Joey Logano led a Ford sweep in qualifying at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, securing the top three positions for the second-round race of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The three-time Cup Series champion enthusiastically celebrated his 33rd career pole position and the second of the season, after completing a lap of 29.159 seconds (130.622 mph) in 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.
Ryan Blaney, Logano’s teammate, will start in second place with the No. 12 Ford, securing Team Penske the front row of the qualifying for the second time this season. This is Penske’s eleventh pole position at New Hampshire.“Man, it’s my home track. It feels really good to run well here. Hopefully we can capitalize,” Logano said.
Joey Logano
Josh Berry, with the No. 21 Ford from Wood Brothers Racing, allied with Penske, qualified third. Tyler Reddick and William Byron placed fourth and fifth respectively, showing the strength of the playoff drivers. After a dominant start in the first round, Joe Gibbs Racing struggled on Saturday at a track where they have won three consecutive races. Denny Hamlin was the team’s top qualifier in ninth place, while Christopher Bell, who has won two of the last three Cup races in New Hampshire, qualified in 19th place. The starting positions for the rest of the playoff drivers are as follows: 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.“I feel good for Sunday,” commented Blaney, who tied his best starting position in New Hampshire. “I thought I was close to getting the pole until I saw the time. What a great lap by Joey and his team. It’s great to have a Penske front row.”
Ryan Blaney
