Kyle Larson Expresses Empathy for Denny Hamlin's Championship Heartbreak

The air at Phoenix Raceway crackled with a potent mix of elation and devastation following the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race. For Denny Hamlin and his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team, the pursuit of an elusive Cup Series title reached a new nadir as a late caution flag and subsequent strategy call ultimately handed the victory to Kyle Larson.

Hamlin, who had dominated large portions of the race and appeared poised to secure the championship, saw his hopes dashed when a caution flag waved with just three laps remaining. This set the stage for a green-white-checkered finish, a scenario that often introduces chaos and strategic gambles.

The critical moment came on pit road. Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11 team, led by crew chief Chris Gayle, faced a decision regarding tire strategy. With the field bunched up, the team opted for four fresh tires, a conventional choice aimed at maximizing grip for the final restart. This decision, however, proved to be a gamble that did not pay off.

Meanwhile, the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team, driven by Kyle Larson, made a contrasting choice. Crew chief Cliff Daniels, after consultation with his engineers, opted to take only scuff tires on the right side of the car. This bold strategy, while potentially sacrificing immediate grip, aimed to maintain track position and offer a more stable platform for the restart. Daniels later credited his team for the insight, stating, "I give a lot of credit to those guys because they pushed me in that moment to see what you’re asking of that’s almost the call that we have to make to get ourselves up front and to give ourselves a shot."

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The restart saw Hamlin restart 10th, while Larson was positioned ahead. The data indicated that Hamlin’s car had the superior performance for much of the race, with multiple instances of him driving back through the top 10 after encountering adversity, including a flat tire earlier in the event. Hamlin’s ability to repeatedly recover and contend for the lead underscored the strength of his No. 11 Toyota throughout the day.

However, the strategy call on pit road proved to be the turning point. As the field accelerated for the final two laps, Hamlin found himself caught in traffic. The crucial decision to take four tires, while intended to provide an advantage, did not allow him to break free from the pack as effectively as Larson’s strategy. Larson, on the other hand, was able to maintain his track position and ultimately drive away from the field to secure his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in five years.

The emotional aftermath on pit road was starkly divided. Hamlin, visibly dejected, was seen with his wife Jordan Fish and their children, surrounded by a crestfallen Joe Gibbs Racing contingent. Tears flowed from many in the team as they processed the near-miss. In contrast, the Hendrick Motorsports side of pit road was awash with the jubilation of victory, a palpable clash of emotions.

Hamlin, speaking to reporters shortly after the race, expressed his profound disappointment. "I really don’t have much for emotion right now," he stated. "Just numb about it because I’m just in shock. That’s about it." He reflected on the team’s performance, noting, "Well, I mean, we were 40 seconds from a championship. I don’t know. It’s just unfortunate." Hamlin, who has been a consistent contender throughout his career, has now faced numerous heartbreaking championship near-misses. "Gosh, you work so hard. This sport can drive you absolutely crazy ’cause sometimes speed, talent, all that stuff, just does not matter."

Larson, while celebrating his own championship triumph, acknowledged the emotional toll on Hamlin. "I definitely have a lot of empathy for him," Larson said. "I said it I think in the interview I did on the stage. It’s great to celebrate and all that, but it does feel a little awkward because he has put so much time and energy, has been so close to winning so many championships. This is as close as he’s ever been." Larson, known for his competitive spirit and sportsmanship, added, "Sure he’s a competitor, but he is a friend. I was going to be happy for him to win. That’s kind of what I was thinking about. Like, man, I can’t wait to go tell him, ‘Good job.’ Then the caution came out and the script flipped right there."

The race itself was a testament to the unpredictable nature of NASCAR. Early on, Chase Briscoe also experienced a tire failure, and Kyle Larson himself had dealt with a flat tire earlier in the race, highlighting the challenging conditions at Phoenix Raceway. Despite these setbacks, both Hamlin and Larson demonstrated remarkable resilience, consistently battling back through the field.

Hamlin’s performance was particularly strong, showcasing the dominance of the No. 11 car for much of the afternoon. His ability to rebound from adversity, including the earlier tire issue and the strategic gamble on pit road, underscored his skill and the team’s capability. He had successfully navigated past William Byron, another championship contender, in his quest for the title.

The outcome also raises questions about NASCAR’s championship format, which places a singular emphasis on winning the final race. Hamlin’s sentiment that "speed, talent, all that stuff, just does not matter" points to a potential disconnect between season-long performance and the ultimate championship outcome. NASCAR has indicated that adjustments to the championship format may be considered for future seasons, potentially to better reward consistent performance throughout the year.

Denny Hamlin’s career has been marked by numerous victories and accolades, including 60 wins in the Cup Series. However, the championship trophy has remained elusive, with this latest near-miss adding another painful chapter to his championship pursuit. His statement, "Golly, in this moment I never want to race a car ever again. I mean, my fun meter is pegged," encapsulates the emotional depth of the loss.

Kyle Larson’s second championship solidifies his position as one of NASCAR’s elite drivers. His victory, secured through a strategic gamble and a strong restart, adds to an already impressive resume. The contrast between the jubilant celebration of the No. 5 team and the profound disappointment of the No. 11 team serves as a poignant reminder of the razor-thin margins that often decide NASCAR championships. The 2025 season will undoubtedly see both teams return with renewed determination, aiming to rewrite the narrative.