Kyle Larson Clinches Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Dramatic Phoenix Overtime Thriller; Blaney Claims Season Finale Victory

Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in a breathtaking overtime finish at Phoenix Raceway, a race marked by strategic gambles, hard-fought battles, and a dramatic late-race caution that reshaped the championship picture. While Larson celebrated his title triumph with a third-place finish, Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney captured the checkered flag in the season finale, crossing the line just ahead of Brad Keselowski in a thrilling last-corner maneuver.

The championship decider at the one-mile oval was a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for Denny Hamlin, who had dominated significant portions of the race. Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, appeared poised for a strong run at his maiden Cup title. However, a strategic decision for a four-tire pit stop on the final caution period saw him restarting deep in the pack. In contrast, Larson, driving the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, opted for a two-tire change, granting him crucial track position that ultimately propelled him to his second career championship.

"We did the best job we could," a jubilant Larson commented after the race, clutching a championship bracelet. "Honestly, I can’t believe it. We didn’t lead a lap today. Somehow won the championship. I mean, really, I’m just speechless. I can’t believe it. We had an average car at best. We had the right front go down, lost a lap. Got saved by the caution. Did the wave-around. Was really bad that run. We took two tires. I was like, Oh, God, here we go. We’re going to go to the back now."

Larson’s path to victory was anything but smooth. The California native battled adversity throughout the race, including a right-front tire issue that caused him to lose a lap. A timely caution, however, allowed him to regain his position through the wave-around. His ability to capitalize on track position following the two-tire call proved decisive. "It had a lot more grip than I anticipated," Larson reflected on the critical restart. "We got lucky with the final caution. I was really hoping we were going to take two again. I felt like I learned a lot on that restart, bombing one and two really hard. Thought I could do the same thing if we got another one."

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Larson’s triumph marks his second NASCAR Cup Series title, adding to his 2021 championship. His success underscores a remarkable season for Hendrick Motorsports, which has consistently been a dominant force in the Cup Series. "Just unbelievable. What a year by this Hendrick Motorsports," Larson stated, praising his team’s efforts. "Cliff Daniels, everybody, his leadership, his complete leadership just showed that whole race. Keeping us all motivated. Always having a plan. All of that. That’s just the story of our season."

For Denny Hamlin, the race ended in disappointment. Despite leading laps and showcasing strong pace, a sixth-place finish relegated him to the championship runner-up position for the year. "Yeah, nothing I can do different," a dejected Hamlin said. "Prepared as good as I could coming into the weekend. My team gave me a fantastic car. Just didn’t work out. I was just praying that no caution. Had one there." He added, "What can you do? Just not meant to be."

The final standings saw Chase Briscoe secure third place in the championship, finishing 18th in the race. William Byron, who suffered a late-race tire issue, dropped to fourth in the final points.

In the race for the win, Ryan Blaney, already eliminated from championship contention in the previous round at Martinsville, delivered a stellar performance for Team Penske. His victory was hard-earned, culminating in a dramatic pass on Brad Keselowski in the final corner. Blaney’s win made him the first driver since Ross Chastain in 2023 to win the season finale without being a championship contender under the current playoff format.

The race began with Hamlin asserting his dominance, leading from the outset. However, William Byron remained a consistent threat, staying within striking distance. The early stages of Stage 1 saw Byron navigate traffic effectively, eventually taking the lead from Hamlin with seven laps remaining in the segment. Blaney also showed strong long-run pace, moving into second place ahead of Hamlin, as Byron went on to win Stage 1. Larson was fifth, and Briscoe tenth.

Stage 2 presented challenges for Hamlin, who reported issues with his clutch, a recurring problem for the No. 11 team throughout the season. Blaney took the lead off pit road, and Briscoe gained positions. A caution for John Hunter Nemechek spinning reset the field, and Hamlin quickly reclaimed the lead. Larson moved into second, but could not match Hamlin’s pace. The stage was punctuated by mechanical issues for Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota and a flat right-rear tire for championship contender Chase Briscoe, who had also experienced tire issues during practice. Briscoe’s tire problems continued, impacting his ability to contend. Kyle Busch and AJ Allmendinger also encountered tire issues, further shuffling the field. Despite the chaos, Hamlin maintained control to win Stage 2, with Blaney second and Byron third. Larson finished fourth, and Briscoe had recovered to seventh.

The complexion of the race changed dramatically in Stage 3. Pit road proved to be a significant factor, with Hamlin experiencing a slow stop due to a potential tire issue, dropping him to eleventh. Larson’s pit stop was even more problematic, with a tight wheel forcing him back to 18th. Byron assumed the lead, with Ross Chastain in pursuit, though Chastain faded. Briscoe moved into second, challenging Byron for the lead.

However, the championship hopes for both Larson and Briscoe took a severe blow when both drivers suffered flat tires and pitted under green. A caution for Carson Hocevar spinning, who then hit the wall, brought out the caution. On the ensuing restart, various strategies unfolded. While many leaders pitted, Larson and Briscoe opted for two-tire calls, placing them at the front for the restart.

The championship four drivers were then running in close proximity for a restart with 28 laps remaining. Hamlin attempted a three-wide move for the lead, making contact with Briscoe and Larson. Byron then passed them all, but Hamlin fought back to regain the lead. Hamlin appeared to be on his way to a commanding victory before another caution flag waved for William Byron hitting the wall with a cut tire.

During the final pit stops, Hamlin took four fresh tires, while Larson again opted for two. This strategic divergence left Hamlin in tenth place, struggling to make up lost ground. Blaney, meanwhile, maintained his track position and ultimately secured the race win, while Larson’s third-place finish was enough to clinch the championship, a testament to his team’s resilience and strategic execution.

The dramatic conclusion at Phoenix Raceway highlighted the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing, where strategy, execution, and a bit of luck converge to determine the ultimate champions. Larson’s victory solidifies his status as one of the sport’s premier talents, while Blaney’s season-ending win provided a memorable highlight for Team Penske.