AVONDALE, Ariz. – Kyle Larson emerged as the two-time NASCAR champion, snatching the title from Denny Hamlin in a drama-filled final at Phoenix Raceway.
The race, which was decided in overtime due to a late caution, changed course for Hamlin, who seemed headed for his first championship.
Simply incredible. I can’t believe it.
Kyle Larson
Luck favored Larson, while Hamlin experienced the bitterness of defeat. A flat tire for William Byron, also a title contender, caused the yellow flag that altered the result when Hamlin was leading the race.Kyle Larson celebra con sus hijos tras ganar el campeonato de la NASCAR Cup Series 2025. Es el segundo campeonato para Larson, quien ganó su primer título en 2021 cuando se unió a Hendrick Motorsports.
Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn ImagesWith the yellow flag out, Hamlin pitted for four new tires, while Larson opted for only two. This positioned Larson in fifth place and Hamlin in tenth for the restart with two laps to go.
Despite leading 208 of the 319 laps and starting from the pole position, Hamlin couldn’t regain ground, finishing sixth. Ryan Blaney, who wasn’t in the title contention, won the race.
I don’t really have much emotion right now. Just numb from the shock.
Denny Hamlin
The tire strategy and the yellow flag were key factors in Larson’s victory, who won his second championship, the first in 2021.Es la sexta vez que un campeonato de NASCAR se le escapa a Denny Hamlin en sus 20 años corriendo para Joe Gibbs Racing. Lideró 208 de las 319 vueltas y partió desde la pole position. “No pude haber hecho nada diferente”, dijo Hamlin.
Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn ImagesThis defeat represents Hamlin’s sixth failed attempt in 20 years with Joe Gibbs Racing. Despite the efforts, luck was not on his side.
Hamlin’s teammate, Chase Briscoe, finished 18th, while Byron, Larson’s teammate, finished 33rd after his late issue. Byron regretted hurting Hamlin’s chances.
I am very disappointed that it was a precaution, obviously. I hate that. I hate it for Denny. I hate it for the 11 team.
