Kyle Larson Crowned NASCAR Champion in Dramatic Finale
AVONDALE, Ariz. – Kyle Larson clinched his second NASCAR championship in a race full of unexpected twists at Phoenix Raceway. The victory came after an exciting final that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Larson, aware that catching Denny Hamlin in the final laps would be a challenge without a caution flag, saw how luck smiled on him. However, for Hamlin, the race turned into a harsh disappointment.
The race was in Hamlin’s hands, who was seeking his first title, but a puncture by William Byron caused a yellow flag in the final laps, changing the course of the competition.
Simply incredible. I can’t believe it.
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson celebra con sus hijos tras asegurar 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.Hamlin, visibly affected, expressed his disbelief at what had happened. The tire strategy at the crucial moment was key. Hamlin opted for four new tires, while Larson only changed two, giving him a decisive advantage on the restart.
Larson, who started from fifth position, managed to maintain the pace and secure third place, enough to win the championship. 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 work out for him. But that’s racing. Sometimes it sucks.
Ryan Blaney
For Larson, this is his second championship, after the one won in 2021. Hamlin, for his part, added his sixth failed attempt to win a title in his 20-year career.Es la sexta oportunidad de campeonato de la NASCAR que se le escapa a Denny Hamlin en sus 20 años conduciendo para Joe Gibbs Racing. Lideró 208 de las 319 vueltas y partió desde la pole. “No podía haber hecho nada diferente”, dijo Hamlin.Hamlin, who led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole, was resigned. The 44-year-old driver has experienced disappointment in several championship finals, and this time it was no different.
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s teammate, finished in 18th position in his debut in the championship final, while Byron, Larson’s teammate, finished in 33rd place after the incident that changed the course of the race. Byron regretted having affected Hamlin’s chances.
I am very disappointed that it was obviously a precaution. I hate that. I hate it for Denny. I hate it for the 11 team.
