Team Penske playoff performance has taken center stage following a strong showing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with many in the NASCAR community debating whether the team is now leading the race for the championship. Recent comments from respected figures, following standout performances by Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano, have only fueled more conversations about Penske’s emerging dominance this postseason.
Penske’s Dominance at Loudon Captures Industry Attention
After the Loudon Cup race, Tommy Baldwin, a former crew chief and current NASCAR team owner, appeared on the Door Bumper Clear podcast to discuss Team Penske’s incredible playoff form. The conversation delved into Penske’s recent efforts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with analysts and insiders turning their focus to this key playoff moment. Dirty Mo Media stoked the championship debate further by sharing the following on X:
“Did Loudon prove Penske is a clear-cut championship favorite? 👀”
During the podcast, Baldwin was asked whether Penske’s racecars now seem unbeatable. He responded,
“Yeah they’re pretty good. You know they went and tyre tested there and you know when you go tyre testing at any place, you’re gonna gain a lot. They know when to really throw everything at it and turn it on.” — Tommy Baldwin, Team Owner
Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, agreed with the sentiments, describing Penske as “untouchable” after their performance at Loudon. Team Penske’s standout weekend was punctuated by Ryan Blaney piloting the No. 12 Ford to victory, holding off Josh Berry in the nail-biting closing laps of the race.
Blaney and Logano Cement Penske’s Strength in the Playoffs
Blaney’s win at New Hampshire was achieved after starting on the front row with his teammate Joey Logano, a sign of the team’s formidable qualifying speed. This victory secured Blaney’s place in the Round of 8, marking his fifth consecutive appearance in the semifinals—an impressive streak that underscores his consistent playoff prowess.
Joey Logano wasn’t far behind in making headlines. He began the race from pole position, dominated by leading 147 laps, and took the Stage 2 win. Although he finished in fourth place, it marked Logano’s third straight top-five result, setting up a potential fourth consecutive top-five finish—a benchmark he last reached in 2017. Logano’s lap total at Loudon also echoed his dominant effort from the 2022 Phoenix race, where he led 187 laps on the way to a championship victory. With the Kansas event on the horizon, expectations for Logano and the entire Penske crew remain high.
Tommy Baldwin Jr. Faces a Tough Personal Challenge
Parallel to the Penske playoff buzz, Tommy Baldwin Jr. recently made a personal announcement that resonated throughout the NASCAR community. A few weeks before his podcast appearance, Baldwin revealed via X that he has been diagnosed with cancer and would step away from the racing environment to focus on treatment. In his words,
“Today, I post news that no one ever wants to hear … I have cancer. It’s treatable, but this week of racing will be the last for a while for the Tommy Baldwin Racing team. Going to take a break & begin treatment to beat it into the ground.” — Tommy Baldwin Jr., Team Owner
This is not a post for pity. I want to let the world know that if you don’t feel right, go get checked out by a doctor now. Don’t wait.” — Tommy Baldwin Jr., Team Owner
Baldwin’s ties to NASCAR run deep, following in the footsteps of his father, Tom “Tiger” Baldwin Sr. As a crew chief, Tommy Baldwin Jr. notched five Cup Series victories, including Ward Burton’s career-defining win at the 2002 Daytona 500 and Kasey Kahne’s memorable Richmond triumph. He launched Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2009, keeping the team active in the Cup Series through 2020, recording over 400 entries and two podium finishes with drivers Dave Blaney and Regan Smith.
Today, Baldwin serves as the competition director for Rick Ware Racing and oversees Tommy Baldwin Racing operations in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and other regional competitions. His team’s recent achievements include winning the 2022 Whelen Modified Tour owner’s title, reflecting a continued commitment to the sport even as he tackles new personal challenges.
The Road Ahead for Team Penske and NASCAR
With Team Penske’s playoff performance under the spotlight, both Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano are positioned as strong contenders moving forward. Their results at New Hampshire have reignited the championship buzz around the organization, elevating expectations as the playoffs head to Kansas, a track where Logano could extend his remarkable streak of top-five finishes. The intense battles of the postseason, coupled with powerful endorsements from industry figures like Tommy Baldwin Jr. and Freddie Kraft, have only deepened the anticipation and energy around Team Penske as they press for NASCAR’s ultimate prize.
As the next rounds approach, eyes across the motorsport world—from seasoned fans to key figures like Dave Blaney, Ward Burton, and even newer enthusiasts inspired by drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz—will be watching to see if Penske’s surge marks the beginning of another championship era.
Did Loudon prove Penske is a clear-cut championship favorite? 👀@FreddieKraft | @TBR7NY | @KarsynElledge3 | @TylerReddick pic.twitter.com/vmcVgDH9jg
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 23, 2025
