Ryan Blaney didn’t just win the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday and he also cashed in big.
The Team Penske driver’s victory in the opening race of the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs secured him a guaranteed spot in the Round of 8, along with one of the biggest payouts of the 2025 season.
Blaney’s Victory Worth Nearly $1 Million
According to NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, the total purse for the Mobil 1 301 came in at $9,797,935. The winner typically receives between 8-10% of the purse, meaning Blaney pocketed somewhere between $783,835 and $979,794 for his performance at Loudon.
For Blaney, who has been fighting to keep momentum in a playoff field stacked with title contenders, this win represents both financial reward and championship security.
A check nearing the $1 million mark underscores the growing stakes in NASCAR’s playoff era, where each race is about much more than points.
Why the Prize Pool Matters
The $1 million purse has implications beyond Blaney’s own payday. Teams rely heavily on payouts to cover the immense costs of racing: travel, equipment, crew salaries, and the endless pursuit of performance upgrades.
Ryan Blaney loves racing in New England and he especially loves his lobster.
“I’ve wanted to hold that fuckin’ lobster for like 30 years.” pic.twitter.com/7ATaKr2AMz
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 21, 2025
For charter teams, prize money also plays into sponsor contracts and long-term budgets.
A victory like Blaney’s isn’t just celebrated in victory lane, it reverberates back to the garage, the balance sheets, and even future investments in car development. Winning a playoff race can shift momentum both on track and in the team’s financial planning.
What This Means for the Playoffs
Blaney’s victory removes pressure heading into Kansas and the Central Roval, where the next two Round of 12 races will be held. With advancement secured, he and his team can take more aggressive strategy calls while rivals like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell remain locked in tight battles.
At New Hampshire, Blaney showed he can deliver under pressure and the nearly $1 Million payday proves that winning in NASCAR’s playoff format pays off in more ways than one.
Related: Ryan Blaney Survives Late Playoff Scare From Josh Berry at New Hampshire
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Read the full article here