Joey Logano Leads Ford Sweep in New Hampshire Qualifying
Joey Logano led a Ford sweep in qualifying at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, marking the start of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The three-time Cup Series champion celebrated his 33rd career pole position and the second of the season. Logano achieved a time of 29.159 seconds (130.622 mph) on the 1.058-mile oval with the number 22 Ford. This is Logano’s first pole position at New Hampshire, the place where he earned his first Cup Series victory in June 2009.Ryan Blaney, Logano’s teammate, qualified in second place with the number 12 Ford. This result secures the front row for Team Penske for the second time this season, adding to their eleventh pole position at New Hampshire.“Man, it’s my home track. It feels really good to run well here. Hopefully we can capitalize,” Logano stated.
Joey Logano
Josh Berry, with the number 21 Ford from Wood Brothers Racing (Penske ally), qualified third. This position represents a recovery after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler Reddick and William Byron finished in fourth and fifth place, respectively, with playoff drivers occupying four of the top five positions. Joe Gibbs Racing, after dominating the first round with three consecutive victories, struggled on Saturday on a track where they have won three times in a row. Denny Hamlin was the top qualifier for the team, in ninth place. Christopher Bell, pre-race favorite and winner of two of the last three Cup races at New Hampshire, qualified in 19th position. The finishing positions of other 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 commented.
Ryan Blaney
