Larson NASCAR Champion for 2nd time, Denies Hamlin in Epic Final

Kyle Larson Crowned NASCAR Champion in Dramatic Finale

AVONDALE, Arizona – Kyle Larson clinched his second NASCAR championship in a race finale filled with emotions and unexpected twists. The victory, obtained at Phoenix Raceway, left a bittersweet taste, especially for Denny Hamlin, who saw his opportunity to obtain his first title in the category vanish. Larson, aware that he couldn’t catch Hamlin in the final laps without a yellow flag, received the help he needed. However, for Hamlin, the situation turned into a nightmare. The yellow flag, caused by a flat tire on William Byron’s car with three laps to go, changed the course of the race. Hamlin, who seemed to have the championship secured, was relegated to an unfavorable position.

Simply incredible. I can’t believe it.

Kyle Larson

The teams’ strategy also played a crucial role. While Hamlin opted for four new tires, Larson only changed two, which allowed him to gain positions on the restart.

Despite leading most of the race and starting from the pole position, Hamlin finished in sixth position, while Larson secured third place, enough to obtain the championship. Ryan Blaney, who was not in contention for the title, won the race.

You have to feel empathy for Denny. He did a good job all day, but it didn’t work out for him. But that’s motorsport. Sometimes it’s tough.

Ryan Blaney

For Larson, this is his second championship, after the one obtained in 2021. Hamlin, for his part, adds his sixth failed opportunity to obtain a title in his 20 years of career. Hamlin expressed his disappointment after the race, acknowledging that the tire strategy and the yellow flag were determining factors.

The 44-year-old driver lamented the bad luck that has plagued him in previous finals. Despite the efforts, fate denied him victory once more. Larson, who hadn’t won a race since early May, was also surprised by the result. His teammate, Chase Briscoe, finished in 18th position, while Byron, after the incident, finished in 33rd place. Byron regretted having affected Hamlin’s chances, although his teammate at Hendrick Motorsports took the championship.