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

In a race where the Fords proved to be the fastest 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 the No. 12 Mustang, led 116 laps, including the last 39, but had to defend against the attack of Josh Berry, who finished in second place. Blaney secured the victory by 0.937 seconds, adding his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career.

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

Ryan Blaney

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

Berry, despite a spin on lap 82, managed to recover and finish in second place.

It was an incredible day.

Josh Berry

The Fords demonstrated their dominance from qualifying, with Joey Logano securing the pole position, followed by Blaney and Berry. William Byron, in third place, was the highest-ranked Chevrolet.

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

William Byron

Logano, who led 147 laps, finished fourth. Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th place, managed to finish in fifth place. Christopher Bell finished in sixth place, being the best Toyota. Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain also stood out, taking seventh and ninth place respectively. A tense moment was experienced for Joe Gibbs Racing when Denny Hamlin spun his teammate Ty Gibbs on lap 110. Hamlin questioned the situation over the team radio, suggesting possible preferential treatment towards Gibbs. Gibbs had to withdraw from the race due to the damage suffered. The next race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will be at Kansas Speedway.