The NASCAR Cup Series heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the first race of the Round of 12 in the 2025 playoffs, and three drivers are arriving with a secret advantage that could give them an edge over their competitors. As every point becomes crucial in the postseason, these NASCAR drivers’ secret New Hampshire advantage could be the deciding factor this Sunday.
Chase Briscoe’s Team Power Could Make the Difference
Chase Briscoe stands out this weekend thanks to his strong support from Joe Gibbs Racing, a team that has shown exceptional dominance at New Hampshire’s 1.0-mile oval. The last three Cup Series events at this track have all seen JGR drivers claim victory, firmly establishing their authority at this venue.
Briscoe, who is embarking on his first full-time campaign with Joe Gibbs Racing, stepped into the #19 car following Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement. Truex’s performance at New Hampshire in 2023 was historic, with him leading 254 out of 301 laps and securing what became his final career win. With Briscoe behind the wheel of the same car and guided by a team that has consistently delivered at The Magic Mile, all signs point to him having the same speed and capability Truex displayed last year.
Ross Chastain’s Valuable Experience from Tire Testing
Ross Chastain is another driver with a distinct edge as the playoff battle intensifies. Despite not breaking into the top ten in the opening three playoff races this year, Chastain brings experience that other drivers lack at New Hampshire. The Athletic reported that Chastain participated in a recent tire test at the speedway, giving him firsthand knowledge of Sunday’s race tire.
This unique opportunity allows Chastain, representing Trackhouse Racing in the #1 car, to arrive at the track with a greater understanding of car setup and track conditions than most of the field. Chastain, a Florida native, has made six Cup starts at New Hampshire, earning three top-ten finishes and placing eighth twice, in 2021 and 2022. Coupling his above-average record here with insight from the latest tire test, Chastain is positioned as a strong contender for this pivotal race.
Joey Logano Balances Experience and Recent Testing for an Edge
Joey Logano, the reigning three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is also among the select drivers reported by The Athletic to have completed a tire test at New Hampshire. Sitting just below the playoff cut line as the Round of 12 begins, Logano’s secret advantage could make all the difference as he aims to climb the standings this weekend.
Logano is no stranger to success at New Hampshire. He celebrated his first-ever Cup Series win at The Magic Mile in 2009 and has since added another victory. Over the last eight races at this venue, Logano has notched six top-ten results and three top-five finishes, including a runner-up spot in the 2023 race. With invaluable data collected from the recent tire test and a track record of consistent performances at New Hampshire, this seasoned driver could be poised for another trip to victory lane.
Why the Secret Advantage Matters for This Playoff Showdown
As the playoffs intensify and the stakes rise, even small advantages become pivotal. For Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, and Joey Logano, special preparation—whether through dominant teams or recent tire testing—sets them apart from other hopefuls. Their knowledge, experience, and strategic insight coming into New Hampshire Motor Speedway could very well determine who moves forward in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs and who is left looking for answers.
Fans and competitors will be watching closely to see if these drivers can translate their advantages into key results as the pressure mounts at The Magic Mile.
