Joey Logano captured the pole position at New Hampshire for the third playoff race and the start of the Round of 12, posting a lap speed of 130.622 mph on the flat one-mile oval. The achievement highlighted Team Penske’s dominance, as teammate Ryan Blaney secured the front row alongside Logano. Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry completed a Ford sweep of the top three spots after leading the provisional pole for much of qualifying.
Highlighting a Personal Connection to New Hampshire
For Logano, this milestone carried a deep personal significance tied to his early years at the New England track, often regarded as his hometown circuit. He reflected on the moment with nostalgia during his media availability.
I love coming up here because it’s home.
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Logano shared memories of watching races as a child with his family, pointing out how his experience today echoed those early moments.
I was seven the first time I came here, and I remember watching at the time it was the Busch North Series and watching my first Cup race and have my family all camped out here.
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Reliving Fond Memories Amidst Present Success
The Penske driver noted several parallels between the present race weekend and those from his childhood, including similar weather conditions. Despite many memories fading over time, his first NASCAR Cup race at New Hampshire remains particularly vivid.
I was just reflecting on that a little bit, but obviously, a special day to end it with a pole on top of that. I’m sorry to get sentimental on you guys, but I do think that was kind of neat. It’s always been a special place for me, whether it’s watching my first race, starting my first Cup race here, or winning my first Cup race here. There are so many great memories here.
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Ford Challenges Toyota’s Recent Dominance at Loudon
In recent years, Toyota has dominated New Hampshire’s Next Gen era, winning all three races, every stage, and leading 83 percent of the laps. However, Ford’s strong qualifying performance this season, represented by Logano and his teammates, signals a possible shift in control. With the No. 22 driver leading the charge, prospects look promising for Ford and Team Penske to alter the recent race dynamics at Loudon.
