(Photo Credit: SaJorden Miller/ The SkyBoat)
“I always joke that when I come up to New Hampshire I feel like I am Dale (Earnhardt) Jr. Because, everyone likes me.” Logano, the driver for number 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford car, said.
It comes as no surprise that Logano has a history at the 27-year-old track in Loudon, New Hampshire. Logano’s home track has been the place of many memories, he saw his first race at the “Magic Mile” as a child and. He would start his first MNECS race at the age of 18 in 2008, and would become the youngest to capture the checkered flag at the track in 2009 at the age of 19.
“I want to race here three or four times a year.” Logano said.
Since going to victory lane in Richmond in the Toyota Owners 400, Logano and the Shell Pennzoil team has struggled. The 22 Ford has suffered three did-not-finishes.
“We have to be able to get our cars faster. That is the biggest thing right now.” Logano said of the slump.
Heading into the Overton’s 301, Logano and the Shell Pennzoil team will indeed need to get faster. The 22 qualified 13th and will be facing cars that have outperformed his throughout qualifying and practices in Loudon.
Martin Truex Jr., who is the MNECS point leader, and has three victories under his belt, sits in the Coors Light Pole position. And looks to continue the momentum coming off a wild victory in Kentucky. The 78 WIX Filters Toyota won the Quaker State 400 in overtime due to a late caution.
Truex, won the pole after the 42 Target Chevrolet driven by Kyle Larson had its qualifying time disallowed due to an unapproved part discovered during inspection after qualifying. This infraction happened just two days after being hit with a major penalty that saw his crew chief suspended for three races, $75,000 fine and a 35-point deduction.
It will be the fourth time that the 42-car will be forced to make its way up the field from the back. But, if there is a car that can do it Larson’s vehicle is the one. The car owned by Chip Ganassi Racing has worked it was twice to top five finishes when starting in the back of the field. Larson has also been driving the fastest car on the track all weekend in practice.
Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Logano will look to defend his home turf against the stiff competition. You can catch the action from New Hampshire Motor Speedway on NBC Sports Network.
