Kyle Larson 2025 NASCAR Champion: Snaps Title from Denny Hamlin in Epic Finale

Kyle Larson Crowned NASCAR Champion in Dramatic Finale

AVONDALE, Arizona – Kyle Larson clinched the NASCAR championship, securing his second title, in a race filled with unexpected turns at Phoenix Raceway. Luck and a late caution played a crucial role in defining the championship, leaving Denny Hamlin with the bitterness of defeat. Larson, aware that he could not catch Hamlin in the final laps without external help, received the opportunity he needed. The yellow flag, caused by a problem in William Byron’s car, changed the course of the race, depriving Hamlin of his first title.

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

Kyle Larson celebra con sus hijos tras ganar el Campeonato de la NASCAR Cup Series 2025. Es el segundo campeonato para Larson, quien ganó su primer título en 2021 cuando se unió a Hendrick Motorsports.

The teams’ strategy was key in the last pit stop. Hamlin opted for four new tires, while Larson only changed two. This put Larson in fifth place and Hamlin in tenth for the final two-lap restart. With little time to recover positions, Hamlin finished in sixth place, while Larson secured third place, enough to win the championship. Ryan Blaney, who was not in contention for the title, won the race.

“You have to feel empathy for Denny. He did a great job all day, but it didn’t work out for him. That’s how motorsport is. Sometimes it’s tough,” Blaney commented.
Ryan Blaney

For Larson, this is his second championship, after the one achieved in 2021. Hamlin, visibly affected, expressed his disbelief at the situation.

“I don’t really have many emotions right now. I’m just numb from the shock. We were 40 seconds away from a championship. This sport can drive you crazy because sometimes speed, talent, none of that matters,” Hamlin said.
Denny Hamlin

On the opposite side, the Joe Gibbs Racing team experienced disappointment, with members crying and Gibbs himself showing disbelief. Hamlin, who led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole position, lamented the situation.

“I couldn’t do anything different. I prepared as best I could and my team gave me a fantastic car. It just didn’t work. I was praying there wouldn’t be a yellow flag and we had one. What can you do? It just wasn’t meant to be,” he stated.
Denny Hamlin

The 44-year-old driver has suffered several disappointments in championship finals in the past, and this was his sixth missed opportunity in 20 years competing for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Kyle Larson 2025 NASCAR Champion: Snaps Title from Denny Hamlin in Epic Finale — Es la sexta oportunidad de Denny Hamlin de ganar un campeonato de NASCAR en sus 20 años compitiendo para Joe Gibbs Racing. Lideró 208 de las 319 vueltas y partió desde la pole position. “No pude hacer nada diferente”, dijo Hamlin.

Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s teammate, finished in 18th place, while William Byron, Larson’s teammate, finished in 33rd place due to a late issue.

“I am very sorry that there was a yellow flag. I hate that. I feel bad for Denny. I feel bad for the 11 team. Denny was on his way. I hate it. There’s a lot of respect there. Obviously, I don’t want to cause a yellow flag. If I had known which tire it was, if I had known that a tire was deflating before getting to the turn, I would have done something different,” Byron said.
William Byron