Ryan Blaney championship favorite has become a growing narrative after his standout performance in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, particularly following his victory at New Hampshire. With three straight top-five finishes and momentum on his side, Blaney is now strongly positioned to capture the 2025 championship, setting himself apart from key contenders like his teammate Joey Logano.
Blaney’s Surge through the Playoff Rounds
The playoff campaign had a bumpy start for Ryan Blaney, who placed 18th at Darlington. However, he quickly turned things around with a streak of three consecutive top-five results, outperforming Team Penske teammate Joey Logano at each stage. Both drivers excelled together at Gateway and Bristol, securing fourth and fifth places, but Blaney consistently edged ahead, solidifying his frontrunner status among this year’s championship hopefuls.
At the New Hampshire race, momentum swung further in Blaney’s favor. After securing the Busch Light pole and leading for a race-high 147 laps, the reigning champion showed persistence, but Blaney ultimately led the decisive 39 laps to seal his advancement into the final eight. Team Penske’s strong track record at flat tracks, along with recent performances, have made Blaney’s title run a subject of optimism among experts and fans alike.
Expert Reasons for Blaney’s Championship Momentum
NASCAR analyst Jordan Bianchi outlined why Blaney is viewed as one of the strongest candidates in the current championship race.
“This team is now focused on Las Vegas, a track they’re really good at and they’ve got a lot of speed. If they can carry that speed over to Las Vegas and have success, they put themselves in a good position points-wise to maybe not have to fret at Talladega, another race that’s good for them. And oh, by the way, after Talladega’s Martinsville, which just happens to be Ryan Blaney’s best track and then after that is Phoenix.”
– Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR analyst
“My point in all this is if you’re looking for a championship favorite, I think we found it and it’s Ryan Blaney and that 12 team,” he added.
– Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR analyst
Currently, Blaney stands at the top of the playoff rankings, while Logano is outside the top five despite a 24-point buffer. If Blaney makes it to the final four, his win at Loudon—another flat track—signals promise for Phoenix, another venue where Team Penske has typically excelled. The structure of the playoffs, with Flat track events like Martinsville and Phoenix in key positions, further bolsters Blaney’s shot at claiming the title.
Blaney Responds to Championship Expectations
Despite the surge in attention, Blaney himself addressed the growing perception of him as the clear favorite. In a recent SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview, he shared measured thoughts about the competition and daily pressures of being a frontrunner in the sport.
“Every team that’s in this deal is really talented, every driver is incredibly talented, so you never know who’s going to come on strong at what time. This sport is a week-to-week sport, and you can be on the top of the world one week, and then you can be struggling to find your own way the next week,” he said.
– Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver
With this grounded perspective, Blaney stressed the importance of consistency and teamwork rather than focusing on outside labels or expectations. As Team Penske prepares for the next challenge at Kansas Speedway—a track where Blaney recently finished in the top five—attention will focus on how the 12 team maintains momentum in the Round of 12.
What Lies Ahead for Blaney and the Cup Series Field
The next stop for Blaney and his fellow contenders is Kansas Speedway, known for its mile-and-a-half layout that often produces close racing. Scheduled for Sunday, September 28 at 3 PM ET, this event offers another opportunity for Blaney to further solidify his place as the leading contender among drivers like Joey Logano and past champions.
As the playoffs progress, the state of competition in NASCAR remains energetic and highly unpredictable. With analysts like Jordan Bianchi marking him as the favorite, and Team Penske’s impressive record at key tracks, Ryan Blaney’s path to a potential championship is drawing significant attention from NASCAR fans and insiders. Each remaining race, including major stops at Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix, will continue to test whether the season’s momentum will carry Blaney to the title or if another driver will emerge to challenge his frontrunner status.
Ryan Blaney's win at New Hampshire serves as a reminder of his playoff prowess. The win allows Blaney and his team to focus on Las Vegas, a track where they excel. Plus, Talladega and Martinsville are on the horizon. #RyanBlaney #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/YvKz5n1uhA
— PRN (@PRNlive) September 24, 2025
