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

In an exciting race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney, driving a Ford, took the victory in the first race 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 final 39. However, he had to withstand the fierce attack of Josh Berry, who finished in second place. Blaney secured the victory with a 0.937-second lead, adding his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career.

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

Ryan Blaney

Team Penske’s driver, who is looking to reach the championship final for the third consecutive year, became the first driver to secure a place in the third round of the playoffs.

Josh Berry, with his number 21 Ford from Wood Brothers Racing, showed a great recovery after a spin on lap 82. Berry, who led 10 laps, expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance.

It was an incredible day. All our cars were very strong, and Ryan did a great job there.

Josh Berry

The Fords dominated qualifying on Saturday, with Penske’s Joey Logano securing the pole position. William Byron, the best-performing Chevrolet driver, finished third.

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

William Byron

Joey Logano, who led 147 laps, finished in fourth place. Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th position, achieved a fifth place. Christopher Bell finished sixth, being the best Toyota. Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain also stood out, taking seventh and ninth place respectively.

Incident Between Teammates

The race was marred by an incident between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates on lap 110, when Denny Hamlin caused Ty Gibbs to hit the wall. Hamlin questioned Gibbs’ attitude over his team radio.

Does Ty know we’re racing for a championship?

Denny Hamlin

Ty Gibbs, who briefly returned to the track before retiring due to damage, finished in 34th position and avoided commenting on the incident. Hamlin, after finishing in 12th place, had a conversation with Joe Gibbs and JGR’s director of competition, Chris Gabehart, before speaking with the media.

It’s very unfortunate that he was pushed there, and obviously the contact came from us.

Denny Hamlin

After dominating the first round with three consecutive victories, Joe Gibbs Racing had an unexpected performance in the first stage at New Hampshire. The next race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will be on Sunday at Kansas Speedway.