In an exciting showdown at New Hampshire, Ryan Blaney narrowly defeated Josh Berry in the final stages of the race, showcasing the high stakes and fierce competition that defined the event. The Ryan Blaney New Hampshire duel came down to the closing laps, drawing headlines as Penske and Wood Brothers Racing took center stage in a dramatic departure from previous playoff dominance by Joe Gibbs Racing.
Berry Battles Setbacks to Challenge for the Win
Josh Berry’s race was filled with both adversity and impressive recovery. Starting third, Berry quickly established himself as a frontrunner, but his solid run was threatened when Shane van Gisbergen spun him on a Lap 82 restart during Stage 2. Despite this setback, Berry and his No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing team responded with determination, methodically moving back through the pack as the race progressed.
Bouncing back, Berry repeatedly pushed the leading Penske cars, Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano, with impressive lap times and aggressive strategy. The field tightened following Cody Ware’s spin with 45 laps remaining, and when most teams opted for fresh tires, crew chief Myles Stanley made the call to keep Berry on track, giving him control on the subsequent restart.
Critical Restart Shifts the Race’s Momentum
On the next launch, Blaney seized the opportunity, advancing to second and then passing Berry with 39 laps to go. Although Berry managed to close the distance and pressure Blaney, a momentary misstep in Turn 3 effectively ended his bid for victory. The respectful, spirited competition between the two was evident throughout the duel, as both drivers pressed hard but avoided aggressive contact.
Reflecting on his approach, Berry commented,
“I was going to race him, but it’s definitely a tough situation. You have to take care of him, right? That’s how I try to race anyway. These restarts and stuff, I try to do the best I can and be smart, and it’s tough out there sometimes. I was going to race him hard but clean,”
Berry said after posting an average running spot of 8.3.
Status of Contenders and Notable Team Dynamics
Penske and Wood Brothers Racing, who share a technical alliance, stood out with their performance, providing a break in what had been a stretch dominated by Joe Gibbs Racing in the initial playoff round. Despite no longer being championship-eligible, Berry and his team demonstrated their capabilities at New Hampshire.
“This is definitely what we’re capable of …”
— Kelly Crandall, Reporter
Joe Gibbs Racing, meanwhile, faced difficulties in the second playoff round. Ty Gibbs, while running 11th on Lap 110, was sent into the wall during a tense exchange with teammates Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell. This on-track miscue led to a caution and ultimately ended Gibbs’s day with a damaged car and a heated response to Hamlin. The intensity of their interaction stood in sharp contrast to the respectful competition seen between Blaney and Berry.
What the Duel Means for the Playoff Picture
The New Hampshire duel between Blaney and Berry highlighted both resilience and sportsmanship, offering a compelling narrative as the playoffs progress. The strong technical alliance between Penske and Wood Brothers Racing was on display, challenging the usual dominance exerted by Joe Gibbs Racing. The results not only shake up the standings but pose fresh questions about team unity and strategy as drivers and organizations vie for postseason success. As the next races loom, all eyes will stay on the drivers and teams that continue to push the limits in pursuit of victory.
Something good is going to happen for Josh Berry soon. pic.twitter.com/OmsMBnF6WS
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) September 21, 2025
Josh Berry and Wood Brothers Racing may no longer be championship eligible, but they needed a day like Sunday in New Hampshire. “This is definitely what we're capable of …” https://t.co/Dv620xWI0n
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) September 22, 2025
