In NASCAR, the driver’s championship might grab the headlines, but behind the scenes, the owner’s championship has become its own grudge match. Teams aren’t just racing for trophies, but racing for bragging rights, sponsor dollars, and the kind of clout that reshapes the garage. And here’s the kicker: sometimes the owner’s fight runs even hotter than the drivers’.

After all, when one organization figures out how to squeeze a little extra speed out of the same rulebook everyone else has, the ripple effect is huge. Rivals notice. Whispers start flying. And frustration bubbles over. Coming out of New Hampshire, that tension is boiling to the surface again, with competitors pointing fingers at Roger Penske’s team, who just might have a secret edge.

Roger Penske’s edge over other teams

Team Penske once again showcased their dominance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this past Sunday, with Ryan Blaney securing a commanding win, his third of the season, and leading 116 laps in the process. As Tommy Baldwin observed, “They were pretty good… when you go tire test in any place, you’re gonna gain a lot,” hinting that Penske’s meticulous preparation paid big dividends at Loudon.

Freddie Kraft echoed that sentiment, noting, “They were legitimately untouchable yesterday,” as Penske’s cars powered past rivals mid-corner and accelerated away with ease. Other Roger Penske drivers, Joey Logano and Austin Cindric, too, looked a class apart from other drivers. Logano managed to finish fourth, whereas Cindric clawed his way up to 17th position after starting 22nd.

Rumors of politicking by rival crew chiefs, such as Chris Gabehart, swirl as teams try to nudge NASCAR into scrutinizing Penske’s technical package, though both Baldwin and Reddick see this as a blend of gamesmanship and real frustration. “How much is this just politicking on Gabehart’s part?” Kraft asked. With no major aero or tire rules expected for the season finale, the advantage currently lies squarely with Penske, especially heading to tracks like Phoenix.

Penske’s dominance of Phoenix has been noted by all. Blaney claimed the championship there in 2023, and Logano did it in 2022 and 2024. Overall, Team Penske has won four of the last seven Cup seasons. Roger Penske’s team continues to excel at flat tracks, building what rivals call a “hidden edge” into their program. Reddick captured a sense of collective frustration. “Whatever it is, that’s working, works at all of these places… I hear the politicking, but I also see this. I’m feeling a sense of frustration.”

The latest owner standings reflect Roger Penske’s strategic prowess. The No. 12 Penske Ford leads the pack, with a consistent cushion over powerhouse rivals from Hendrick and Gibbs. As the playoffs move toward Phoenix, the paddock’s gaze will sharpen. Can anyone crack Penske’s code before another title slips away? The margin for innovation grows narrower, and emotions run high, setting the stage for an electrifying championship battle, as noted by Ryan Blaney.

Ryan Blaney talks about the ‘pressure’ of NASCAR playoffs

Following his decisive win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney offered candid insight into handling the relentless pressure of the NASCAR Playoffs. Clinching an automatic berth in the Round of 8, Blaney noted the strategic freedom now at his disposal. “It opens up your box a little bit, and it makes you feel a little bit better if it doesn’t work out. If it backfires on you, it’s not as big of a deal if you’re fighting for your life for points, every point you can get,” he said.

Blaney emphasized the importance of momentum and confidence, stating, “Anytime you can win in the playoffs, it’s just momentum… I’m a big believer in momentum and confidence.” Rather than relaxing after Loudon, he asserted that the team would stay aggressive through Kansas and the Roval, with the goal of winning every week: “We’re not going to go kick our feet up and just ride around. Like, we’ll go try to win two more races. Got to stay in that mode. Got to stay in that on-kill mode. That’s super important.”

The Roger Penske driver highlighted the ability to play with race strategy, an advantage earned by not having to worry about elimination in the next two events. This relief enables Blaney and his No. 12 crew to experiment with pit stops and race setups, potentially gaining more playoff points to help in the later rounds.

Blaney’s playoff outlook is shaped by recent adversity: seven DNFs earlier in the year forced his team to adapt and sharpen execution, making their resurgence at Loudon even more impressive. He maintained perspective, crediting his crew for the turnaround and expressing gratitude for the chance to compete without immediate pressure.

As the playoffs push forward, Blaney’s mindset sets a tone for his team. Relentless effort, strategic risk-taking, and unwavering focus. All the ingredients he characterizes as vital for a championship run in NASCAR’s fiercest postseason battles.