Blaney Dominates in New Hampshire, Advances in NASCAR Playoffs

In a race where the Fords demonstrated their speed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney emerged victorious in the opening of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Blaney, driving the number 12 car, led 116 laps, including the final 39, securing his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career. That was probably the hardest race I’ve had. Josh Berry, who finished in second place, pressured Blaney, getting dangerously close within a few car lengths, but ultimately couldn’t overtake him. Blaney was satisfied with his team’s performance and highlighted the competitiveness of the race, thanking Berry for the clean competition. This victory secures Blaney a spot in the third round of the playoffs, setting his sights on reaching the final for the third consecutive year.

Berry, despite a spin on lap 82, demonstrated his ability to recover, overcoming elimination in the first round.

It was an incredible day. Congratulations to Ryan at the end. All our cars were really strong, and Ryan did a great job there.

Josh Berry

The Ford team dominated Saturday’s qualifying, with Joey Logano securing the pole position, followed by Blaney and Berry. William Byron, in a Chevrolet, achieved third place.

The Penske guys were super fast. I felt like they were in another zip code.

William Byron

Logano, who led the most laps (147), finished in fourth place. Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th position, rallied to finish fifth. Christopher Bell, in a Toyota from Joe Gibbs Racing, took sixth place. Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain also stood out, securing places in the top ten. The race was also marked by an incident between teammates from Joe Gibbs Racing. Denny Hamlin spun his teammate Ty Gibbs, generating controversy and questions about possible preferential treatment.

Does Ty know we’re racing for a championship?

Denny Hamlin

Gibbs, who had to abandon the race due to the damage to his vehicle, refused to comment on the incident. Hamlin, after talking with Joe Gibbs and Chris Gabehart, expressed his regret for the incident. The next race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will take place on Sunday at Kansas Speedway.