Larson Crowned NASCAR Cup Series Champion in Dramatic Season Finale, Hamlin Secures Runner-Up

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season culminated in a stunning upset at Phoenix Raceway, where Kyle Larson clinched his second career championship, a victory achieved without leading a single lap in the decisive Championship 4 race. While Larson celebrated his maiden title with Hendrick Motorsports, veteran Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing was relegated to a familiar runner-up position in the final championship standings, marking his first time finishing second since 2010.

The season finale itself was a nail-biting affair, with Ryan Blaney of Team Penske ultimately crossing the finish line first, executing a daring pass on Brad Keselowski in the final corner to secure the race victory. Larson, demonstrating remarkable consistency and strategic prowess, managed his race to perfection, finishing third in the championship race and securing the coveted Cup Series trophy.

This year’s NASCAR Cup Series saw a broad spectrum of participation, with 60 different drivers taking the green flag in at least one points-paying event. Of these, 43 were eligible to score championship points, highlighting the competitive depth of the series. A significant portion of the field, 35 drivers, completed the grueling 36-race schedule, underscoring their dedication and endurance throughout the demanding season.

Chase Briscoe achieved his career-best points finish in 2025, securing the third spot in the final championship standings. This marked a significant career milestone for the Stewart-Haas Racing driver, showcasing his consistent performance across the entire season.

Related News :

For Joey Logano, the 2024 champion, the 2025 season proved to be a challenging one. After failing to qualify for the Championship 4, Logano concluded the year in seventh place in the overall standings, unable to mount a defense of his title.

A notable statistical anomaly occurred for Kyle Busch, who for the first time in his two-decade-long career as a full-time Cup Series driver, finished outside the top 20 in the championship standings. Busch concluded the 2025 season in 21st place, his performance punctuated by a single top-five finish in the season finale.

The 2025 season also saw the emergence of new talent, with Rookie of the Year Shane van Gisbergen making a significant impact. The New Zealand native, competing in his debut full-time Cup Series season, finished an impressive 12th in the championship standings, demonstrating his adaptability and skill on American stock car racing’s premier circuit.

In the team battle, RFK Racing continued to solidify its position as a competitive force. Chris Buescher, a key driver for the organization, secured 17th place in the final standings, mirroring his performance from the previous year and indicating a steady upward trajectory for the team.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, characterized by its unpredictable outcomes and dramatic finishes, once again captivated fans with its blend of raw speed, strategic gambits, and intense competition. Kyle Larson’s championship triumph, achieved through a calculated performance in the season finale, adds another significant chapter to his burgeoning career. Denny Hamlin’s consistent pursuit of a championship, while falling short once again, reaffirms his status as one of the series’ perennial front-runners. The performances of rising stars like Chase Briscoe and Shane van Gisbergen, alongside the continued competitiveness of established teams, set the stage for an exciting future in NASCAR racing. The data from the 2025 season provides a rich tapestry of statistics and narratives that will be analyzed and debated throughout the off-season, as teams and drivers prepare for the challenges of 2026.

The 2025 season was particularly significant for its demonstration of how a championship can be won without necessarily dominating individual races. Larson’s ability to accumulate points and remain in contention throughout the playoff rounds, culminating in a championship victory without leading the final race, speaks to the strategic nuances of the current NASCAR playoff system. This approach, often referred to as "points racing" or "championship racing," prioritizes consistency and strategic execution over outright race wins, a philosophy that proved highly effective for Larson and Hendrick Motorsports in 2025.

For Denny Hamlin, this second-place finish represents a continued testament to his enduring skill and competitive spirit. Having won 50 Cup Series races and consistently contending for championships, Hamlin remains a formidable presence. However, the elusive championship trophy continues to be a driving force for the veteran driver, and his performance in 2025 will undoubtedly fuel his motivation for future seasons. His 2025 campaign, marked by strong performances and strategic racing, once again placed him among the elite, even if the ultimate prize remained just out of reach.

The performance of RFK Racing, under the guidance of co-owners Brad Keselowski and Jack Roush, continued to impress. Chris Buescher’s consistent top-20 finishes, including his 17th-place standing in 2025, highlight the team’s ability to build competitive machinery and develop drivers. With Brad Keselowski also competing and achieving a strong run in the championship race, the team’s momentum suggests they will remain a significant factor in the Cup Series for years to come. Their ability to develop and maintain competitiveness across multiple seasons is a testament to their engineering and operational strengths.

The 2025 season also provided a clear indicator of the evolving landscape of NASCAR. The continued success of established organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, alongside the steady progress of teams like Stewart-Haas Racing and RFK Racing, showcases the enduring power of well-funded and strategically managed operations. However, the strong showing from drivers like Shane van Gisbergen also underscores the increasing global appeal and talent pool within NASCAR, suggesting a future where international drivers can make a significant impact.

The statistical breakdown of the 2025 season paints a picture of a highly competitive and diverse field. The fact that 35 drivers completed all 36 races emphasizes the robustness of the car and the dedication of the teams and drivers. The championship race itself, with its dramatic last-corner pass, served as a fitting conclusion to a season that was rich in storylines and competitive battles. As the motorsport community looks ahead, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season will be remembered as a pivotal moment, marked by an unexpected champion and a renewed sense of excitement for the future of the sport. The insights gleaned from this season’s standings and race performances will undoubtedly shape the strategies and aspirations of teams as they gear up for the 2026 campaign, promising another year of thrilling racing and intense competition on the track.