Joey Logano rolls into New Hampshire Motor Speedway carrying momentum and history on his side. The three-time Cup Series champion delivered a scorching 29.159-second lap in qualifying for the race, seizing the pole at Loudon and igniting talk of a deep playoff run. For Logano, this one-mile oval is more than another stop on the schedule. It is the site of his first Cup win in 2009 and a place that still fuels his championship dreams in 2025.
Key Highlights
- Joey Logano captures pole at Loudon with a 29.159-second lap in the No. 22 Penske Ford.
- Two career wins and a 14.8 average finish underline Logano’s strength at New Hampshire.
- Currently two points below the playoff cut-off, Logano seeks critical stage points and victory.
- Penske teammates Ryan Blaney and Logano form a potent front-row pairing for strategic advantage.
- Home crowd cheers add emotional lift as Logano embraces rare universal support.
Pole Run with Purpose
New Hampshire’s flat layout rewards precision, and Logano’s blistering qualifying time proved both speed and control. The No. 22 Ford edged teammate Ryan Blaney by just 0.17 seconds, setting up a Team Penske one-two start. “I think we got a good shot. There’s no doubt,” Logano said after securing the pole. His performance came at a pivotal time as he sits two points below the playoff cut-off, needing a strong finish to keep his title hopes alive. The pole is more than a headline—it is a tactical advantage in a race where track position matters.
Team Penske Edge
Penske’s success on one-mile ovals such as Phoenix and Gateway is no accident. Their cars excel on tracks that demand tire management and careful strategy, elements that define Loudon.
“The 12 looked really fast,” Logano noted, acknowledging Blaney’s close effort. William Byron’s fifth-fastest lap in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 Chevrolet adds another layer of competition. “The 24 looked pretty strong, too…some other cars that are definitely in the mix,” Logano said, showing respect for rivals while recognizing Penske’s own technical strength.
Hometown Energy
For Logano, racing at New Hampshire is personal. The site of his first Cup Series win remains special, and the reception from the crowd on Saturday reflected that connection. Known for splitting fan opinion elsewhere, Loudon greeted him with pure enthusiasm.
“I like winning.”
“It’s hard. It’s honestly become harder over the years, just because the field is so close, and I think part of the emotion is that we’re in New Hampshire. … The fans cheer me. It’s freaking cool. That doesn’t happen everywhere.” – Joey Logano
The cheers resonated with a driver often labeled polarizing.
“I dread the day they don’t say anything. That’s the worst part.” – Joey Logano
In that moment, he felt a rare bond with another fan favorite.
“It’s super cool. It’s really neat to be Dale Jr. I’ve learned.” – Joey Logano
Championship Stakes
Beyond emotion, the stakes remain high. Two points short of the playoff cut line, Logano knows Loudon offers a chance to secure crucial stage points and possibly his third win at the track. Consistency has long been a hallmark of his performance here, with a 14.8 average finish over 26 starts. Converting the pole into a strong result could propel him firmly into the Round of 12 and set the tone for a deeper postseason charge.
News in Brief: Joey Logano Chases Loudon Glory as Championship Hopes Ignite Again
Joey Logano claimed pole at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a 29.159-second lap, leading a Team Penske front-row lockout alongside Ryan Blaney. With two career Loudon victories and a 14.8 average finish, Logano aims to convert home-track success into a critical playoff push. Currently two points below the cut line, he seeks stage points and a win to secure advancement. The home crowd’s cheers added emotion to a pivotal weekend.
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