Blaney Dominates in New Hampshire, Advances in NASCAR Playoffs

Ryan Blaney Wins in New Hampshire, Securing a Spot in the Next Round of Playoffs

In a race where the Fords proved to be the fastest at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney emerged victorious in the first race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Blaney, Cup champion in 2003, led 116 laps with his number 12 Mustang, including the last 39. Despite strong pressure from Josh Berry, who got within a few meters, Blaney managed to hold the lead and secure the victory. Blaney crossed the finish line with a 0.937-second lead, earning his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career.

That was probably the 20 toughest laps I’ve driven.

Ryan Blaney

Blaney, who is seeking to reach the championship final for the third consecutive year, became the first driver to secure a spot among the eight available for the third round of the playoffs.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) jumps off his car after saluting fans after winning the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.Josh Berry, with the number 21 Ford of Wood Brothers Racing, managed to recover after a spin on lap 82. Berry, who led 10 laps, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance.

It was an incredible day. Congratulations to Ryan at the end. All our cars were very strong.

Josh Berry

The Fords demonstrated their dominance from qualifying, where Joey Logano secured the pole position, completing a sweep of the top three positions with Blaney and Berry. This trio led 273 of the 301 laps of the race. William Byron, was the highest-finishing Chevrolet, finishing in third place. Joey Logano, after leading 147 laps, settled for fourth place. Chase Elliott, who qualified in 27th place, managed to climb to fifth place. Christopher Bell, was the highest-finishing Toyota, coming in sixth place. Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain finished in seventh and ninth place respectively, solidifying the presence of playoff drivers in the top ten.

Tension at Joe Gibbs Racing

The race had a tense moment for Joe Gibbs Racing on lap 110, when Denny Hamlin caused his teammate, Ty Gibbs, to crash into the wall. Hamlin questioned Gibbs’ behavior over the team radio. Gibbs, who finished in 34th place, avoided commenting on the incident. Hamlin, after the race, had a conversation with Joe Gibbs and competition director Chris Gabehart.

It’s a shame he went there, and obviously the contact came from us.

Denny Hamlin

Joe Gibbs Racing, which had dominated the first round with three consecutive victories, had a disappointing performance in the first stage at New Hampshire. The next race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will take place on Sunday at Kansas Speedway.