Penske’s Blaney Dominates at NH: Victory and Playoff Advancement in NASCAR

In a race where the Fords demonstrated their speed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney took the victory in the opening of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Blaney, Cup champion in 2003, led 116 laps with his number 12 Mustang, including the last 39, but had to withstand the fierce attack of Josh Berry, who finished second. Blaney secured the victory by 0.937 seconds on Sunday, earning his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career.

It was probably the hardest 20 laps I’ve driven.

Ryan Blaney

Blaney, who is seeking to reach the championship final for the third consecutive year, became the first driver to secure a spot among the eight available for the third round of the playoffs.

Berry, with his number 21 Ford from Wood Brothers Racing, overcame a spin on lap 82 and recovered from elimination in the first round.

It was an incredible day.

Josh Berry

The Fords backed up their impressive performance in Saturday’s qualifying, with Joey Logano taking pole position. William Byron was the highest-finishing Chevrolet, ending third.

Penske’s guys were super fast. I felt like they were on another level.

William Byron

Logano finished fourth after leading 147 laps with the number 22 Ford. Blaney was incredibly fast in practice, and he showed it again in the race. Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th place, finished fifth. Christopher Bell was sixth, being the highest-ranked Toyota. Kyle Larson finished seventh and Ross Chastain ninth, with eight of the top ten positions occupied by playoff drivers.

Clash between teammates

The race had a tense moment on lap 110 when Denny Hamlin spun his teammate Ty Gibbs into the wall. Hamlin questioned over team radio if Gibbs was receiving preferential treatment. Gibbs briefly returned to the track before being forced to retire with damage to his Camry and finished in 34th place.

It’s a shame, but I’m excited to compete next week.

Ty Gibbs

Hamlin, after speaking with Joe Gibbs and competition director Chris Gabehart, said:

It’s very unfortunate that this turn has happened, and obviously the contact came from us.

Denny Hamlin

Joe Gibbs Racing, after dominating the first round, had a surprising performance in New Hampshire, where the team had won the last three Cup races and six consecutive stages. The team failed to score points in the first stage. The second race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will take place on Sunday at Kansas Speedway.