Ryan Blaney is determined to claim the coveted lobster trophy at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) during the 2025 Mobil 1 301, aiming to end Toyota’s recent dominance at the track. With the Round of 12 playoffs underway, Blaney’s focus sharpens on overcoming Toyota’s stronghold at the Magic Mile and taking home the iconic prize.
Toyota’s Stronghold at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
In recent years, Toyota has firmly established itself as the dominant force at NHMS, particularly in the Next Gen era that began in 2022. Since then, Toyota drivers have won all three races, swept every stage across those events, and led 83% of the laps, showcasing overwhelming superiority. Christopher Bell secured victories in both 2022 and 2024, with Martin Truex Jr. adding a triumph in 2023, emphasizing the manufacturer’s consistent success at the Magic Mile.
In contrast, Ryan Blaney’s 2024 campaign at New Hampshire showed promise but ended in disappointment due to late-race contact with Michael McDowell that sent both drivers spinning. Despite this, Blaney demonstrated aggressive speed by qualifying second and running near the front for much of the race, signaling his competitiveness on the track.
Blaney’s Passion for the Lobster Trophy and New Hampshire
Ryan Blaney has openly expressed his enthusiasm for racing at New Hampshire and the symbolic lobster trophy awarded to the race winner. The trophy, which nods to New England‘s coastal culture, holds special appeal for Blaney and the passionate fans of the region.
“I’ve always wanted all that lobster in Victory Lane. It’s one of the coolest traditions. I really enjoy New Hampshire. I love the area. It’s gorgeous up there, especially in September, everything’s starting to change, and the fans up here are just incredibly passionate about Motorsports,”
Ryan Blaney said in a SiriusXM interview.
The Magic Mile’s unique character is heightened by its autumnal setting and the passionate crowd, comparable to the ardor seen at tracks like Dover and Watkins Glen. Blaney appreciates how the recently widened racing surface at NHMS has opened a fourth lane, allowing drivers to experiment with new passing strategies critical for challenging Toyota’s mastery of the venue.
“I’m happy they got a playoff race that New Hampshire got a playoff race because that’s the way it was for a while. It was either in the chase or the playoffs or whatever, and then they lost it for a bit. And it’s nice that it’s back cause I feel like that place puts on a good show, and the track’s gotten pretty wide,”
Blaney noted.
The return of NHMS to the NASCAR playoffs since 2014, after a brief absence, along with recent track repaves, has reinvigorated competition and excitement at the venue. The added racing lanes create opportunities for drivers like Blaney to find alternative lines for overtaking, an advantage seen in Bell’s rain-affected 2024 victory when strategy played a vital role.
Mounting Pressure on Toyota’s Dominance
Toyota’s supremacy has drawn attention from fellow competitors and fans alike, with some expressing the desire to break the manufacturer’s stranglehold. Denny Hamlin, a Toyota driver himself, recently celebrated his victory at Gateway, his fifth of the season, acknowledging the strength of his team and equipment.
“It’s so big for everyone at Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing. The Progressive Toyota was great there at the end. So happy to get this victory,”
Hamlin said following his win.
Despite Toyota’s string of successes, Blaney remains optimistic and motivated to change the narrative. After building momentum with a strong fourth-place finish at Bristol and consistent top results during the 2025 season, he believes his No. 12 Penske Ford team has the tools to challenge for the win at NHMS and claim the lobster trophy.
“But now in the last couple of years, we’ve gotten up there in the race, and it just makes it for another lane, and that’s always important when you have another lane to go to. I’m looking forward to it and starting the next round. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going that we’ve had,”
Blaney said confidently.
Blaney’s Racing Style Reflects Respect and Determination
Ryan Blaney’s approach to racing is shaped by his family background and personal values, embracing a respectful yet competitive style that distinguishes him in a sport often characterized by aggressive tactics. The son of sprint car legend Dave Blaney, Ryan was taught early to give respect and expect it in return from fellow drivers.
“There’s always this discussion brought up specifically about me, like, ‘Hey, do you think guys take advantage of you because you race a certain way and maybe they feel like they can take more of an advantage of you?’”
Blaney reflected during a Ford media session.
He credits his father for instilling the importance of respect on the track, which remains central to his approach despite NASCAR’s occasional intensity and physicality.
“My dad taught me at a young age, when I was getting going as a racer, that you give respect and you hope to get it back,”
Blaney shared.
Blaney aims to maintain fairness and sportsmanship in his racing but knows when to stand his ground to prevent being pushed around.
“I’ve tried to be really respectful, no matter what it is. When I was a rookie and as I’ve been in it for a while, I try to be respectful. It’s just not in my nature to be the rough guy,”
he explained.
This balanced approach to competition was visible in Blaney’s intense but clean battle with Christopher Bell at Bristol, earning him respect from peers and fans alike. This style could play a crucial role in maneuvering around the Magic Mile’s multiple lanes and close racing conditions that demand precision rather than aggression, especially in efforts to dethrone Toyota’s dominant presence.
Looking Ahead to the Mobil 1 301 and Beyond
As the NASCAR playoffs progress, the 2025 Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire represents a pivotal opportunity for Ryan Blaney to end Toyota’s reign and secure a cherished victory distinguished by the lobster trophy. His combination of strategic driving, respectful competitiveness, and steady season momentum positions him as a significant contender.
New Hampshire’s evolving track conditions, including the wider racing groove, will test drivers’ adaptability and skill, and Blaney’s experience, along with his team’s execution, could make the difference in delivering a breakthrough win. Capturing the lobster trophy would not only highlight Blaney’s personal ambitions but also signal a shift in power at the Magic Mile going forward.
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