Ryan Blaney’s third win of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season came at the perfect time, powering him into the Round of 8 while electrifying fans at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The Mobil 1 301 served as the Round of 12 opener and delivered fierce battles, bold strategy calls, and a late-race tension that kept the Magic Mile crowd on edge. From Penske’s dominance to a controversial team clash at Joe Gibbs Racing, the race left a mix of excitement and frustration across the NASCAR community.
Key Highlights
- Ryan Blaney wins the 2025 Mobil 1 301, advancing to the Round of 8.
- Josh Berry finishes second after recovering from a mid-race spin.
- Joey Logano leads 147 laps from the pole but settles for fourth place.
- Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs spark controversy after a late-race incident.
- Fans call the event a potential “race of the year” for intensity and drama.
Ryan Blaney and Penske Set the Tone
Blaney’s Ford was untouchable in the closing laps, leading the final charge and completing all 301 circuits. Josh Berry surprised the field with a gritty second-place finish after spinning early in Stage 2, while William Byron secured third. Logano, who dominated early by leading 147 laps from the pole, slipped to fourth but still gave Team Penske three cars in the top five. Chase Elliott stormed back from a 27th-place starting spot to claim fifth, a key boost for his championship hopes. Fans immediately connected Penske’s strength to a changing balance of power.
“I for one am excited for our new Penske Overlords” – Fan reaction
“Super happy for Blaney really showing they’re the looming threat with how well-oiled the 12 team is.” – Fan reaction
“We are one with the Penske. The Penske is all. So say we all.” – Fan reaction
Drama at Joe Gibbs Racing
The biggest flashpoint arrived when Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs clashed late, igniting debate throughout the garage. Hamlin admitted he delivered a warning bump before making contact after Gibbs blocked aggressively, and fans quickly took sides.
“I don’t hold it against Denny for dumping Gibbs… Denny gave him the door bump warning and Gibbs blocked him worse on the next corner. I’d have dumped him too.” – Fan reaction
The incident left Hamlin 12th at the finish and added tension to the team’s playoff outlook, overshadowing Christopher Bell’s steady top-ten run. One fan jokingly linked the clash to the day’s cleanup.
“Hopefully Blaney has some Libman to give to JGR to clean up that mess” – Fan reaction
Crowd Energy and Race of the Year Talk
Grandstands buzzed from start to finish as New Hampshire hosted its most competitive playoff opener in years. Berry’s comeback, Elliott’s surge, and the Hamlin-Gibbs drama provided constant action that resonated well beyond Loudon. Fans at the track and watching on television praised the show.
“Think that might have been a candidate for race of the year” – Fan reaction
“This was an amazing race to watch in person! Was it good on tv too? Or am I just blinded by being at the track 🤣” – Fan reaction
The mix of speed, strategy, and playoff urgency gave the 1.058-mile oval a memorable edge, setting the tone for the remaining Round of 12 contests.
News in Brief: Fans Rave Over Ryan Blaney’s Victory and JGR Controversy
Ryan Blaney captured the 2025 Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, leading late to secure his third win of the season and a spot in the Round of 8. Josh Berry rebounded from an early spin to finish second, followed by William Byron, Joey Logano, and Chase Elliott. Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs collided, adding drama to a race fans hailed as a potential “race of the year.”
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