Joey Logano led a sweep for Ford in qualifying at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, setting the stage for the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The three-time Cup Series champion celebrated his 33rd pole position and the second of the season, setting a lap of 29.159 seconds (130.622 mph) on the 1.058-mile oval with the No. 22 Ford.
This is Logano’s first pole at New Hampshire, the scene of his first Cup victory in June 2009.
Ryan Blaney, teammate, qualified second with the No. 12 Ford, securing the front row for Team Penske for the second time this season. It’s Penske’s 11th pole at New Hampshire.“Man, it’s my home track. It feels really good to run well here. Hopefully we can capitalize,” Logano commented.
Joey Logano
Josh Berry, whose No. 21 Ford from Wood Brothers Racing has an alliance with Penske, qualified third, recovering from three consecutive last-place finishes in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler Reddick and William Byron rounded out the top five, with four of the top five spots occupied by playoff drivers. After dominating the first round with three consecutive victories, Joe Gibbs Racing struggled on Saturday at a track where they have won three times in a row. Denny Hamlin was the top-qualifying team member in ninth place, while Christopher Bell, pre-race favorite and winner of two of the last three Cup races at New Hampshire, qualified in 19th place. The starting positions for the rest of the playoff drivers are: Ross Chastain in eighth, Bubba Wallace in 14th, Kyle Larson in 16th, Chase Briscoe in 18th, Austin Cindric in 22nd, and Chase Elliott in 27th.“I feel good for Sunday. I thought I was close to getting the pole until I saw the time. What a great lap by Joey and his team. It’s great to have a Penske front row,” Blaney said.
Ryan Blaney
