The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs have shifted into the Round of 12 after a dramatic Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol, where tire wear and tempers defined the elimination battle. Christopher Bell survived a last-lap bump from Brad Keselowski to win, continuing Toyota’s playoff streak of three straight wins. Now the spotlight turns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. History and statistics will play a major role at the “Magic Mile,” where several drivers have consistently excelled.
Key Highlights
- Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers with a 9.9 average finish in 31 starts at New Hampshire.
- Brad Keselowski has two wins, 16 top tens, and nearly 600 laps led in 24 starts at Loudon.
- Kyle Larson boasts six top fives and three runner-up finishes across 14 races at the track.
- Tyler Reddick has three top tens in five starts and has never started outside the top 15.
- Christopher Bell has two wins, a runner-up, and a pole in five starts, maintaining playoff momentum.
Denny Hamlin Dominates Loudon
Denny Hamlin enters the Round of 12 as the top seed, sitting 26 points above the cut line and carrying momentum from five wins this season, including Gateway. New Hampshire has historically been kind to Hamlin. Over 31 career starts, he has three wins, 19 top tens, and 798 laps led, ranking third in track history for laps led. While Hamlin’s Next Gen results at Loudon have been mixed, his overall numbers show he is a formidable contender. A strong run at the “Magic Mile” could bolster his championship bid and keep him in contention for the title.
Brad Keselowski’s Consistent Threat
Brad Keselowski has yet to claim a win since Darlington in May 2024, but his track record at New Hampshire makes him a serious threat. In 24 starts at Loudon, Keselowski has two wins, 16 top tens, and nearly 600 laps led. His runner-up finish to Bell at Bristol shows he still has the speed and determination to compete at the front. Despite not being in the playoffs this year, Keselowski’s history and performance at New Hampshire maintain his reputation as one of the track’s most consistent drivers.
Kyle Larson’s Long-Term Consistency
Kyle Larson has shown remarkable consistency at New Hampshire over 14 starts. With an 11.2 average finish, Larson has six top fives and three runner-up results at the one-mile oval. The Hendrick Motorsports driver enters the Round of 12 with a 24-point cushion, though playoff results have yet to match his regular-season form. Larson’s strong track record at Loudon suggests this could be the place he turns his playoff season around, capitalizing on his precision and experience to contend for a top finish.
Tyler Reddick Eyes Breakthrough
Tyler Reddick arrives at New Hampshire as the last seed heading into the Round of 12, three points below the cut line. Despite playoff pressure, Loudon has been one of his stronger venues. In five Cup Series starts at the track, Reddick has never started outside the top 15 and has earned three top tens. While he is still chasing his first win at the “Magic Mile,” a strong performance here could ease pressure and keep his championship hopes alive. Consistency and composure will be key for the 23XI Racing driver.
Christopher Bell Builds Momentum
Christopher Bell has already made his mark on the playoffs with a thrilling win at Bristol. His performance at New Hampshire has also been impressive in a small sample size. Across five starts, Bell has recorded two wins, a runner-up, and a pole in 2023 alone. His driving style suits the rhythm of the intermediate track, and as the fourth seed in the Round of 12, he arrives at Loudon with momentum and confidence. Bell will be a favorite once again, looking to extend Toyota’s playoff streak.
News in Brief: 5 NASCAR Drivers Who Dominate New Hampshire With Best Average Finishes
Denny Hamlin leads active drivers with a 9.9 average finish in 31 starts at New Hampshire, followed by Brad Keselowski with a 10.5 average in 24 races, Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick tied at 11.2, and Christopher Bell at 12.2 over five starts. Hamlin and Bell both have multiple wins at Loudon, while Keselowski remains a consistent front-runner. Reddick seeks his first victory. As the Cup Series playoffs move into the Round of 12, these drivers’ history at New Hampshire could influence outcomes.
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