Blaney and Penske Dominate in New Hampshire: Crucial NASCAR Playoffs Victory

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

In a race dominated by Fords at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney proved to be the best in class, securing the victory in the first race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Blaney, aboard his No. 12 Mustang, led 116 laps, including the last 39, and withstood the strong challenge of Josh Berry, who finished in second place. Blaney secured his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career, crossing the finish line with a 0.937-second lead.

“That was probably the hardest 20-lap stint I’ve driven,” Blaney commented. “I was trying to hold my position and pull away from Josh a little bit, but then he started to close in. I had to give it everything to hold him off, trying new lines. It was a good, clean race. I appreciate Josh for not bumping me when he could have.”

Ryan Blaney

With this victory, Blaney becomes the first driver to secure his place in the third round of the playoffs.

NASCAR Cup Series: Ryan Blaney celebrates victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.Josh Berry, with his No. 21 Ford from Wood Brothers Racing, managed to recover from a spin on lap 82 and his elimination in the first round.

“It was an incredible day,” Berry said. “Congratulations to Ryan at the end. All of our cars were very strong, and Ryan did a great job. Honestly, I was surprised to be able to keep up at the end.”

Josh Berry

Joey Logano, Blaney’s teammate, secured the pole position on Saturday and finished in fourth place after leading the most laps (147). William Byron was the highest-finishing Chevrolet, ending in third place. Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th position, managed to reach fifth place. The race also had a tense moment between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, when Denny Hamlin spun Ty Gibbs on lap 110.