Loudon, New Hampshire, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway is set to host the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs for the first time in eight years, starting with the Mobil 1 301 race. Drivers like Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell are poised to compete aggressively, with Joe Gibbs Racing showing strong performances. The event promises exciting racing amidst the beautiful fall scenery, highlighting the significance of pit stops with new tire strategies in place. Alongside, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will also feature, with its recent events adding more thrills to the weekend.
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The New Hampshire Motor Speedway makes its return to the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs for the first time in eight years, marking a significant moment in this year’s racing calendar. The Mobil 1 301 race on Sunday, September 21, 2025, will kick off the Round of 12 in the playoffs, generating excitement among fans and teams alike.
Ryan Blaney, a key driver in the playoffs, expressed his enjoyment for the northeast area, noting the beautiful changing leaves and the vibrant atmosphere created by the enthusiastic crowd. For Blaney, this backdrop represents a potential turning point in his quest for a championship title. With an average playoff finish of 8.67, Blaney ranks second among the 12 eligible drivers and has earned 16 top-10 finishes this season, sharing the series lead with Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson.
Throughout the first round of the playoffs, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) demonstrated their dominance with wins from drivers Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell. JGR’s Toyotas led a remarkable 757 of 1,107 laps during the initial races held at Darlington, World Wide Technology Raceway, and Bristol. Christopher Bell acknowledged JGR’s current standing as a powerhouse in the sport, as they strive to maintain their momentum going into New Hampshire.
The second round begins at New Hampshire, known as “the Magic Mile,” which is a 1.058-mile oval track. Since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, JGR drivers have prevailed in every race and stage at New Hampshire. Over the past three seasons, Toyotas have led 83% of the laps raced at the venue, with Bell winning two of the last three contests, including his victory on June 23, 2024. Bell approaches this weekend with optimism, anticipating a strong performance and contending for another win.
JGR’s impressive history at New Hampshire cannot be overlooked, as they have placed at least one car in the top two positions in the last 13 races held at the track, solidifying their status as the leading team. Blaney, despite never winning at New Hampshire, qualified second last year and is optimistic about the potential of his No. 12 Ford this time around.
In related news, Denny Hamlin faces increased pressure at New Hampshire due to the suspension of two key pit crew members stemming from a loose wheel incident at Bristol. This penalty has complicated race strategies for Hamlin and his team. Additionally, a new tire will be utilized at New Hampshire, highlighting the critical nature of pit stops during the 301-lap race.
In the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Tyler Rypkema achieved a dramatic victory in the Mohegan Sun 100 race at New Hampshire, narrowly edging out defending winner Justin Bonsignore and Jon McKennedy during a thrilling finish. This victory adds further excitement to the weekend as Mohegan Sun and New Hampshire Motor Speedway announced a multi-year partnership extension to continue hosting the Mohegan Sun 100.
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will also make its return to New Hampshire for the first time in eight years, culminating in the Team EJP 175 race. Fans can look forward to a weekend filled with action-packed events, including driver autograph sessions and live performances.
Upcoming Races and Events
- Mobil 1 301 Race: September 21, 2025
- NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: Team EJP 175
- NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour: Mohegan Sun 100
Playoff Standings
The championship standings have been reset for the second round. Notably, nine of the top ten drivers are from JGR, Hendrick Motorsports, and Team Penske, which have collectively dominated the Cup titles since 2017, securing 18 of 20 Championship 4 spots since 2020. Other contenders, such as Ross Chastain and Tyler Reddick, remain outliers in this competitive landscape.
FAQs
When does the NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway take place?
The NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301 race will kick off the Round of 12 on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
What is significant about Joe Gibbs Racing in the playoffs?
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) dominated the first round of the playoffs with wins from Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell, leading a combined 757 of 1,107 laps.
What challenges is Denny Hamlin facing at New Hampshire?
Denny Hamlin is under pressure for a strong result at New Hampshire due to the suspension of two key pit crew members for upcoming races following a loose wheel incident at Bristol.
Who won the Mohegan Sun 100 race at New Hampshire?
Tyler Rypkema won the Mohegan Sun 100 race at New Hampshire, marking a dramatic victory after facing intense competition.
Key Features of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301 Race |
| Date | September 21, 2025 |
| Location | New Hampshire Motor Speedway |
| Notable Teams | Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske |
| Race Length | 301 laps |
| Tire Type | New tire for increased pit stop importance |
| NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Winner | Tyler Rypkema |
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Brad Keselowski Secures Second Place at Bristol Race
Additional Resources
- NASCAR News: Racing Insights – Bell
- Wikipedia: NASCAR Cup Series
- NHMS News: Ryan Blaney Wins Mobil 301
- Google Search: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
- NHMS News: Rypkema Wins Mohegan Sun 100
- Google Scholar: NASCAR playoffs
- NHMS News: Catch Favorite Drivers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR Schedule
- Billboard: How to Watch NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs
- Google News: NASCAR Cup Series 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
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