Kyle Larson NASCAR Champion: Snapped the Title from Hamlin in Epic Final

Kyle Larson Conquers His Second NASCAR Title in a Dramatic Finale

AVONDALE, Arizona – Kyle Larson clinched his second NASCAR championship in a race full of unexpected twists at Phoenix Raceway. Larson’s victory came after an exciting final that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Larson, aware of the difficulty of catching Denny Hamlin in the final laps, saw how a yellow flag changed the course of the competition, leading it to a decisive overtime.

“Simply incredible. I can’t believe it,” Larson declared after the victory.

Kyle Larson

The yellow flag, caused by a puncture from William Byron, changed Hamlin’s fate, who seemed headed for his first title. The tire strategy on the restart favored Larson, who opted for two new tires, while Hamlin chose four, relegating him to tenth position.

Kyle Larson celebrates with his children after winning the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship. It is the second championship for Larson, who won his first title in 2021 when he joined Hendrick Motorsports.

In the final sprint, Larson, starting from fifth position, managed to secure a third place that earned him the championship, while Hamlin finished sixth. Ryan Blaney, who was not in contention for the title, won the race.

“You have to feel bad for that group and for Denny. They did a good job all day, but it didn’t go their way. But that’s racing. Sometimes it sucks,” Blaney commented.

Ryan Blaney

For Hamlin, the defeat was a hard blow, adding another missed opportunity in his career. Hamlin led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole position.

“I don’t really have much emotion right now. I’m just numb from the shock,” Hamlin said, visibly affected.

Denny Hamlin

The tire strategy and the yellow flag played a crucial role in the final result, leaving Hamlin with the feeling that victory slipped through his fingers.

It’s the sixth NASCAR championship attempt that has slipped away from Denny Hamlin in his 20 years driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. He led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole position. “I couldn’t have done anything different,” Hamlin said.Hamlin’s teammate, Chase Briscoe, finished in 18th place, while Byron, Larson’s teammate, finished in 33rd place after his late issue. Byron regretted having hurt Hamlin’s chances, even though his Hendrick Motorsports teammate won the championship.

“I’m just really disappointed that it was a precaution, obviously. I hate that. I hate it for Denny. I hate it for the 11 team,” Byron said.

William Byron

Larson’s victory marks his second championship, solidifying his place in NASCAR history.