Joey Logano secured the pole position for the third playoff race at New Hampshire, marking another highlight in his racing career and bringing fresh energy to the Joey Logano New Hampshire pole narrative. Logano, a New England native and two-time Loudon winner, achieved a fast lap at 130.622 mph around the storied one-mile oval, with Team Penske delivering a dominating performance as Ryan Blaney joined him up front and Josh Berry, racing for Wood Brothers, rounded out a Ford sweep of the top three.
Growing Up at the Track: A Personal Milestone for Logano
For Logano, this moment carried more than competitive significance—it connected him to his past at his hometown track, where he first celebrated a Cup victory in 2009. Recalling memories with his family, he described how these experiences shaped his journey as a driver and left an enduring imprint on his career.
“I love coming up here because it’s home.”
— Joey Logano, Driver
Logano fondly described watching the race with his seven-year-old son, reflecting on childhood weekends spent camping at the New Hampshire track. His account detailed returning to the scene as a competitor, now experiencing the races through the eyes of both a driver and a father.
“I was seven the first time I came here, and I remember watching at the time it was the Busch North Series and watching my first Cup race and have my family all camped out here.”
— Joey Logano, Driver
Full Circle at New Hampshire, Memories Revisited
Team Penske’s veteran highlighted how the weather this weekend mirrored those earlier trips, adding another layer of nostalgia. Through the years, few details from his early life have stayed with him, but New Hampshire’s atmosphere and his debut NASCAR race remain vivid in his mind.
“I was just reflecting on that a little bit, but obviously, a special day to end it with a pole on top of that. I’m sorry to get sentimental on you guys, but I do think that was kind of neat. It’s always been a special place for me, whether it’s watching my first race, starting my first Cup race here, or winning my first Cup race here. There are so many great memories here.”
— Joey Logano, Driver
Ford Ambitions Rise as Toyota’s Streak Faces a Challenge
Recently, the Next Gen era has seen Toyota establish dominance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, capturing every race, stage win, and leading the vast majority of laps. However, with Team Penske and Ford drivers showcasing impressive speed in qualifying, the balance of power appears to be shifting. The Ford camp, including Penske and Wood Brothers Racing, is eager to challenge Toyota’s reign and make new memories at Loudon.
What Comes Next for Logano, Penske, and the Field
The pole-winning run not only boosts Logano’s outlook for the pivotal playoff round but also stirs excitement among fans in the driver’s home region. With the playoff race at New Hampshire set to play a decisive role in the Round of 12, all eyes are on whether Logano and Team Penske can carry their momentum and turn nostalgic inspiration into victory, potentially reshaping the course of the championship run.
