Ryan Blaney secured his third victory of the NASCAR Cup Series season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, narrowly defeating Josh Berry in a tense 301-lap race on the 1.058-mile oval. The intense showdown on September 21 was crucial for playoff positioning, with Blaney’s New Hampshire victory guaranteeing him a spot in the Round of 8, while Berry pushed hard but ultimately fell short by just under a second.
Josh Berry, competing in his second full-time Cup Series season and his first with Wood Brothers Racing, delivered his best finish since winning in Las Vegas earlier this year. Berry, a Hendersonville, Tennessee native, demonstrated grit and sportsmanship throughout the event, racing hard yet maintaining respect with Blaney throughout the duel as both sought to advance their playoff hopes.
Josh Berry praises Blaney’s skill and clean racing approach
After the race, Berry spoke to NBC Sports about his experience battling Blaney and emphasized the importance of clean competition. He acknowledged Blaney’s strong performance and expressed a mix of surprise and admiration for how quickly Blaney was able to pass him during the closing laps.
“Hats off to Ryan at the end. All of our cars were really strong, and Ryan did a great job there. I was honestly surprised. I was a little worried when he got around me as quick as he did, but it seemed like it leveled out, and I was able to keep him honest at least at the end,” Josh Berry said.
“Just a shame to finish second, but after the last couple weeks, it feels good. This is definitely what we’re capable of, and hopefully we can keep it going. It’s definitely a tough situation. You’ve got to take care of him. That’s how I try to race, anyway. These restarts and stuff, I try to do the best I can to be smart. It’s tough out there sometimes. I was going to race him hard but clean,” he added.
Though Berry is no longer in playoff contention this season, sitting 16th with 2,053 points among the 36-car field, his performance at New Hampshire revealed his capacity to challenge top competitors. He remains hopeful about securing another win leading into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix.
Ryan Blaney appreciates the respect shown during fierce competition
The high-stakes environment of the New Hampshire race could have led to crashes, cautions, or penalties. Instead, both drivers maintained a respectful and clean battle while vying for the key victory that grants automatic passage into the next playoff round. Blaney expressed his gratitude for Berry’s clean racing conduct during his post-race comments on the USA Network and NASCAR interviews.
“I appreciate Josh for not throwing me the bumper when he could have. But what a cool day.”
“We raced just super clean, but I would do the same if I was him,” Blaney told NASCAR. “You’d go try to win the race, so that’s what this thing was all about.”
Looking ahead to the next playoff challenge at Kansas Raceway
With the New Hampshire victory, Blaney strengthens his position in the playoffs, setting the stage for the upcoming Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet at Kansas Raceway on September 28. This race will be critical as the drivers compete in the ongoing Round of 12 to secure a spot in the Round of 8. Fans can follow the action live on the USA Network starting at 3 p.m. ET or tune in to MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for comprehensive audio coverage.
Ryan Blaney’s focused and clean approach at New Hampshire reflects how crucial playoff races are in shaping the championship landscape. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and race fairly highlights the intense yet respectful nature of NASCAR competition, promising continued excitement as the season intensifies towards its climax.
