Kyle Larson Crowned NASCAR Champion in Dramatic Finale
AVONDALE, Arizona – Kyle Larson clinched the NASCAR championship victory, securing his second title in a race filled with unexpected turns and raw emotions. The competition, held at Phoenix Raceway, culminated in a heart-stopping finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Larson, aware that catching Denny Hamlin in the final laps would be a difficult task, saw his opportunity with a yellow flag that changed the course of the race. Luck favored Larson, while Hamlin experienced the bitterness of defeat.
The yellow flag, caused by a puncture from William Byron, completely altered the scenario. Hamlin, who seemed to have the title secured, was relegated to an unfavorable position on the restart.
Simply incredible. I can’t believe it.
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson celebra con sus hijos tras asegurar el Campeonato de la Serie NASCAR Cup 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 after the race. “I’m just stunned,” he commented, after consoling his daughters in the pit lane. “We were 40 seconds away from a championship. This sport can drive you crazy because sometimes speed, talent, none of that matters.”
The tire strategy also played a crucial role. Hamlin opted for four new tires, while Larson only changed two, giving Larson an advantage on the restart. Larson, starting from fifth position, managed to hold his position and secure the championship with a third-place finish.
Ryan Blaney, who was not in contention for the title, won the race. Blaney expressed his empathy for Hamlin, acknowledging the effort and speed he demonstrated throughout the day.
For Larson, this is his second championship, the first he obtained in 2021. The celebration contrasted with the disappointment of Hamlin, who remained motionless in his car for several seconds before showing his frustration.Es la sexta vez que un campeonato de NASCAR se le escapa a Denny Hamlin en sus 20 años compitiendo 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 position, lamented the lack of luck and the strategy that did not favor him. “It just wasn’t meant to be,” declared Hamlin.
The 44-year-old driver has experienced disappointment in several championship finals, and this time was no exception. Despite the efforts, the title slipped away once more.
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s teammate, finished in 18th place, while Byron, Larson’s teammate, suffered a problem that relegated him to 33rd place. Byron regretted having caused the yellow flag that affected Hamlin’s chances.
