pending his own vehicle’s review. The disqualification resulted from technical infractions, shifting the last open spot for the Daytona 500 into uncertainty just days before the race.
Alfredo’s Disqualification Shakes Up Daytona Field
Following the America 250 Duel 2, NASCAR officials discovered irregularities with the No. 62 Chevrolet driven by Anthony Alfredo during a thorough inspection process. A loose transaxle cooling hose and an improperly connected driver cooling hose led to his finish being removed from the results. According to NASCAR Cup Series Director Brad Moran, the incident occurred during qualifying, making the penalty final and not subject to appeal for Beard Motorsports or Alfredo’s team. As a result, the highly contested final open entry for Sunday’s Daytona 500 shifted attention immediately to McLeod’s team, whose entry remained under review.
“NEWS from tech: Anthony Alfredo had his finish disallowed. BJ McLeod car being inspected now to determine whether his car gets in the Daytona 500. @NASCARONFOX” — Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass)
What Led to the Disqualification?
Brad Moran explained that the specifics of the violation centered on component security and safety standards required by NASCAR for all race cars. The cooling hoses, both for the transaxle and driver, play a vital role in performance and driver well-being, and regulations strictly dictate that no car parts can be loose or disconnected. Moran emphasized that regardless of intent, the issue was a direct breach of those rules, making enforcement unavoidable.
“We have many rules, as you all know, that no parts can fall off the car not for obvious reasons. We don’t say what the intent is, but these parts have to be fastened properly. And unfortunately, this one piece wasn’t on the right side. And there was also another hose disconnected for driver cooling,” — NASCAR’s Cup Series Director Brad Moran
BJ McLeod’s Fate Hinges on Final Inspection
With Alfredo removed from the results and unable to appeal, BJ McLeod stands poised to claim the last open spot in the Daytona 500, pending his team’s inspection outcome. While he is not officially locked in yet, sources argue that it would be unusual for both open entries to face disqualification in succession. However, if McLeod’s car does not pass inspection, the chance would go to JJ Yeley, amplifying the tension among teams waiting for the official call from NASCAR Cup Series officials like Brad Moran.
Implications for the Daytona 500 and Teams Involved
The decision reverberated across the paddock, with teams rapidly reassessing their positions ahead of one of the sport’s most iconic events. For Beard Motorsports and Anthony Alfredo, the ruling shuts out any hope of racing in the 2026 Daytona 500, as the unique nature of qualifying-related penalties leaves no room for protest. The spotlight now rests on BJ McLeod, his team, and the results of their vehicle inspection, which will ultimately determine the final composition of this year’s Daytona 500 starting grid.
The outcome of these inspections holds significant weight for both up-and-coming and veteran drivers, with season-opening opportunities and exposure for sponsors on the line. As the racing community awaits NASCAR’s final verdict on McLeod’s entry, teams and fans alike brace for further updates in what has already been a tense and unpredictable lead-up to the Great American Race.
NEWS from tech: Anthony Alfredo had his finish disallowed. BJ McLeod car being inspected now to determine whether his car gets in the Daytona 500. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2026
NASCAR Cup Series Director Brad Moran said a transaxle cooling hose was loose and a driver cooling hose wasn't attached properly after the race. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2026
NASCAR Cup Series director Brad Moran on the issue with the Anthony Alfredo car: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/tkyU17TzH4
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2026
