Larson NASCAR champion: Snaps title from Hamlin in dramatic final

Kyle Larson Crowned NASCAR Champion in a Dramatic Final

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Kyle Larson was crowned NASCAR’s two-time champion, snatching the title from Denny Hamlin in an exciting race decided by a late yellow flag at Phoenix Raceway. Larson, aware that he could not catch Hamlin in the final laps without a fortuitous intervention, saw his luck change drastically. Hamlin, on the other hand, experienced the bitterness of defeat. The yellow flag, caused by a flat tire on William Byron’s car with three laps to go, altered the course of the race. Hamlin, who seemed to have the championship secured, was relegated to an unfavorable position on the restart.

It’s incredible. I can’t believe it.

Kyle Larson

The teams’ strategy also played a crucial role. Hamlin opted for four new tires, while Larson only changed two. This put Larson in fifth place and Hamlin in tenth for the final two-lap restart. With little time to recover, Hamlin finished sixth, while Larson secured third place, enough to win the championship.

Larson’s celebration contrasted with Hamlin’s disappointment, who remained motionless in his car for several seconds. This result marks Larson’s second championship, following his victory in 2021 with Hendrick Motorsports. Hamlin, visibly affected, expressed his disbelief and frustration. The 44-year-old driver led 208 of the 319 laps and started from the pole position, but luck was not on his side.

I don’t really have much emotion right now. Just numb from the shock.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin acknowledged that the decision to change all four tires was the correct one, but the advantage gained by those who only changed two tires was decisive. This result adds a new chapter of disappointment for Hamlin, in his attempt to obtain his first title in NASCAR.

Ryan Blaney, already out of the title contention, won the race. Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s teammate, finished in 18th place, while Byron, Larson’s teammate, finished in 33rd place after the incident.