Ryan Blaney is determined to break Toyota’s recent winning run at New Hampshire Motor Speedway as the 2025 Mobil 1 301 opens the NASCAR Playoffs’ Round of 12. Blaney’s quest for his first New Hampshire victory has intensified after recent setbacks, adding extra energy to the coming race and putting the spotlight on his focus keyword: Ryan Blaney New Hampshire victory.
Toyota’s Recent Reign at the Magic Mile
Since the beginning of the Next Gen era in 2022, Toyota drivers have established a dominant legacy at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, popularly called the “Magic Mile.” Christopher Bell has claimed wins in both 2022 and 2024, while Martin Truex Jr. captured the trophy in 2023, combining for three consecutive race victories. Together, Toyota teams have swept all six stages and led the vast majority of laps during this period, underscoring their competitive advantage on this unique track.
This stronghold has added extra meaning to the event for competitors like Ryan Blaney, who is eager to end the streak and secure his own place in New Hampshire’s racing history.
Blaney’s Comeback Drive in the 2024 New Hampshire Race
Ryan Blaney arrived at the 2024 New Hampshire event as one of the frontrunners, qualifying second and getting off to an aggressive start. However, as the race neared its conclusion, a tense moment involving Michael McDowell resulted in both cars spinning and dashed Blaney’s hopes for a top finish, leaving him with a disappointing 25th place. Despite the setback, Blaney’s strategic maneuvers and persistence throughout the race demonstrated his adaptability and skill at the Magic Mile, fueling his ambition for the next round.
As the 2025 Mobil 1 301 marks the start of the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs, Blaney is turning his focus yet again to New Hampshire, firmly setting his sights on the coveted lobster trophy awarded to race winners at this storied New England venue.
Chasing the Coveted Lobster: Blaney’s Passion for Loudon
Blaney’s enthusiasm for New Hampshire is well known, especially following a candid conversation he had on SiriusXM.
“I’ve always wanted all that lobster in Victory Lane. It’s one of the coolest traditions. I really enjoy New Hampshire. I love the area. It’s gorgeous up there, especially in September, everything’s starting to change, and the fans up here are just incredibly passionate about Motorsports,”
said Blaney, sharing both his appreciation for the locale and respect for its fan culture.
New Hampshire’s unique lobster trophy pays tribute to regional traditions and adds to the race’s allure. As fall colors sweep across the area, fans from the Northeast, passionate as those seen at Dover or Watkins Glen, fill the grandstands, adding to the excitement. Blaney’s genuine love for the atmosphere is a reflection of the area’s deep motorsports roots.
Further expressing his support for the track’s evolving status, Blaney spoke again during his SiriusXM interview,
“I’m happy they got a playoff race that New Hampshire got a playoff race because that’s the way it was for a while. It was either in the chase or the playoffs or whatever, and then they lost it for a bit. And it’s nice that it’s back cause I feel like that place puts on a good show, and the track’s gotten pretty wide,”
he observed.
Recognizing Racing Legends and Fan Influence
Reflecting on the influence of racing greats, Blaney took a moment to celebrate Jimmie Johnson’s lasting impact.
“How do you not want to be like that guy.”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, referencing Jimmie Johnson. As racing legends continue to inspire a new era of athletes, their sportsmanship and perseverance serve as a benchmark for drivers like Blaney.
The Evolution of the Magic Mile and New Challenges
Historically, New Hampshire was a consistent part of the playoff calendar from 2004 through 2010 before briefly dropping off and returning in 2014. Recent updates to the track have expanded the racing surface, creating additional room for daring maneuvers and introducing a fourth lane. This development plays into the hands of skilled drivers like Blaney, eager to exploit fresh passing opportunities—just as Bell did in his 2024 rain-affected win.
After a notable win at Bristol boosting Joe Gibbs Racing’s postseason, Christopher Bell remarked,
“Just so excited about the start to the Playoffs … We’ve got fast cars right now. It means a lot.”
— Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver. This comment highlights not only Toyota’s confidence but also the intensity of competition Blaney faces in pursuit of victory at New Hampshire.
Even Denny Hamlin acknowledged the manufacturer’s recent supremacy following his Gateway win:
“It’s so big for everyone at Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing. The Progressive Toyota was great there at the end. So happy to get this victory.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver. For Blaney, overcoming this formidable challenge only adds to the significance should he manage to end Toyota’s streak.
Momentum and Strategic Edge: Blaney’s Growing Confidence
Blaney continues to ride the momentum from previous strong finishes, including a solid fourth at Bristol, demonstrating the No. 12 Penske Ford team’s upward trajectory in 2025. The track’s widened lanes and strategic execution by his crew offer Blaney renewed optimism. Blaney emphasized his outlook,
“But now in the last couple of years, we’ve gotten up there in the race, and it just makes it for another lane, and that’s always important when you have another lane to go to. I’m looking forward to it and starting the next round. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going that we’ve had,”
said Blaney, underscoring his determination entering the next playoff round.
The upcoming challenge is not just about speed and tactics but also about maintaining a consistent approach and seizing opportunities. After a crash ended his 2024 run dramatically, Blaney is focused on combining execution and adaptability to start the new playoff stage with a statement performance.
The Role of Character: Sportsmanship in Blaney’s Approach
Blaney’s strategy is deeply tied to his reputation for respectful racing, a trait shaped by his upbringing in a family of renowned drivers including his father, Dave Blaney, and his grandfather, Lou. In a media session for Ford, he addressed fans’ curiosity about his approach:
“There’s always this discussion brought up specifically about me, like, ‘Hey, do you think guys take advantage of you because you race a certain way and maybe they feel like they can take more of an advantage of you?’”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver.
Blaney credited his father for instilling strong values early on.
“My dad taught me at a young age, when I was getting going as a racer, that you give respect and you hope to get it back,”
Blaney said, highlighting lessons that still inform his style. He further described his measured approach:
“I’ve tried to be really respectful, no matter what it is. When I was a rookie and as I’ve been in it for a while, I try to be respectful. It’s just not in my nature to be the rough guy,”
Blaney added.
Even as motorsport sometimes rewards aggressive tactics, Blaney strikes a balance, stating,
“If a driver tries to push him around, Blaney knows that he can’t let that happen,”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver. His blend of fairness and firmness, on full display in duels like his recent Bristol battle with Christopher Bell, has earned him admiration from both fans and fellow drivers.
A Pivotal Moment Approaches at New Hampshire
Anticipation is high as the 2025 Mobil 1 301 approaches, with Blaney aiming to turn his love for New Hampshire and respect-driven racing into a breakthrough victory. The evolving track, intense competition with standouts like Bell, Martin Truex Jr., and Denny Hamlin, and Toyota’s formidable presence set the stage for a potentially season-defining race.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Blaney’s skill, sportsmanship, and the collective effort of Team Penske can finally move the scales and earn him the elusive lobster trophy—ending Toyota’s stronghold on the Magic Mile and marking a memorable chapter in his career.
🗣️ "How do you not want to be like that guy."
🎂 With @JimmieJohnson turning 50 today, Ryan @Blaney reflected on racing against him and on how the 7-time champ influenced him as a driver.
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/rw2TwzJIZS
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 17, 2025
