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 enthusiastically celebrated his 33rd pole position and the second of the season, after completing 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 position at New Hampshire, the place where he earned his first Cup victory in June 2009.
Ryan Blaney, Logano’s teammate, will start second with the No. 12 Ford, thus securing the front row for Team Penske for the second time this season. This is Penske’s 11th pole position at New Hampshire.It’s my home track. It feels really good to run well here. Hopefully we can capitalize.
Joey Logano
Josh Berry, with the No. 21 Ford of Wood Brothers Racing, which has a competitive alliance with Penske, qualified third, recovering from three consecutive last-place finishes in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler Reddick qualified fourth and William Byron fifth, demonstrating that the playoff drivers occupied 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 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 for the remaining 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.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 that group. It’s great to have a Penske front row.
Ryan Blaney
