Logano on the Pole at NH: Ford Dominates NASCAR Playoffs Qualifying

In a standout qualifying session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Joey Logano led an absolute dominance for Ford, securing the top three starting positions on the grid for the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The three-time Cup champion, Logano, enthusiastically celebrated his 33rd career pole position and the second of the season. He set a time of 29.159 seconds (130.622 mph) behind the wheel of the No. 22 Ford on the 1.058-mile oval.

This is the first pole position for the driver from Middletown, Connecticut, in New Hampshire, the scene of his first Cup victory in June 2009.

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

Joey LoganoRyan Blaney, Logano’s teammate, secured the second spot on the grid with the No. 12 Ford, completing the front row for Team Penske for the second time this season. It’s Penske’s 11th pole position at New Hampshire.

“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,” commented Blaney, who matched his best starting position in New Hampshire.

Ryan Blaney

Josh Berry, with the No. 21 Ford of Wood Brothers Racing, allied with Penske, qualified third, showing a notable recovery after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler Reddick finished in fourth place, followed by William Byron in fifth, solidifying the presence of playoff drivers in the top spots. 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 in New Hampshire, qualified in 19th place. The finishing positions of the other playoff drivers were: Ross Chastain in eighth place, Bubba Wallace in 14th, Kyle Larson in 16th, Chase Briscoe in 18th, Austin Cindric in 22nd, and Chase Elliott in 27th.