Logano Dominates New Hampshire: Ford Dominates NASCAR Qualifying

Joey Logano Leads Ford Sweep in NASCAR Qualifying at New Hampshire

Joey Logano led an absolute dominance for Ford in the New Hampshire Motor Speedway qualifying, marking the start of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The three-time Cup Series champion enthusiastically celebrated his 33rd career pole position, and the second of this season, after completing a lap of 29.159 seconds (130.622 mph) aboard the No. 22 Ford on the 1.058-mile oval.

This is Logano’s first pole position at New Hampshire, the place where he earned his first Cup victory in June 2009.

“Man, it’s my home track. It feels really good to run well here. Hopefully we can capitalize on this,” Logano said.

Joey Logano

Ryan Blaney, Logano’s teammate, will start second in the No. 12 Ford, thus ensuring that Team Penske occupies the front row of the starting grid for the second time this season. It is Penske’s eleventh pole position at New Hampshire.

“I feel good for Sunday. I thought I was close to getting the pole until I looked at the time. What a great lap by Joey and his team. It’s really cool to have a Penske front row,” Blaney commented.

Ryan Blaney

Josh Berry, whose No. 21 Ford of Wood Brothers Racing has a competitive alliance with Penske, qualified third, achieving a recovery after being eliminated with three consecutive last-place finishes in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler Reddick qualified fourth and William Byron was fifth, with the playoff drivers occupying four of the top five positions. After sweeping the first round with three consecutive victories, Joe Gibbs Racing struggled on Saturday at a track where it has won three times in a row. Denny Hamlin was the team’s top qualifier in ninth place, while Christopher Bell, the pre-race favorite, who has won two of the last three Cup races in New Hampshire, qualified in 19th place. The finishing positions for the remaining playoff drivers were: Ross Chastain in eighth place, Bubba Wallace in 14th, Kyle Larson in 16th, Chase Briscoe in 18th, Austin Cindric in 22nd, and Chase Elliott in 27th.