Joey Logano Wins Pole for NASCAR Playoff Opener Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire

The Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway marks the Round of 12 opener for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, featuring a strong showing from Ford with Joey Logano winning his first pole at this track and teammate Ryan Blaney starting alongside him on the front row. Logano's pole-winning lap of 130.622 mph reflects his status as the reigning circuit champion and highlights Ford's dominance in qualifying, with Josh Berry also securing a top-three start, making it a Ford sweep of the front row. The race is critical as it kicks off the second round of the playoffs, where points and track position are vital, with drivers like Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell closely contending in the standings. Several playoff contenders begin the race outside the top 10, including Austin Cindric and Chase Elliott, emphasizing the importance of strategy and clean air during the race. The event is set to start at 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on USA Network with streaming available on multiple platforms, underscoring the high stakes and wide interest in this postseason battle. Overall, this lineup and race represent a pivotal moment in the championship chase with a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents poised for critical moves.