Joey Logano secured the top starting spot at his home track, winning the Joey Logano New Hampshire pole in the final moments of NASCAR Cup Series qualifying for the Mobil 1 301. The intense Team Penske effort ensured their cars will start at the front for Sunday’s pivotal race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Logano Outpaces Teammates for Second Pole of the Season
Logano was among the last to take his qualifying run, but he clocked an impressive lap of 130.622 mph, beating out teammate Ryan Blaney and fellow Ford driver Josh Berry. This marks Logano’s 33rd career pole in the Cup Series and his second pole of the current season, demonstrating continued speed at a track he considers his home.
Team Penske’s cars dominated throughout the qualifying session, with Logano pulling ahead to secure the pole from his closest rivals. Ryan Blaney and Josh Berry followed closely but ultimately couldn’t match Logano’s pace. Austin Cindric, also driving for Penske, appeared poised to capture the provisional pole position until he lost control in turns three and four, sliding down to a 22nd-place starting spot after his miscue.
Field Set for Mobil 1 301 as Drivers Prepare for the Round of 12
The remainder of the top five is filled by Tyler Reddick and William Byron, adding further competition at the front of Sunday’s grid. Rounding out the top ten qualifiers are Carson Hocevar, Alex Bowman, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, and Shane van Gisbergen, all aiming for strong results as the stakes climb in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
Several playoff contenders will have to climb through the field following disappointing qualifying efforts. Bubba Wallace will start 14th, while Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe are set to begin 16th and 18th, respectively. Bristol Motor Speedway winner Christopher Bell will launch from 19th, with Austin Cindric recovering from his earlier mistake to start 22nd. Chase Elliott faces the biggest challenge among playoff drivers, lining up 27th against a competitive field.
New Hampshire Readies for Key NASCAR Playoff Race
All 36 drivers on the entry list will take the green flag, promising a full lineup for Sunday’s crucial event. The Mobil 1 301 is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network and will serve as the kickoff for the Round of 12, injecting additional intensity into the playoff fight.
With top names like William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ross Chastain, and Shane van Gisbergen eager to advance, the Joey Logano New Hampshire pole establishes an early advantage for Logano and Team Penske. The outcome of the Mobil 1 301 could have a significant impact on championship aspirations as the NASCAR playoffs continue.
