In a race filled with speed at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney emerged as the best, leading the competition in the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Blaney, driving his number 12 Ford, dominated the track for 116 laps, including the last 39, and achieved a crucial victory. The 2003 Cup champion had to defend against the attack of Josh Berry, who got dangerously close just a few meters away before a mistake on a turn. Blaney secured the victory with a 0.937-second lead, earning his third win of the season and the 16th of his career.
Blaney, who is seeking to reach the season finale for the third consecutive year, became the first driver to secure a spot in the third round of the playoffs.They were probably the 20 hardest laps I’ve driven. I was trying to hold my position and push Josh a little bit, but then he really started to close in. I had to push myself to the limit to keep him at bay, trying new lines. It was a good, clean race. I thank Josh for not hitting me when he could have.
Ryan Blaney
Ford’s dominance was also evident in Saturday’s qualifying, with Joey Logano securing the pole position, followed by Blaney and Berry. These three drivers led a total of 273 of the 301 laps of the race. William Byron, in a Chevrolet, achieved third place.It was an incredible day. Congratulations to Ryan at the end. All of our cars were really strong, and Ryan did a great job there. Honestly, I was surprised to be able to keep up with him at the end.
Josh Berry
Logano, who led the race for 147 laps, finished in fourth place.Penske’s guys were super fast. I felt like they were in another league.
William Byron
Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th position, rallied to finish in fifth place. Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson completed the sixth and seventh places respectively, while Ross Chastain finished ninth. The race had a tense moment for Joe Gibbs Racing on lap 110 when Denny Hamlin collided with his teammate Ty Gibbs. Gibbs, who failed to qualify for the playoffs, appeared to be hindering the progress of Hamlin and Bell before the incident.Blaney was incredibly fast in practice, and he showed it again in the race. Obviously, we got a lot of points today, so we did what we had to do, but I’d rather win. That’s the ambition in me, especially when it’s at home.
Joey Logano
After the crash, Hamlin questioned whether the grandson of the team owner, Joe Gibbs, was receiving preferential treatment.Does Ty know we’re competing for a championship?
Denny Hamlin
Ty Gibbs briefly returned to the track before being forced to retire from the race due to damage to his car, finishing in 34th position. Hamlin, after finishing in 12th place, had a conversation with Joe Gibbs and JGR’s competition director, Chris Gabehart, before speaking with the media.Are they afraid to talk to him? That’s what I feel. They’re just afraid of him.
Denny Hamlin
The next race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will be held on Sunday at Kansas Speedway.It’s very unfortunate that he was pushed there, and obviously the contact came from us. I have no comment other than that. We’ll sort it out and everything, but we’ll see how it goes. But honestly, it’s a shame that the contact happened.
Denny Hamlin
