Penske’s Blaney Dominates in NH and Advances in NASCAR Playoffs

Ryan Blaney Wins in New Hampshire, Securing His Spot in the Next Round of Playoffs

In a race dominated by Fords at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney took the victory in the first race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Blaney, driving his No. 12 Ford Mustang, led 116 laps, including the last 39, and managed to withstand the fierce attack of Josh Berry, who finished in second place. Blaney secured his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career, crossing the finish line with a 0.937-second lead.

That was probably the 20 hardest laps I’ve driven. I was trying to maintain my pace and push Josh a bit, but then he really started to close in. I had to do everything I could to keep him at bay, trying new lines. It was a good, clean race. I thank Josh for not using the bumper when he could have.

Ryan Blaney

With this victory, Blaney becomes the first driver to secure his place in the third round of the playoffs.

Josh Berry, despite suffering a spin, managed to recover and finish in second place. Joey Logano, starting from the pole position, finished in fourth place. William Byron, was the highest-finishing Chevrolet, finishing in third place. Chase Elliott, who started the race in 27th position, rallied to finish in fifth place. Christopher Bell, was the highest-finishing Toyota, ending in sixth place. The race was also marked by an incident between teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing. In lap 110, Denny Hamlin spun Ty Gibbs, his teammate, into the wall, while both were competing for eleventh position. Hamlin questioned the situation over the radio, suggesting a possible preferential treatment for Gibbs. Gibbs, who had to abandon the race due to the damage to his vehicle, finished in 34th position and avoided commenting on the incident. The next race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will be held at Kansas Speedway.