Larson NASCAR Champion for 2nd time, Denies Title to Hamlin in Dramatic Final

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 until the very last moment. Larson, aware of the difficulty of catching Denny Hamlin in the final laps, benefited from a crucial factor: the yellow flag. This interruption, caused by a puncture of William Byron, changed the course of the race, depriving Hamlin of what would have been his first championship.

Simply incredible. I can’t believe it.

Kyle Larson

The image shows Kyle Larson celebrating with his children after securing the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship. This is the second championship for Larson, who won his first title in 2021 when he joined Hendrick Motorsports. The impact was palpable. Hamlin, visibly affected, expressed his disbelief at what had happened. The driver, who led much of the race, was overcome by fate and circumstances.

I don’t really have many emotions right now. I’m just numb from the shock.

Denny Hamlin

The pit strategy was key. While Hamlin opted for four new tires, Larson only changed two, which allowed him to gain positions and be in an advantageous place for the restart. Despite Hamlin’s efforts, who finished in sixth place, Larson secured third place, enough to win the title. Larson’s triumph, in addition to being his second championship, marks a turning point in his season, after a period of difficulties. On the other hand, Hamlin’s disappointment was evident, adding a new chapter to his history of bad luck in the championship finals.

This image portrays Denny Hamlin’s sixth failed attempt to win a NASCAR championship in his 20-year career with Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole position. “I couldn’t have done anything differently,” Hamlin commented.

The race, dominated by Hamlin for a large part of the time, slipped from his hands at the least expected moment. Despite the efforts of his team and his excellent performance, the victory was not for him. The driver regretted the situation, acknowledging that his team’s strategy had been correct, but the advantage gained by Larson, thanks to the choice of tires, was decisive. Hamlin’s frustration was evident, especially after leading so many laps and starting from the pole position. Hamlin’s teammate, Chase Briscoe, finished in 18th position, while William Byron, Larson’s teammate, suffered a setback that relegated him to 33rd place. Byron, aware of having affected Hamlin’s chances, expressed his regret for what happened. Larson’s victory marks a milestone in his career, while for Hamlin, the defeat represents a new chapter in his history of misfortunes in the NASCAR finals.