Blaney Dominates in New Hampshire, Solidifies Playoff Spot in NASCAR

In an exciting race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where the Fords proved to be the fastest, Ryan Blaney emerged as the best 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 strong attack of Josh Berry, who finished in second place. Blaney secured the victory with a 0.937-second lead, earning his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career.

They were probably the 20 hardest laps I’ve driven. I was trying to manage and push a little bit on Josh, and then he really started closing in. I had to give it everything to keep him at bay.

Ryan Blaney

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

Josh Berry, despite a spin on lap 82, managed to recover and finish in second place.

It was an incredible day. Congratulations to Ryan. All of our cars were very strong, and Ryan did a great job. I was surprised to be able to keep him at bay at the end.

Josh Berry

The Fords dominated Saturday’s qualifying, with Joey Logano securing the pole position, followed by Blaney and Berry. William Byron finished in third place, being the highest-ranked Chevrolet.

Penske’s guys were super fast. I felt like they were in another league.

William ByronLogano, who led the most laps (147), finished in fourth place. Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th position, managed to move up to fifth place. Christopher Bell finished sixth, being the highest-ranked Toyota. Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain finished seventh and ninth respectively. The competition was marred by an incident between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates on lap 110, when Denny Hamlin spun Ty Gibbs, crashing into the wall.

Does Ty know we’re competing for a championship?

Denny Hamlin

Gibbs, who failed to qualify for the playoffs, briefly returned to the track before being forced to retire due to damage to his Camry, finishing in 34th position. Hamlin, after finishing in 12th position, had a conversation with Joe Gibbs and JGR’s competition director, Chris Gabehart, before speaking with the media.

It’s very unfortunate that they spun him there, and obviously the contact came from us.

Denny Hamlin

The next race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will be held at Kansas Speedway.