A Homegrown Battle for the Final Chase Spot
Ryan Preece, a New England native, finds himself in a tight race for the last spot in NASCAR’s Chase, sitting 50 points behind Shane van Gisbergen with only two races left in the regular season.
Preece has leaned heavily on his hometown crew, a group that includes locals nicknamed ‘John the Plumber,’ a connection he has nurtured since his teenage years, giving him a unique edge as he prepares for the upcoming event at New Hampshire.
The Magic Mile has been a familiar battleground for Preece, who boasts 40 NASCAR starts there compared to van Gisbergen’s mere two, giving the American a clear advantage in track knowledge and experience.
Qualifying saw Tyler Reddick claim pole position, while William Byron, Denny Hamlin and van Gisbergen rounded out the front row, setting the stage for a competitive showdown among the series’ favorites.
The Lobster Trophy Tradition
The race will be contested for a distinctive lobster trophy, a tradition started by Joey Logano in 2009 and now famously associated with Ryan Blaney, who received a 20‑pound lobster mounted on a plaque after his victory last September.
Christopher Bell’s team arrives refreshed after a scheduled break, a contrast to the grueling 27‑race schedule they endured the previous year, potentially influencing performance on the track.
Hendrick Motorsports, with a storied legacy of 118 victories across 28 tracks, last celebrated a win at New Hampshire in 2012 when Kasey Kahne took the checkered flag, underscoring the historic significance of the venue.