Kyle Larson Claims Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Overtime Thriller at Phoenix; Blaney Victorious in Season Finale

Phoenix, AZ – Kyle Larson, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, clinched his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in a dramatic overtime finish at Phoenix Raceway. The No. 5 Chevrolet secured the title with a hard-fought third-place finish in a chaotic season finale that saw numerous lead changes and pivotal strategic decisions. Ryan Blaney, piloting the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, captured the victory in the thrilling season finale, his first win at Phoenix Raceway.

The championship race came down to the wire, with Larson overcoming a mid-race deficit to stage a remarkable comeback. The deciding moments occurred on a late-race restart following a caution. While championship rival Denny Hamlin, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, opted for a four-tire pit stop, Larson’s team made the strategic call for two tires. This crucial decision provided Larson with superior track position for the final dash to the checkered flag.

"We did the best job we could," a jubilant Larson commented after the race. "Honestly, I can’t believe it. We didn’t lead a lap today. Somehow won the championship." He elaborated on the challenges faced, stating, "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 credited his team’s resilience and strategic acumen, highlighting the leadership of crew chief Cliff Daniels. "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."

Denny Hamlin, who led a significant portion of the race, ultimately finished sixth, ending his championship bid as the runner-up. Hamlin expressed his disappointment, stating, "Nothing I can do different. 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."

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The race was punctuated by multiple cautions and strategic gambles. In Stage 1, Hamlin established an early lead, but William Byron, Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, battled through traffic to take the lead with seven laps remaining in the stage, ultimately winning it. Blaney finished second, with Hamlin third. Larson was fifth, and Chase Briscoe (Stewart-Haas Racing) was tenth.

Stage 2 saw Hamlin grappling with clutch issues, a recurring problem for the No. 11 team during the season. Blaney led off pit road, but Hamlin regained the lead after a restart. Larson moved into second but struggled to keep pace with Hamlin. The stage was marred by incidents, including a mechanical issue for Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing) and a flat tire for championship contender Chase Briscoe, which dropped him a lap down. Hamlin secured the Stage 2 victory, followed by Blaney and Byron.

The complexion of the race dramatically shifted in Stage 3. Hamlin and Larson both experienced slow pit stops, dropping them further down the order. Byron took the lead, but tire issues continued to plague drivers. Both Larson and Briscoe suffered flat tires, losing a lap. Multiple cautions, including a late incident involving Austin Cindric (Team Penske), reshaped the field.

In the final laps, the race intensified with a series of restarts. Byron battled for the lead, with Hamlin in close pursuit. A caution for JJ Yeley’s flat tire led to a critical decision on pit road. Larson and Briscoe opted for two tires, placing them at the front for the restart. The championship contenders jockeyed for position, with Hamlin making a bold three-wide move before Byron regained the lead. However, another caution for Byron hitting the wall with a cut tire reset the field.

On the ensuing restart, Hamlin took the lead, but Larson’s two-tire strategy allowed him to maintain a strong track position. In a tense final sequence, Hamlin appeared poised for victory before a late caution reset the field once more. While Hamlin pitted for four tires, Larson committed to a two-tire stop. This strategic divergence proved decisive.

In the battle for the race win, Ryan Blaney executed a late pass on Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing) in the final corner to secure his victory. Blaney, who had been eliminated from championship contention in the previous race at Martinsville, became the second non-title contender to win the Phoenix finale under the current format, following Ross Chastain in 2023.

The championship race outcome highlights the strategic nuances and unpredictable nature of NASCAR’s playoff system. Larson’s victory marks a significant achievement for Hendrick Motorsports, adding another championship to their storied history. His ability to overcome adversity throughout the season, including a mid-race penalty and tire issues, underscores his championship mettle. The final standings saw Chase Briscoe secure third place, with William Byron relegated to fourth due to a late-race tire issue.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with a thrilling finale, setting the stage for further anticipation in the upcoming season. The performances of all four championship contenders – Larson, Hamlin, Byron, and Briscoe – showcased the high level of competition and determination within the sport’s premier series.