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

Kyle Larson Crowned NASCAR Champion in Dramatic Finale

AVONDALE, Arizona – Kyle Larson clinched his second NASCAR championship in a race full of emotions and unexpected twists at Phoenix Raceway. The driver, who had already secured his first title in 2021, starred in a heart-stopping finish that left all the fans on the edge of their seats. Larson’s victory came after a dramatic yellow flag in the final laps, which frustrated the hopes of Denny Hamlin, who seemed headed for his first championship. The intervention of luck, with a flat tire for William Byron, changed the course of the race and gave Larson the golden opportunity.

Simply incredible. I can’t believe it.

Kyle Larson

In the image, Kyle Larson celebrates 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 of the yellow flag was devastating for Hamlin, who was leading the race with a considerable lead. The teams’ strategy changed drastically, with Hamlin opting for four new tires, while Larson only took two. This decision put Larson in an advantageous position for the restart, while Hamlin, with fresher tires but in a further back position, couldn’t regain the lost ground, finishing in sixth place. The race was won by Ryan Blaney, who, despite not being in contention for the title, demonstrated his skill on the track.

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 a shame.

Ryan Blaney

Hamlin’s disappointment was evident. The driver, who has been close to the title on several occasions, was visibly affected. Larson, for his part, expressed his surprise and gratitude, highlighting the teamwork that allowed him to overcome a year with ups and downs, including a period without victories since the beginning of May. The Joe Gibbs Racing team, with Hamlin at the wheel, suffered their sixth defeat in their attempt for the title in Hamlin’s 20 years of competing with Gibbs.

I couldn’t do anything different. I prepared myself as best as I could for the weekend and my team gave me a fantastic car. It just didn’t work. I was praying there wouldn’t be a caution and there was. What can you do? It just wasn’t meant to be.

Denny Hamlin

In the image, it shows the sixth time a NASCAR championship slips away from Denny Hamlin in his 20 years competing with Joe Gibbs Racing. He led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole. “I couldn’t have done anything differently,” said Hamlin. Hamlin’s teammate, Chase Briscoe, finished 18th in his championship final debut, while Byron, Larson’s teammate, finished 33rd after his late problem. Byron felt bad for ruining Hamlin’s opportunity, although his Hendrick Motorsports teammate won the championship.