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 final full of unexpected twists at Phoenix Raceway, snatching the title from Denny Hamlin in a race that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last moment. Larson, aware that catching Hamlin in the final laps seemed impossible without a yellow flag, saw his luck change drastically. Hamlin, on the other hand, experienced the bitterness of defeat, watching his coveted first championship title vanish. A late yellow flag, with only three laps to go, altered the course of the race. Hamlin, who seemed to have the victory secured, saw his hopes dashed when William Byron, another title contender, suffered a puncture that led him to crash into the wall.

Simply incredible. I can’t believe it.

Kyle Larson

The tension was palpable. Hamlin, visibly affected, consoled his daughters in the pit lane, while Larson celebrated his victory. The teams’ strategy also played a crucial role. Hamlin chose to change all four tires, while Larson only changed two, which gave him an advantage on the restart of the race. With little time to recover, Hamlin finished in sixth place, while Larson secured third place, enough to secure the championship. Ryan Blaney, who was not in contention for the title, won the race. Larson’s victory marks his second championship, the first he obtained in 2021. For Hamlin, this was another missed opportunity in his long career.

Hamlin, visibly disappointed, admitted that luck was not on his side. The 44-year-old driver has experienced several painful defeats in championship finals throughout his career. Larson, for his part, expressed his surprise at the victory, especially after a period of difficulties in the season.

We didn’t lead any laps and we won the championship. We had an average car at best and we had a right front tire go down, lost a lap and got saved by the yellow flag.

Kyle Larson

The atmosphere at Joe Gibbs Racing was one of disbelief. Hamlin, who led for a large part of the race, was unable to secure the victory despite having a dominant performance, including the pole position.

Hamlin’s teammate, Chase Briscoe, finished 18th, while Byron, Larson’s teammate, finished 33rd after his incident. Byron regretted affecting Hamlin’s chances.