At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Team Penske delivered a standout performance just as Joe Gibbs Racing playoff rivals experienced difficulty, with Penske’s Ryan Blaney capturing a noteworthy victory in the 301-lap race, highlighting Ford’s rising presence in the championship. This pivotal win places increased pressure on Joe Gibbs Racing, as Penske and other key teams look to shift the playoff momentum in their favor during this stage of NASCAR’s postseason contest.
Ryan Blaney’s Milestone Win and Team Performance
Penske’s resurgence was centered on Ryan Blaney, the defending 2023 Cup Series champion, who led 116 laps and secured his first triumph at Loudon. His teammate, Joey Logano, further demonstrated Penske’s strength by leading a race-high 147 laps before finishing fourth, and together with Blaney, showcased why Team Penske is increasingly viewed as a credible threat in the playoffs.
The Mobil 1 301 wasn’t just a victory for Blaney; it was a collective statement from Team Penske. The squad’s race domination was evident as they set the pace for most of the event, relegating the Toyotas from Joe Gibbs Racing to a supporting role rather than contenders for the win.
Chevrolet’s Steady, Yet Limited, Impact on the Playoff Landscape
William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports claimed third, and his teammate Chase Elliott mounted a remarkable comeback to finish fifth after starting at the back of the playoff field in 27th. However, Richard Petty and his longtime confidant noticed these consistent performances haven’t translated into Chevrolet dominance.
As Petty observed,
The Chevrolets have not really dominated anything, but they’ve been right there on the verge. So, it’s going to come down to who gets the breaks and who doesn’t get the breaks.
— Richard Petty, Seven-time Cup Series Champion
With playoff drivers such as Christopher Bell offering Joe Gibbs Racing’s best result in sixth place, and others like Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Chase Briscoe closing out the top ten, the dynamics among the playoff teams remain unsettled but tense.
Insights from NASCAR Icons: Richard Petty and Dale Inman Weigh In
Richard Petty’s experience in the sport led to questions from fans about which organization is best prepared to challenge Joe Gibbs Racing in the playoffs. He was directly addressed by a fan:
FAN QUESTION: Between Penske, and Hendrick, which team do you think could challenge Joe Gibbs Racing in the Playoffs?
Via Facebook user, James Piccarreto
Full Race Recap and more answers to fan questions tomorrow at 8am on the Petty Family Racing YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/hGgRVxjXaz
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) September 22, 2025
— Facebook user James Piccarreto, as shared on social media
Expanding on Petty’s perspective, Dale Inman, a renowned crew chief and Petty’s longtime strategist, offered his analysis:
I’m going to give it to Penske because the last race and the determining factor is – of the final four, who has got the best finish at Phoenix, and the Fords were the dominant cars yesterday. I think that the two tracks (New Hampshire and Phoenix) are somewhat alike.
— Dale Inman, Strategist and Crew Chief
Inman’s endorsement came after observing Team Penske’s control over the race, reinforcing the belief among insiders that Penske’s Ford cars possess the qualities needed to disrupt JGR’s playoff aspirations, particularly as the series approaches similarly styled tracks later in the schedule.
Penske Influence Stretches Across the Garage
Even beyond their own stable, Team Penske’s technical support provided a boost to Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry, who secured a strong second-place showing after being knocked out of the playoffs at Bristol. Berry, driving the No. 21 car with Penske backing, trailed Blaney closely and contributed to Ford’s overall success during the event.
Blaney, Logano, and Berry combined to dominate 273 of the 301 laps, signaling just how much influence Penske now exerts over race outcomes in the Cup Series as they continue to challenge Joe Gibbs Racing playoff rivals.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Championship Chase
Team Penske’s decisive New Hampshire performance sends a clear message to playoff opponents, especially Joe Gibbs Racing, as the postseason intensifies. With momentum swinging in Ford’s direction and key figures such as Richard Petty and Dale Inman acknowledging Penske’s championship credentials, the remaining playoff rounds are poised for heightened competition.
As the field prepares for future races at tracks with similarities to New Hampshire, the question of whether Penske can sustain this advantage remains central, keeping anticipation high among fans and competitors alike in the ongoing battle to dethrone the Joe Gibbs Racing playoff rivals from their long-standing dominance.
FAN QUESTION: Between Penske, and Hendrick, which team do you think could challenge Joe Gibbs Racing in the Playoffs?
Via Facebook user, James Piccarreto
Full Race Recap and more answers to fan questions tomorrow at 8am on the Petty Family Racing YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/hGgRVxjXaz
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) September 22, 2025
