Blaney Dominates at NH: Key Victory for Penske in NASCAR Playoffs

In a race where the Fords proved to be the fastest at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney took the victory in the first race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.Blaney, driving his No. 12 Mustang, led 116 laps, including the last 39, but had to defend against the attack of Josh Berry, who finished in second place.Blaney secured the victory with a 0.937-second lead, achieving his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career.

It was probably the hardest 20 laps I’ve driven.

Ryan Blaney

Blaney, who is looking to reach the championship final for the third consecutive year, became the first driver to secure a spot in the third round of the playoffs.

Berry, with his No. 21 Ford from Wood Brothers Racing, overcame a spin on lap 82 and recovered from his elimination in the first round.

It was an incredible day.

Josh Berry

The Fords confirmed their dominance from qualifying, where Joey Logano, also from Penske, obtained the pole position, completing a podium with Blaney and Berry.William Byron, in a Chevrolet, finished in third place.

Penske’s guys were super fast. I felt like they were on another level.

William Byron

Logano, who led the race for 147 laps, finished in fourth place.After qualifying in 27th place, Chase Elliott rallied to finish in fifth place.Christopher Bell finished in sixth place, being the highest-ranked Toyota.Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain also achieved prominent positions.The race had a tense moment for Joe Gibbs Racing on lap 110 when Denny Hamlin spun his teammate Ty Gibbs, who crashed into the wall.