Penske’s Blaney Dominates at NH: Key NASCAR Playoffs Victory

Ryan Blaney Secures Victory in New Hampshire and Advances in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

In a race where Fords dominated the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney emerged as the best, securing the victory in the first race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Blaney, driving his No. 12 Mustang, led 116 laps, including the last 39, demonstrating a solid and strategic performance.

That was probably the 20 toughest laps I’ve driven.

Ryan Blaney

Despite the challenge from Josh Berry, who got dangerously close in the final laps, Blaney managed to stay calm and cross the finish line with a 0.937-second lead, earning his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career. With this victory, Blaney becomes the first driver to secure his place in the third round of the playoffs, seeking to reach the final for the third consecutive year.

The race was also highlighted by Josh Berry’s performance, who, despite a spin, managed to recover and finish in second place. Joey Logano, starting from the pole position, led the most laps (147) and finished in fourth place. William Byron completed the podium, securing third place. The competition between teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing added an element of tension to the race. An incident between Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs on lap 110 resulted in a crash that forced Gibbs to retire from the race. Hamlin, after the event, expressed his frustration and questioned the preferential treatment Gibbs might be receiving. The next race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will take place at Kansas Speedway.