After a blistering lap in the closing moments of qualifying, Joey Logano and a Team Penske brigade will lead the field to green for Sunday’s (Sept. 21) NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
As one of the final drivers to go, Logano overcame fellow Penske teammate Ryan Blaney and Ford partner Josh Berry with a time of 130.622 mph at his home track. It was the defending champion’s second pole of the year and 33rd overall in Cup Series competition.
Penske drivers dominated the session, with Logano ultimately pulling well clear of his teammates. The lone team driver outside of the front row, Austin Cindric, was on pace for provisional pole when he got loose in turns 3 and 4. He ended up 22nd after the late mistake.
Tyler Reddick and William Byron wrapped up the top five for Sunday’s race. Carson Hocevar, Alex Bowman, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin and Shane van Gisbergen rounded out the top 10.
Some playoff drivers will have work to do when the green flag drops tomorrow afternoon. Bubba Wallace starts in 14th, with Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe close behind in 16th and 18th, respectively. Bristol Motor Speedway winner Christopher Bell rolls off 19th, with Cindric mired back in 22nd. Chase Elliott had the worst qualifying run of all playoff contenders and faces an uphill climb from 27th place.
There are 36 drivers on the entry list, meaning everyone will compete in the race.
New Hampshire Cup Lineup
The Mobil 1 301 from New Hampshire airs tomorrow (Sept. 21) at 3 pm ET on USA Network. It will be the opening race of the Round of 12.
Thomas is in his first year covering NASCAR at Frontstretch. A Bay Area NASCAR fan for over 15+ years, he found his love for the sport through Jeff Gordon.
Thomas has enjoyed several trips to Sonoma Raceway in his time and currently covers college football in the Bay Area, also writing about the California Golden Bears.