Joey Logano wins NHMS pole position for the Mobil 1 301 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, bringing local excitement as he steps into Sunday’s race as a strong hometown contender. Qualifying took place Saturday, securing Logano and Team Penske a leading spot for the pivotal Round of 12 opener.
Logano Claims Top Spot Ahead of Teammates
Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano, who grew up in New England, earned the pole for Sunday’s highly anticipated playoff race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This achievement gives Logano a home track advantage and sets the stage for his quest to advance further in the NASCAR Playoffs, with support from Team Penske.
Reflecting on the significance of racing so close to home, Logano shared,
“It’s New Hampshire…it means a lot. It’s neat when I do come to Loudon, because I feel like I am representing everyone who lives around here. You gotta root for the hometown guy. It’s fun to enjoy that piece of it,”
Logano, Defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion. Showing appreciation for the track, he added,
“When I look at Loudon on the schedule, I feel like it’s one of the racetracks in my wheelhouse. It seems like it’s a Team Penske kind of thing.”
Logano, Defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
When asked about the importance of racing in New England, Logano recounted a personal moment:
“I was watching the Modified race with my son – my oldest son – and you just kind of go back. He’s seven. I was seven the first time I came here. I was watching the races this morning, like, ‘This is pretty cool,’ so it’s a full circle moment.”
Logano, Defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
Fellow Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney secured the second starting spot with a fast lap of 29.239 seconds in his No. 12 Ford, while affiliate teammate Josh Berry will start third after qualifying with a time of 29.354 seconds in the No. 21 car. Their strong placements on the front row, and Berry’s position in third, further demonstrate Team Penske’s dominance in qualifying at NHMS.

About the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
This year’s Mobil 1 301 marks the 53rd NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with the green flag set to wave at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Brad Keselowski set the qualifying record for the event in September 2014, clocking in at 140.598 mph, or 27.090 seconds. The Mobil 1 301 is the only NASCAR Playoffs weekend hosted in New England and will launch the Round of 12 in the playoffs.
The event promises not just on-track thrills, but also entertainment for spectators, including driver appearances, The Groove fan hangout, Trackside Live, and a variety of live performances. The schedule includes activities for families and fans, making it one of the most anticipated racing weekends in the region.
Tickets and Event Information
Tickets for Sunday’s Mobil 1 301, including camping and family packages, are available through the New Hampshire Motor Speedway website or by calling their event hotline. Children aged 12 and under can attend for $10, making the race accessible for families eager to experience the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs firsthand.
Fans are encouraged to follow New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s official social media channels for the latest details and updates on the race, additional events, and participation from drivers such as Logano, Blaney, and Berry. With hometown support and so much at stake in the playoffs, Sunday’s race is expected to impact the championship trajectory for all competing drivers and teams.
As the only playoff race weekend in this region, the Mobil 1 301 places New England and Loudon at the center of NASCAR’s championship action. Joey Logano’s pole position, his personal ties to the area, and the strong showing from Team Penske guarantee a memorable and competitive start to the Round of 12, drawing attention from racing fans across the nation.