Ryan Blaney expressed admiration for the strong showing by Team Penske in the Ryan Blaney New Hampshire qualifying session, where both he and Joey Logano secured the front row for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, highlighting the team’s performance ahead of a pivotal race in the playoff picture.
On Saturday at New Hampshire, Team Penske seized a commanding position, with Joey Logano earning the pole after a swift 29.159-second lap around the 1.058-mile oval, considered his home circuit. Ryan Blaney finished just behind Logano, missing out by only 0.170 seconds, while Josh Berry placed third as the next fastest Ford driver, trailing by 0.195 seconds. This dominant qualifying result places Penske at the front for Sunday’s key race, which has significant playoff implications.
Penske Teammates Take Top Spots in Qualifying
Following Logano’s pole-winning run, Blaney shared his thoughts on the performance and the fierce round of qualifying. Revealing his satisfaction with the outcome, he stated:
“I feel good for tomorrow. I was fairly happy about our lap in qualifying. I didn’t know what Joey ran. He went out right in front of me. I knew Josh ran; I knew what I had to beat. I thought I was close until I looked at the time. I’m a tenth-and-a-half off of Joey.”
– Ryan Blaney, #12 Team Penske Driver
Blaney went on to recognize the skill of both Logano and the Penske crew:
“What a heck of a lap by that group and him. Really cool to have a Penske front row and Josh right there in third. Appreciate everybody for bringing fast cars,” he added.
– Ryan Blaney, #12 Team Penske Driver
This front-row lockout brings momentum for both Blaney and Logano. For Logano, the pole win is particularly vital as he sits only two points below the playoff cutline, ranked tenth in the standings, intensifying his need for a strong result. Blaney, comfortably in fifth place with a 19-point buffer, also stands to benefit from a prime starting position as the field takes the green.
Austin Cindric, another Penske driver, encountered difficulties during his qualifying attempt, losing time after slipping at the exit of the final corner. As a result, he will start from 22nd, facing an uphill battle to move up from below the playoff cutline, where he stands in ninth.
Ford Drivers Lead the Charge
The competition sees Ford drivers in control at the front, with Logano, Blaney, and Berry occupying the first three spots. Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Carson Hocevar, Alex Bowman, and Ross Chastain line up next in the order, setting the stage for an intense showdown at the Magic Mile. The playoff leader, Denny Hamlin, is set to begin from ninth, while Shane van Gisbergen rounds out the top ten qualifiers.
Logano Credits His Crew for New Hampshire Pole
Scoring his 33rd career pole, Joey Logano emphasized the collective effort that propelled him to the front. He praised his crew chief, Paul Wolfe, and the #22 Team Penske team for dialing in the car’s speed and maximizing the opportunity on his home turf:
“I got a great group of guys… Paul knows how to help me get the car good and where it needs to be. It’s the home track. Feels so good to run well here. It’s a good starting spot, obviously. Hopefully we’re able to capitalize tomorrow. We got a good pit stall, if nothing else.”
– Joey Logano, #22 Team Penske Driver
Logano began his tenure with Team Penske in 2013, following an early period with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since joining forces with Paul Wolfe as his crew chief in 2020, they have achieved two championships together, in 2022 and 2024, bringing Logano’s total to three titles across his decorated career.
What Lies Ahead for Team Penske and Their Rivals
With the front row locked out, both Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano have a prime chance to strengthen their playoff bids at a pivotal point in the NASCAR Cup Series season. The strong Ford presence at the front will pressure rivals like Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and Ross Chastain to capitalize on any opening during the race. The outcomes at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will play a critical role in shaping the playoff grid, with the spotlight now firmly on Team Penske’s ability to convert a formidable qualifying performance into victory on race day.
