Penske’s Blaney Dominates New Hampshire, Leads NASCAR Playoffs

In a race where the Fords proved to be the fastest at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney emerged as the best in the opening of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Blaney, driving the No. 12 Ford, led 116 laps, including the last 39, and had to withstand the strong attack of Josh Berry, who finished in second place. Berry got close to a few car lengths, but a mistake in a turn prevented him from winning. Blaney secured the victory with a 0.937-second lead, achieving his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career.

They were probably the 20 hardest laps I’ve driven. I was trying to hold my position and pull away from Josh a bit, but then he started closing in. I had to give it my all to keep him at bay, trying new lines. It was a good, clean race. I appreciate Josh for not bumping me when he could have.

Ryan Blaney

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

Berry, despite a spin on lap 82, recovered and demonstrated his competitiveness. “It was an incredible day,” commented Berry, who led 10 laps. “Congratulations to Ryan. All our cars were very strong, and Ryan did a great job. I was surprised to be able to keep him at bay at the end.” The Fords reaffirmed their dominance from Saturday’s qualifying, where Joey Logano secured the pole position, completing a top-three sweep alongside Blaney and Berry. This trio led 273 of the 301 laps of the race. William Byron, in a Chevrolet, finished in third place. Logano, for his part, finished fourth after leading 147 laps. “Blaney was incredibly fast in practice, and he showed it again in the race,” said Logano. Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th place, rallied to fifth place. Christopher Bell, the best Toyota, finished sixth. Kyle Larson in seventh and Ross Chastain in ninth, completed the top 10, demonstrating the dominance of the playoff drivers.

Tension between teammates

The race had a tense moment on lap 110 when Denny Hamlin caused Ty Gibbs to hit the wall in turn 2 while they were battling for 11th place. Hamlin questioned Gibbs’ behavior over the radio. Gibbs, who briefly returned to the track before retiring due to damage, finished in 34th place and avoided commenting on the incident. Hamlin, after finishing in 12th place, spoke with Joe Gibbs and Chris Gabehart, JGR’s director of competition, before speaking with the media.

It’s very unfortunate that he was taken off the track, and obviously the contact came from us. I have no comment other than that. We’ll sort it out and see how it goes. But, honestly, it’s a shame the contact happened.

Denny Hamlin

After dominating the first round, Joe Gibbs Racing had an unexpected performance in New Hampshire, where the team had won the last three Cup races and six consecutive stages. The next event of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs will be held at Kansas Speedway.