Chase Elliott NASCAR Playoff Outlook took an optimistic turn after his strong recovery drive at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where he managed a top-five finish on a Sunday dominated by Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney. As the NASCAR Cup Series heads into the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, playoff contenders, teams, and fans are watching closely to see if Elliott can capitalize on the momentum and secure his place in the next round.
Ryan Blaney’s third win of the 2025 season at the Magic Mile underscored Team Penske’s strength, with Blaney’s consistently fast car leading the way. Meanwhile, Chase Elliott, representing Hendrick Motorsports, overcame what had been his toughest qualifying effort to claim an impressive spot among the leaders, reaffirming his position as a key figure in the ongoing playoffs. The stakes are high as drivers prepare for the Midwest challenge at Kansas, aiming to maintain or regain their playoff hopes.
Team Penske Commands at Loudon, Blaney Takes Spotlight
Team Penske’s dominance was unmistakable at New Hampshire, with Blaney’s performance standing out as he collected his first victory at the track and secured his place in the playoff’s next round. Blaney’s success was fueled by having the weekend’s fastest car and showed the intention to continue an aggressive approach both at Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval. His relentless push has made him a major threat as the playoff field shrinks, while the competition scrambles to keep pace.
The consistency of Blaney and the strength of Penske’s teammates have raised the bar, prompting rival drivers and teams, including Chase Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsports, to maximize every opportunity as the series moves through crucial playoff stages. With Kansas Speedway up next, anticipation is high for another intense battle among top contenders.
Hendrick Motorsports Shows Renewed Pace
Hendrick Motorsports displayed clear signs of improvement at New Hampshire. William Byron achieved his first top 10 at the venue after several attempts and secured a solid third place overall, showing that his car could challenge Penske’s dominance. Byron’s recent runner-up finish at Kansas positions him as a strong candidate for victory this weekend.
Kyle Larson also benefited from the team’s upturn, reinforcing his prospects for reaching the Championship 4. Larson’s proven speed at Kansas, where he has triumphed three times since 2021, puts more pressure on the competition. This resurgence from Hendrick Motorsports, combined with Chase Elliott’s rally from a difficult qualifying position, demonstrates the squad’s playoff intentions, adding drama to the tight race for advancement.
Mixed Results for Top Drivers Heading to Kansas
Christopher Bell, widely considered a favorite due to past test sessions and team momentum, experienced a less-than-ideal weekend at New Hampshire. Despite not leading a lap, Bell still left with a respectable sixth-place finish and now approaches Kansas with a strong record at that venue, having posted eight top-10 results in 11 starts.
Joey Logano sought victory at Loudon but ultimately settled for another top-five finish. Building three consecutive top fives for the first time since 2019, Logano is riding high in points but faces unpredictable fortunes at Kansas, a track that’s seen him claim three wins but also challenge his consistency in recent seasons.
Denny Hamlin, with four Kansas victories and a current lead in season wins, finished below his own expectations at Loudon. Hamlin’s recent run of leading laps at Kansas suggests he could return to dominant form this weekend. With experienced drivers like Hamlin and Logano in pursuit, the Kansas playoff race promises close competition and strategic intrigue.
Chase Elliott’s Determined Climb Enhances Playoff Prospects
Despite two difficult recent outings, Chase Elliott’s performance in New Hampshire brought renewed optimism for his playoff campaign. Overcoming a poor starting spot, Elliott and his No. 9 team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness by working their way into the top five.
With two favorable tracks ahead, including Kansas, Elliott’s group appears poised to make the most of their momentum. Fellow teams are aware of the capability within the No. 9 garage, which remains one of the most formidable when operating at full potential.
Other Contenders Face Challenges Ahead of Kansas
Chase Briscoe attracted attention after moving into JGR’s top-tier equipment, delivering a steady but not breakout performance at New Hampshire, where he finished tenth and led 19 laps. His history at Kansas includes a recent first top-10 result, but this track remains a test for his growing partnership with the new team.
Ross Chastain ended a difficult five-race run outside the top 10 at New Hampshire but enters Kansas as the defending race winner. Despite leading just 72 laps all season, Chastain’s track record provides hope, although doubts lurk about continued momentum in the playoffs.
Austin Cindric moved upward in the rankings due to struggles lower down, yet his own weekend at Loudon was far from ideal. Notably, Cindric has yet to lead a lap or finish in the top 10 at Kansas, signaling work is needed to advance beyond the playoff cut line.
Tyler Reddick’s strong showing at Darlington stands out in a string of otherwise disappointing results. Historically, Kansas would offer a chance for a rebound, but his team’s recent form and their organization’s waning edge at the track create obstacles for a turnaround.
Bubba Wallace began the playoffs as a possible Championship 4 candidate but now teeters on the edge after losing ground. Wallace’s car had led five straight races prior to New Hampshire, but with time running out, his hopes for progression depend on recapturing earlier race-leading strength at Kansas.
What Lies Ahead as Playoff Drama Builds
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs reach a critical phase, the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway will play a pivotal role in shaping the playoff field. Chase Elliott’s renewed form, Team Penske’s momentum, the resurgent strength of Hendrick Motorsports, and shifting fortunes among seasoned drivers set the stage for a fiercely contested race in the Midwest.
The performances at Kansas will further clarify the paths of those seeking playoff survival or advancement, while fans, analysts, and teams keep watch on every lap and strategy. For Chase Elliott and his competitors, the next round is within sight, and every point matters as they race to keep their championship dreams alive.
Loudon is now all yours, @Blaney. pic.twitter.com/IlUt2dBh5t
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 22, 2025
