Team Penske’s performance at New Hampshire on Sunday was nothing short of a masterclass. Ryan Blaney led 116 laps for his third win of the 2025 season, while Joey Logano started on pole, led 147 laps, and finished fourth, together controlling 263 of the 301 laps at Loudon. Their dominance wasn’t just about raw speed; it reflected meticulous preparation, strategy, and tire testing that put them a step ahead of every rival, including this year’s favorite, Denny Hamlin. Every Penske car seemed to know the track intimately, making the competition look flat-footed in comparison. But while Penske’s success turned heads, it also raised questions for other top teams: why aren’t others, like Joe Gibbs Racing, capitalizing on similar opportunities to translate testing and setup data into tangible speed advantages?

Team Penske’s perfect execution at New Hampshire

Team Penske’s dominance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2025 was largely fueled by their exceptional tire testing and data-driven preparation, setting a new standard for playoff performance. Penske conducted extensive tire tests leading up to the race, refining their setups to maximize grip and durability on the demanding one-mile oval. This gave them a critical advantage in understanding how to balance tire wear and performance.

Denny Hamlin highlighted the significance of this testing edge when he noted, “You would think that the others would probably base their setups around whatever the 22 team came up with during that test. And what we’ve seen is that Penske’s got a really good test plan.” This meticulous groundwork was a pivotal factor behind Ryan Blaney’s 116 laps led and dominant victory, as well as Joey Logano’s performance at the front of the pack, eventually finishing 4th.

In contrast, Joe Gibbs Racing struggled. Denny Hamlin observed, “We missed it by being like the eighth through 13th fastest cars.” JGR’s overall result highlighted the broader issue. Despite competitive balance in practice and simulation, JGR lacked the critical speed advantage, hardly leading any laps in the race. In the end, Christopher Bell managed only 6th place, whereas Briscoe finished 10th. Similarly, Denny Hamlin finished a disappointing 12th after starting 9th. JGR was nowhere close to Team Penske.

Hamlin explained, “Certainly something that can be worked with, but man, we just did not have the speed. And so that’s usually a grip problem,” highlighting the minuscule yet decisive difference in tire grip, estimated as “one and a half percent more grip” possessed by Penske’s cars, that translated into a substantial speed advantage on race day.

This grip advantage, born from precise tire management and setup, exposed the rest of the field, leaving Penske’s competitors to chase an elusive benchmark. The team’s flawless integration of tire data into race strategy and car setup exemplifies the scientific precision and preparation that distinguish their playoff performances from the pack. Penske’s New Hampshire success was not just a victory; it reset expectations for technical excellence in the NASCAR playoffs.

What Team Penske’s performance means for JGR and Hendrick Motorsports

Team Penske’s dominant performance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway reinforced its status as the team to beat in the NASCAR playoffs. The drivers set a high standard for both Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Ryan Blaney’s victory propelled him firmly into the Round of 8, showcasing Penske’s ability to capitalize when it counts. Joey Logano, who started on pole, also demonstrated why Penske consistently excels on mile and intermediate tracks.

For Hendrick Motorsports, New Hampshire was a mixed bag. William Byron managed a solid third-place finish, but Chase Elliott’s struggles with qualifying and consistency remain a concern as the playoffs tighten. Hendrick faces pressure to improve not just race pace but crucial qualifying efforts to keep pace with Penske’s raw speed and strategic mastery.

Meanwhile, Joe Gibbs Racing, grappling with internal conflicts and subpar results, fell short of expectations. Christopher Bell, finishing sixth, was the highest JGR finisher, but the team’s inability to beat Penske’s speed left them searching for answers.

The implications for the playoffs are significant. Penske’s momentum and technical edge give them a tangible advantage heading into the demanding Kansas and Charlotte Roval races, increasing pressure on HMS and JGR to adjust quickly or risk early elimination.

With only eight spots remaining for championship contention, the next few races will test each team’s adaptability and resilience. Penske’s New Hampshire success signals a potential pathway to another title run, but the unfolding competition means the battle for NASCAR supremacy is far from decided.