Ryan Blaney’s team has outlined a tactical approach for the upcoming NASCAR playoffs, focusing their efforts on crucial races to maximize their chances of advancing. With the playoff rounds intensifying, the Ryan Blaney playoff strategy involves balancing energy and resources between immediate contests and future events, especially at key venues like Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval.
Focused Approach to Remaining Playoff Races
Jonathan Hassler, Ryan Blaney’s crew chief, revealed their calculated mindset going into the next phases of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. According to Hassler, the team plans to dedicate approximately 80 to 90 percent of their efforts toward the current round of races, reserving a strategic portion for the following rounds. This plan reflects a careful balancing act, ensuring their car and team remain competitive in the present while also preparing for challenges ahead. The Kansas Speedway race stands as a prime example of where this approach will be applied.
The team’s tactical adjustment comes after Blaney’s commanding victory on September 21, 2025, at the Mobil 1 301 NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This decisive win marked Blaney’s third triumph of the season and guaranteed his spot in the Round of 8. Starting from the front row alongside teammate Joey Logano, Blaney immediately set a strong pace, leading 116 laps, particularly dominating the crucial final segment of the race.
Hassler elaborated on the shift in mentality after securing advancement, explaining that while the team remains focused, they can afford to
“let up just a little bit”
in coming races, maintaining awareness of how playoff points could influence future rounds. Emphasizing this strategy during an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Hassler stated:
“It’s a huge advantage. Like you said, um, you know, we’re definitely in a position where we’re racing for playoff points in the next couple of weeks…Um, you know, I think we can probably do 80 or 90% of the work that we would normally do and bank that last 10 to 20% and push that time into, you know, the weeks ahead. To make sure that we’re ready for those races. Um, so we can certainly, you know, let up just a little bit these next couple weeks”
Jonathan Hassler, Crew Chief
This approach helps preserve the team’s resources and energy, avoiding burnout while still competing strongly for vital playoff points that could prove essential as the postseason progresses.
Dominance of Team Penske and the Ford Vehicles
Blaney’s recent performance at New Hampshire not only boosted his playoff hopes but also highlighted the impressive strength of Team Penske’s Ford cars, which showed clear superiority throughout the race. The team’s dominance underlines their strategic edge and mechanical robustness, cementing their reputation as one of the leading contenders in the championship fight.
Blaney’s Perspective on Team Penske’s Championship Favorite Status
Despite Team Penske’s evident strength, Ryan Blaney remains cautious about declaring his team the outright favorite for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship. He pointed out the sport’s unpredictability and the fluctuating nature of performance week to week. Blaney stressed the immense talent across the field and the reality that any team can demonstrate dominance one week and face challenges the next. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blaney said:
“Every team that’s in this deal is really talented, every driver is incredibly talented, so you never know who’s going to come on strong at what time. This sport is a week-to-week sport, and you can be on the top of the world one week, and then you can be struggling to find your own way the next week.”
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
His mindset remains rooted in continuous improvement, focusing on his team’s performance each race rather than placing emphasis on external expectations or rankings.
Strategic Importance and Outlook Moving Forward
The Ryan Blaney playoff strategy underlines the complexity and careful planning required in NASCAR’s high-stakes postseason. By allocating resources efficiently across rounds, Blaney’s team aims to maintain their competitive edge while preserving stamina for the championship run. Their ability to adapt and manage efforts at tracks like Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval will be critical in accumulating necessary playoff points and positioning themselves for ultimate success.
As the playoffs progress, the balance between pushing hard for immediate gains and conserving strength for future races will test the team’s strategic discipline. Blaney’s secured place in the Round of 8 affords some flexibility, yet the intensity remains high, with every lap and every point holding potential championship implications. The Ford cars of Team Penske, backed by a finely tuned strategy and a talented driver, remain among the sport’s most formidable challengers moving into the final rounds.
🗣️ After locking themselves into the round of 8, @Team_Penske crew chief Jonathan Hassler has a new goal for the next two races
💭 "Playoff points […] might be important for us in that next round."
More: https://t.co/WGRTG5gnEd pic.twitter.com/4j3AP0QWky
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 26, 2025
🗣️ "You can be on top of the world one week and then you can be struggling to find your own way the next week."@NHMS winner Ryan @Blaney isn't sold just yet that @Team_Penske is the organization to beat for the championship right now.
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/kmP7tWOuYt
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 25, 2025
