Ryan Blaney secured a crucial win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2025, and his playoff momentum has revealed a shift in focus for the upcoming races. The approach for his team, led by crew chief Jonathan Hassler, reflects a strategic blend of prioritizing current performance while preparing for the future, which is at the core of the Ryan Blaney playoff strategy.
Blaney’s New Focus for Kansas Speedway and Beyond
Following his victory at the Mobil 1 301 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race, which was Blaney’s third win of the season, Team Penske’s strategy is to fine-tune their approach as they enter this critical playoff stage. With Blaney starting on the front row next to teammate Joey Logano, he demonstrated dominance by leading 116 out of 301 laps, especially in the closing phases of the race.
Jonathan Hassler detailed his tactical shift post-qualification for the next playoff round, focusing on Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval as opportunities to balance effort and preparation. The team aims to channel approximately 80 to 90 percent of their resources into immediate races, with the remainder reserved for fine-tuning and readiness for future rounds.
“It’s a huge advantage. Like you said, um, you know, we’re definitely in a position where we’re racing for playoff points in the next couple of weeks…Um, you know, I think we can probably do 80 or 90% of the work that we would normally do and bank that last 10 to 20% and push that time into, you know, the weeks ahead. To make sure that we’re ready for those races. Um, so we can certainly, you know, let up just a little bit these next couple weeks”
– Jonathan Hassler, Crew Chief
Blaney’s outstanding performance at New Hampshire also highlighted Team Penske’s Ford cars, which were a force throughout the race. Their determination and consistency allowed the team to carefully modulate their approach, securing valuable playoff points while ensuring their competitive edge for future challenges.
Penske’s Ford Dominance and Team Confidence
The display at New Hampshire signaled the impressive performance capabilities of Team Penske. As Blaney crossed the finish line, the team’s Ford cars clearly set the pace, reinforcing their standing as top contenders during this round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Crew chief Jonathan Hassler emphasized that the playoff points available at the upcoming races, such as those at Kansas Speedway, could prove vital as the season progresses.
Despite their evident strength, the team remains mindful not to exert all their resources in the current stretch but to strike a careful balance, ensuring long-term competitiveness and maintaining a strategic reserve for the decisive rounds to come.
Blaney’s Take on the “Favorite” Label in the 2025 NASCAR Cup
Ryan Blaney, after earning his place in the Round of 8, addressed the media’s suggestions that Team Penske is the championship favorite. He respectfully challenged this narrative by underlining the sport’s unpredictable character and the immense competition within the NASCAR Cup Series. Blaney expressed that every team and driver competing at this level possesses remarkable talent and that fortunes can shift dramatically from week to week.
“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.”
– Ryan Blaney, Driver
Blaney’s philosophy is focused on incremental improvement, aiming for progress and consistency within his own team. He prefers to steer clear of the “favorite” narrative, concentrating instead on the unique challenges each week presents as the playoffs intensify.
Looking Forward: What This Means for the Playoffs
With Ryan Blaney’s playoff strategy now more apparent, Team Penske finds itself in an advantageous position but continues to approach each race with calculated preparation. Hassler’s call for conserving some of the team’s energy and effort underscores a deliberate planning style meant to sustain performance throughout the demanding playoff schedule.
As races at Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval approach, Team Penske’s measured strategy could set a precedent for other NASCAR Cup Series contenders. The remaining weeks in the playoffs promise high-stakes competition, where every point and every detail may become the deciding factor. Blaney and Hassler’s disciplined approach, along with the strong showing of the team’s Ford cars, signal a team poised for sustained success, but with an acute awareness of the unpredictability and fierce talent that defines the NASCAR Cup Series.
🗣️ After locking themselves into the round of 8, @Team_Penske crew chief Jonathan Hassler has a new goal for the next two races
💭 "Playoff points […] might be important for us in that next round."
More: https://t.co/WGRTG5gnEd pic.twitter.com/4j3AP0QWky
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 26, 2025
🗣️ "You can be on top of the world one week and then you can be struggling to find your own way the next week."@NHMS winner Ryan @Blaney isn't sold just yet that @Team_Penske is the organization to beat for the championship right now.
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/kmP7tWOuYt
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 25, 2025
