Logano on Pole: Ford Dominates Qualifying in New Hampshire

Joey Logano Leads the Standings in New Hampshire

Joey Logano led a sweep for Ford in qualifying at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, setting up for the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The three-time Cup Series champion enthusiastically celebrated his 33rd career pole position and the second of this season, after completing a lap of 29.159 seconds (130.622 mph) on the 1.058-mile oval with the number 22 Ford.

This is Logano’s first pole at New Hampshire, a track that was the scene of his first Cup victory in June 2009.

“Man, it’s my home track,” said Logano, who also won in New Hampshire in 2014. “It feels really good to run well here. Hopefully we can capitalize.”

Joey Logano

Ryan Blaney, Logano’s teammate, will start second with the number 12 Ford, thus securing Team Penske the front row of qualifying for the second time this season. It’s Penske’s 11th pole at New Hampshire.

“I feel good for Sunday,” said Blaney, who matched his best starting position in New Hampshire with a lap that was 0.170 seconds behind Logano. “I thought I was close to getting the pole until I looked at the time. What a great lap by Joey and that group. It’s great to have a Penske front row.”

Ryan Blaney

Josh Berry, whose Ford number 21 of Wood Brothers Racing has a competitive alliance with Penske, qualified third, recovering from being eliminated with three consecutive last places in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler Reddick qualified fourth and William Byron was fifth, with the playoff drivers occupying four of the top five starting positions. After sweeping the first round with three consecutive victories, Joe Gibbs Racing struggled on Saturday at a track where they had won three times in a row. Denny Hamlin was the team’s top qualifier in ninth place, and Christopher Bell, a pre-race favorite who has won two of the last three Cup races in New Hampshire, qualified 19th. The finishing positions for the remaining playoff drivers are: Ross Chastain in eighth, Bubba Wallace 14th, Kyle Larson 16th, Chase Briscoe 18th, Austin Cindric 22nd, and Chase Elliott 27th.