Ryan Blaney Wins New Hampshire Race, Secures NASCAR Playoffs Round of 8 Spot

Ryan Blaney delivered a dominant performance at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, securing his third victory of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and becoming the first driver to advance to the Round of 8 in the playoffs. Blaney led 116 laps and held off a strong comeback from Josh Berry, showcasing Team Penske's speed and strategy after Joe Gibbs Racing's earlier playoff dominance. The win marks a significant psychological boost for Blaney and Team Penske, signaling a shift in momentum as they challenge the previously unbeaten Joe Gibbs Racing. The race saw tension within Joe Gibbs Racing when Denny Hamlin spun teammate Ty Gibbs, leading to public frustrations about team dynamics and favoritism toward Gibbs, the team owner's grandson. Despite qualifying poorly, Chase Elliott finished fifth, while Christopher Bell led the Joe Gibbs Racing drivers in sixth place. Overall, the race highlighted both Team Penske's resurgence and internal challenges within Joe Gibbs Racing as the NASCAR playoffs intensify.