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

Kyle Larson Crowned NASCAR Champion in Dramatic Finale

AVONDALE, Arizona – Kyle Larson clinched his second NASCAR championship in a race full of unexpected twists that left Denny Hamlin heartbroken. The final, held at Phoenix Raceway, culminated in a late caution that changed the course of the competition. Larson, aware that he couldn’t catch Hamlin in the final laps without the help of a yellow flag, saw his opportunity. Hamlin, for his part, experienced the bitterness of defeat, losing the opportunity to secure his first title.

It’s simply incredible. I can’t believe it.

Kyle Larson

The yellow flag, caused by a puncture and William Byron’s impact against the wall, just three laps from the finish, altered the course of the race. Hamlin, who seemed to have the championship secured, was relegated to tenth position after a pit stop to change all four tires, while Larson opted for only two. This placed Larson in fifth place for the final two-lap sprint.

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.With little time to catch Larson, Hamlin finished sixth, while Larson secured third place, enough to win the championship. Ryan Blaney, who was not in contention for the title, won the race.

I don’t really have many emotions right now. I’m just numb, in a state of shock.

Denny Hamlin

For Larson, this is his second championship, after the one achieved in 2021. Hamlin, for his part, added his sixth defeat in a championship final in his 20-year career. He led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole position.

It’s the sixth time a NASCAR championship has slipped away from Denny Hamlin in his 20 years of competing for Joe Gibbs Racing. He led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole. “I couldn’t have done anything different,” Hamlin said.The 44-year-old driver, originally from Virginia, had previously suffered bad luck in five championship finals, in 2010, 2014, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Sunday marked his first opportunity in the final race in four seasons. Hamlin, who remained calm throughout the week, even rented three houses in Scottsdale to host 30 friends and family, won the pole and dominated Sunday’s race. However, he failed to secure the victory.

Man, if you can’t win that one, I don’t know which one you can win.

Denny Hamlin

Larson, who hadn’t won a race since early May, extended his winless streak to 24 consecutive races. His teammate Chase Briscoe finished 18th in his championship final debut, while Byron, also Larson’s teammate, finished 33rd after his late issue. Byron lamented having ruined Hamlin’s opportunity, despite his Hendrick Motorsports teammate winning the championship.