Penske’s Blaney Lays Down the Law at NH: Key Victory in NASCAR Playoffs

In an emotional race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where the Fords proved to be the fastest, Ryan Blaney took the victory in the first race of the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.Blaney, driving his number 12 Mustang, led 116 laps, including the last 39, and had to defend his position against the strong pressure from Josh Berry, who finished in second place.Blaney secured the victory with a 0.937-second lead, earning his third win of the season and the sixteenth of his career.“They were probably the hardest 20 laps I’ve run,” Blaney commented.Blaney, seeking 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, despite a spin on lap 82, managed to recover and finish in second place.

“It was an incredible day,” Berry said.

Josh Berry

The Fords demonstrated their dominance from Saturday’s qualifying, with Joey Logano securing the pole position, followed by Blaney and Berry.William Byron, in a Chevrolet, finished in third place.

“Penske’s drivers were very fast. I felt like they were on another level,” Byron said.

William Byron

Logano, who led the most laps (147), was satisfied with the result.

“Blaney was incredibly fast in practice, and he showed it again in the race,” Logano commented.

Joey Logano

Chase Elliott, after qualifying in 27th position, managed to come back and finish in fifth place.Christopher Bell finished sixth, being the best Toyota.Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain also stood out, taking seventh and ninth place respectively.The race was marred by an incident between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates on lap 110, when Denny Hamlin spun Ty Gibbs.Hamlin questioned the situation over the radio, suggesting preferential treatment for Gibbs.Gibbs had to withdraw from the race due to the damage suffered.“It’s a shame, but I’m excited to race next week,” Gibbs said.Hamlin, after the race, had a conversation with Joe Gibbs and Chris Gabehart.

“It’s very unfortunate that they spun him there, and obviously the contact came from us,” Hamlin said.

Denny Hamlin

Joe Gibbs Racing, after dominating the first round, struggled in the first stage at New Hampshire.The next NASCAR Cup Series race will be held at Kansas Speedway.