Joey Logano helped ignite a strong showing for Team Penske with an impressive display at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, signaling a potential Joey Logano Cup Series resurgence. Despite his commanding run that captivated the crowd at Loudon, Logano ultimately finished fourth, while his teammate Ryan Blaney secured the win on Sunday.
Team Penske Rises at Loudon After Early Challenges
While Team Penske delivered solid performances in the initial rounds of the NASCAR playoffs, Joe Gibbs Racing often outpaced them, leaving Penske searching for an edge. That trajectory shifted dramatically at New Hampshire, where Team Penske drivers dominated the spotlight. Both Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney set the pace at Loudon, putting Team Penske at the forefront of the Cup Series conversation.
Joey Logano, three-time Cup Series champion, showcased his skill right from the start. He earned his second pole position of the season, giving the No. 22 Ford a valuable advantage at the front of the field. Logano capitalized on this spot, making headlines as he led the pack for 52 laps before being overtaken by Blaney on lap 53.
Key Moments in Logano’s Performance
Though Logano exhibited strong form during the first stage, he narrowly missed out on winning, with Blaney claiming the lead after the final restart and earning the stage win. Logano settled for second in the opening stage, but he remained a contender as the race progressed.
Redemption came in the second half for Logano. After Blaney pitted on lap 113, Logano fought back to reclaim the lead by passing Kyle Larson on lap 138. This move allowed him to capture the second stage win, underlining his pace throughout the day.
Even as the race entered the final segment, Logano remained in the hunt, consistently running among the top five. Despite his efforts and remarkable consistency, he could not overtake Blaney, who fended off a late challenge from Josh Berry to secure the checkered flag. Among the key drivers, both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick also faced their share of difficulties during the event, highlighting the intensity of the playoff battles at Loudon.
Record Lap Counts and Reactions After the Race
Though Ryan Blaney captured the win, Logano’s performance was notable for leading 147 laps—his highest single-race total of the season and the most since 2022 at Phoenix, when he led 187 laps. These numbers resonated with NASCAR fans and analysts, signaling that Logano remains a formidable competitor in the Cup Series. According to insights from an X account known for rare NASCAR statistics, this lap-lead figure was among Logano’s personal bests in recent years.
After the race, Joey Logano reflected on the event and his race strategy. He stated,
At moments, the 12 [Blaney] was the fastest car, and the 21 [Berry] was super solid with them. We were just kind of that next tier, and you did a good job getting a stage win, finished second in the first Stage, getting the pole today. Like it’s hard to look at the weekend and say it was a failure.
– Joey Logano, Driver
While Logano came up short of victory, his robust showing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway enabled him to collect valuable stage points. These points could prove vital as the playoff season unfolds, particularly as Team Penske seeks to maintain momentum against key rivals like Joe Gibbs Racing and drivers such as Kyle Larson and Josh Berry.
Implications for the Rest of the Season
Joey Logano’s resurgence at Loudon, marked by his career-high lap count and competitive spirit, sets a strong tone for the rest of the Cup Series playoffs. His performance demonstrates that the No. 22 driver remains a threat on the track, fueling hope for more wins and deeper playoff runs for Team Penske. As the season continues, all eyes will be on Logano and his squad to see if they can build on this momentum and challenge for the Cup championship.
147 laps is the most Joey Logano has led in a Cup race since Phoenix in November 2022 https://t.co/zxGbZjr32s
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) September 22, 2025
