Larson Claims Second NASCAR Cup Title in Overtime Thriller as Hamlin Suffers Devastating Phoenix Finale Loss

Phoenix, AZ – Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in a dramatic overtime finish at Phoenix Raceway, capping a season of highs and lows with a hard-fought victory. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who hadn’t won a race since May and didn’t lead a single lap on Sunday, capitalized on a late-race caution to surge forward on the final restart. His third-place finish was enough to clinch the title, a result that left Larson himself in disbelief and marked an unexpected triumph in a season where whispers had questioned his dominance after a demanding Indy 500/Coke 600 double earlier in the year.

The emotional finale, likely the last under the current playoff format, was a brutal affair for Denny Hamlin. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver dominated the race, leading over 200 laps from the pole position and appearing poised to finally capture his elusive championship after two decades of trying. However, a strategic gamble to prioritize four fresh tires over track position on the final restart proved costly. Hamlin could only advance from tenth to sixth, unable to reel in Larson and the leaders. The scene in the No. 11 pit stall post-race was one of profound disappointment, with crew members visibly emotional, highlighting the crushing weight of another championship slipping through Hamlin’s grasp.

Adding to the drama, Ryan Blaney of Team Penske secured the race victory with a last-lap pass. For Blaney, who won the championship two years prior but not the finale race, this victory was a personal triumph. He dismissed any notion of it being "bittersweet," expressing satisfaction with his fourth win of the season and his performance in what was his final race before the Championship 4.

The race-altering caution came from William Byron, whose blown tire sent him spinning and brought out the yellow flag, setting up the overtime scenario. Byron, who had been faster than Larson for much of the race, expressed regret over his role in the outcome, not for his own championship aspirations which fell to fourth, but for how it impacted Hamlin’s bid. The situation created a complex emotional landscape for the Hendrick Motorsports team, celebrating a championship while acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances for a teammate.

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Larson’s crew chief, Cliff Daniels, made a critical strategic call that proved instrumental. While the Joe Gibbs Racing cars opted for four fresh tires, Daniels chose to equip the No. 5 Chevrolet with fresh right-side tires for the overtime restart. This decision, executed across two consecutive pit stops, allowed Larson to maintain his track position and contend for the win, ultimately securing the championship despite running older left-side tires than his competitors.

The weekend also saw near-misses for RFK Racing. Brad Keselowski, in a surprising run, stayed out on old tires and led a significant portion of the race, even receiving a push from Larson on the final lap. However, an aggressive move in the final corner allowed Blaney to pass, leaving RFK Racing winless for the season across all their drivers.

Kyle Busch concluded a challenging year with a strong showing, achieving his sole oval top-five finish of the season at Phoenix. Despite a disappointing 21st-place finish in the standings, his two-tire strategy in the closing laps secured a fifth-place result, offering a glimmer of optimism as he looks towards the 2026 season with a new crew chief.

The race also highlighted the polarizing nature of the current playoff format. While it undoubtedly delivers high-octane drama, it has also led to a sense of frustration among a segment of the fanbase. Larson’s championship, secured without leading a single lap in the finale and with his last win occurring early in the season, has led to discussions about the fairness and integrity of the championship-awarding system. Many fans expressed a feeling that the championship was decided by circumstance rather than a comprehensive season-long performance, suggesting a need for reevaluation of the format.

In the NASCAR Truck Series, Corey Heim was celebrated for his dominant season, marked by record-breaking statistics. His victory in the Friday night showdown, involving a remarkable seven-wide pass on an overtime restart, was a highlight of the weekend for many. However, his lack of a confirmed full-time ride for the upcoming season casts a shadow over his remarkable achievements.

Conversely, the NASCAR Xfinity Series finale saw a heartbreaking end for 19-year-old rookie Connor Zilisch. Despite a dominant season with ten wins, Zilisch was unable to hold off his best friend, Jesse Love, and later Aric Almirola, ultimately denying JR Motorsports the owner’s championship. Zilisch’s emotional reaction post-race underscored the brutal nature of defeat in championship racing.

The overall event at Phoenix Raceway provided a fitting, albeit emotionally charged, conclusion to the NASCAR Cup Series season, leaving fans with a mixture of elation for the champions and reflection on the narratives that unfolded. The season’s conclusion reignites conversations about the championship format and the evolving landscape of stock car racing.