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

Kyle Larson Conquers His Second NASCAR Championship in a Dramatic Finale

AVONDALE, Arizona – Kyle Larson clinched his second NASCAR championship in a race full of unexpected twists at Phoenix Raceway. The victory came after a final that kept fans on the edge of their seats, with a finish marked by a late yellow flag that changed the course of the competition. Larson, aware that catching Denny Hamlin in the final laps was practically impossible without external help, saw his opportunity with the appearance of the yellow flag. However, for Hamlin, this same flag meant the loss of a title that seemed assured.

Incredible! I can’t believe it.

Kyle Larson

The race, which was decided in overtime, saw William Byron, another title contender, suffer a flat tire that sent him into the wall, causing the crucial yellow flag. At that moment, Hamlin was leading the race and seemed headed for his first championship.

Description: Kyle Larson celebrates with his children after winning the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship. This is Larson’s second championship, who won his first title in 2021 when he joined Hendrick Motorsports. After the yellow flag, Hamlin opted to change four tires, while Larson only changed two. This put Larson in fifth place for the final two-lap sprint, with Hamlin in tenth position. With little time to recover, Hamlin finished sixth, while Larson secured third place, enough to be crowned champion. Ryan Blaney, who was not in contention for the title, won the race.

This sport can sometimes drive you crazy because sometimes speed, talent, none of that matters.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin’s frustration was evident, who, after consoling his daughters, expressed his disbelief at the situation. Hamlin led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole position. Larson, for his part, who had not led any laps during the race, was surprised by the victory, especially after a period of difficulties since his failed attempt on Memorial Day. The Joe Gibbs Racing team experienced a scene of disbelief, with team members visibly affected. Hamlin, for his part, acknowledged that there was nothing he could have done differently.

Description: It’s the sixth NASCAR championship opportunity 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. “Nothing I could do differently,” said Hamlin. This result marks Hamlin’s sixth failed attempt to conquer a title in his two decades competing for Gibbs. Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s teammate, finished 18th in his championship final debut, while Byron, Larson’s teammate, finished 33rd.