Team Penske playoff momentum 2025 is gaining attention as NASCAR moves toward another dramatic Cup Series postseason, with Kevin Harvick spotlighting the team’s continued surge heading into the playoffs. The Next-Gen era has seen Ford’s powerhouse, Team Penske Racing, use late-season speed to charge into championship contention, a trend that could once again make them formidable in 2025.
Team Penske’s Strong Playoff Surges Continue into 2025
Since the debut of the Next-Gen car, Team Penske Racing has consistently demonstrated a knack for peaking at precisely the right moment, revitalizing their campaign each season and securing playoff berths with confidence-boosting results. This playoff momentum was reaffirmed by former Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, who analyzed the team’s resurgence in the latest episode of the Happy Hour podcast. Harvick’s insight is grounded in the recent achievements of Penske’s drivers—Joey Logano’s title run in 2022, Ryan Blaney’s championship in 2023, and another impressive postseason push this year.
Highlighting Joey Logano’s clutch performance last year, the No. 22 Ford sealed his third Bill France Cup by winning when it mattered most. For the 2025 season, Ryan Blaney has quickly established himself as a frontrunner, entering the playoffs with exceptional momentum after a dramatic victory from 13th position in the Coke 400, clinched with just two laps remaining. This string of success points to a clear pattern: Penske’s drivers tightly embrace the pressure and deliver at season-defining moments.
Kevin Harvick, who has observed Roger Penske’s teams both from behind the wheel and as an analyst, stressed that the playoff schedule aligns with Team Penske’s strengths. He noted their late-season speed, emphasizing the challenge other teams face if Penske cars advance to the championship round at Phoenix, widely considered one of their best tracks.
Here we go again — Penske winning the race before the playoffs. I look at those playoffs and the way they line up out there is just good for Penske. … They’ve run better the last month.
—Kevin Harvick, Happy Hour podcast
Blaney’s season has been characterized by resilience, overcoming a difficult opening stretch marked by several DNFs. After this rocky start, Blaney rebounded to become a regular threat, ultimately securing a win at Daytona that solidified his playoff trajectory. Logano has mirrored this form with crucial victories, while Austin Cindric also demonstrated the ability to compete—and win—at high-stakes venues like Daytona, further cementing the team’s collective confidence.
Blaney’s been solid all year, and he brought it up today on the interview — they had a miserable start to the season. So, the fact they got back up to second in the standings and were able to win their second race at Daytona, shows you the speed.
—Kevin Harvick, Happy Hour podcast
Chase Elliott Amplifies the Hype Around Blaney and Team Penske
As the Cup Series playoffs approach, Chase Elliott added his voice to the discussion. During a media session, the 2020 Cup champion echoed Harvick’s view, dissecting how Ryan Blaney’s latest triumph was no shock given his reputation as one of the sport’s premier superspeedway racers. Elliott placed Blaney alongside Denny Hamlin as the best plate racers of the past decade, emphasizing that his Daytona win fits a consistent career narrative.
I mean, look at Saturday night. You know, Ryan was, you know, he’s been probably the best – between him and Denny, I would say, they’ve been the best plate racers since I’ve been in Cup. Really, hands down, every year. So, that didn’t surprise me.
—Chase Elliott, Cup Champion
Elliott highlighted how Blaney’s season may have gone under the radar, describing it as quietly dominant. With several near-misses depriving Blaney of further victories, Elliott believes the entire perception of Team Penske’s odds could be different had those races gone their way. This insight supports Harvick’s observation that Penske’s momentum is very real heading into the critical final stretch of the season.
I don’t think that really surprised anyone. But I think from Ryan in particular, he’s probably had the most quiet, dominant year of anyone I’ve ever seen in the Cup Series. I mean, this guy probably could have won five or six races by now, very easily.
—Chase Elliott, Cup Champion
Elliott’s candid remarks indicate that within the garage, respect for Ryan Blaney and Team Penske is high, even though their supremacy may not always dominate headlines. By consistently performing at superspeedways and displaying perseverance throughout challenging stretches, Blaney, along with Logano and Cindric, exemplifies the team’s tenacity as the playoffs begin.
What’s Next for Penske and Their Championship Pursuit?
As the Cup Series embarks on its final ten races, attention focuses on whether Team Penske can leverage their postseason momentum to secure another title. The blend of experienced drivers, a history of peaking at the right time, and strong endorsements from figures like Kevin Harvick and Chase Elliott position Penske as potential favorites. Overcoming early tribulations, particularly in Blaney’s case, has shown that the team adapts and finds performance when most needed, a vital attribute in fierce playoff battles.
The significance of this momentum extends beyond mere statistics—it shapes strategic mindsets and intensifies competition. For rivals across the Cup Series, the message is clear: With drivers like Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano riding high and Austin Cindric contributing to the team’s overall strengths, Team Penske enters the 2025 playoffs as a group capable of contending for the championship until the final flag falls at Phoenix.
