Ryan Blaney secured his first career victory at New Hampshire, ending a three-decade-long personal quest, while Team Penske Racing disrupted Joe Gibbs Racing’s stronghold on the 2025 playoffs. Blaney’s New Hampshire win not only gave him his third triumph of the season but also solidified his position in the Round of 8, intensifying his pursuit of the championship.
During the race, Blaney held off Josh Berry of Wood Brothers Racing, often regarded as an extension of the Penske team, to claim victory. The event marked a significant milestone for Blaney, who celebrated finally lifting the iconic lobster trophy, a symbol that had captivated him since childhood.
The Long-Awaited Achievement with the Lobster Trophy
Reflecting on his triumph, Blaney expressed how meaningful the New Hampshire win was to him, particularly because of the distinctive lobster trophy awarded to the winner. Having grown up watching this moment on television and in person, the sight of drivers holding up the lobster in Victory Lane had made a lasting impression on him.
“I watched a lot of races here growing up, whether I was here or watching on TV. The lobster is the coolest thing in Victory Lane. I’ve been wanting to hold that (expletive) lobster for like 30 years. I’ve been wanting to hold that thing up from Victory Lane just because I saw guys doing it when I was growing up, and it was just the coolest thing ever.” Ryan Blaney said after New Hampshire race (Via Speedwaydigest.com).
Blaney also shared how the trophy had been a source of fascination since childhood, connecting it to his family legacy despite never having won it earlier, even though his father Dave Blaney had not claimed it himself. The favorable weather conditions on race day also contributed to his successful outing.
“It’s funny like tracks have certain trophies that catches your eye as a kid, and this is one of them. That’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. Sorry for swearing. The lobster is cool, man. It’s so cool… I was lucky with the weather. Couldn’t ask for a better weekend.” Ryan Blaney added.
Role of Team Penske and Ford in the Victory
Blaney attributed a significant portion of his success to the efforts of Team Penske and their partnership with Ford. He praised the preparation work done by the crew, emphasizing how their combined strength contributed to the performance of his No. 12 Ford Mustang during practice, qualifying, and the race itself.
“Massive props to all of Team Penske, Wood Brothers. We did a great job leading up to this race and preparing, through the weekend, practice, qualifying in the race. Our cars are really fast. As a whole, like as a whole company. That’s something they should really be proud of.” Ryan Blaney said.
The veteran driver noted how fortunate he felt to be in a fast car, highlighting the impressive runs posted by his Penske teammates and affiliated drivers, such as Josh Berry and Joey Logano. This collective strength reflected the Mustang’s competitiveness and the hard work behind the scenes.
“I’m just in the fortunate situation I get to drive a fast race car. Yeah, it speaks volumes of the hard work that they’ve done, and I think for us to run first, Josh to run second, was Joey third or fourth? Top five, stage win, that’s a great day. Huge props to them. Couldn’t be prouder of them. It was nice we were able to capitalize on having such fast cars.” Ryan Blaney added.
Implications for the Remainder of the Season
Ryan Blaney’s win at New Hampshire signals Team Penske’s resurgence amid the Next-Gen era, challenging Joe Gibbs Racing’s dominance as the season progresses. Securing this victory boosts Blaney’s confidence and points standing, preparing him for the critical playoff rounds ahead.
The strong performances from Penske drivers, including Logano alongside Blaney, suggest that the team is poised to be a major contender in upcoming races. Their consistent speed and strategic execution highlight their potential to contend for the championship in the remaining schedule.
With momentum clearly on Team Penske’s side, the dynamic rivalry between top drivers will be a focal point for fans observing the unfolding competition, as they anticipate how Blaney and his teammates will capitalize on their race-winning form.
