Larson Claims Second NASCAR Cup Crown in Overtime Thriller as Hamlin's Championship Dream Fades

Phoenix, AZ – Kyle Larson, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, has etched his name into the record books once again, securing his second championship title in a dramatic, overtime finish at Phoenix Raceway. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who entered the final race of the 2025 season without a win since May, capitalized on a late-race caution to snatch victory from the jaws of a dominant Denny Hamlin, who endured what is being described as the most heartbreaking loss of his illustrious career. The dramatic conclusion to the 319-lap race marked the likely end of an era for the current playoff format, leaving a mix of elation, disbelief, and profound disappointment in its wake.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season culminated in a race that delivered on spectacle and emotion, but left many fans questioning the integrity of a format that can crown a champion without them leading a single lap in the final race. While Larson celebrated his hard-fought victory, the overwhelming sentiment for many was one of sadness and disbelief, particularly for Hamlin and his Joe Gibbs Racing team.

Kyle Larson: The Unlikely Champion’s Encore

Kyle Larson’s path to his second Cup Series title was anything but conventional. He hadn’t visited Victory Lane since May, and on Sunday at Phoenix, he didn’t lead a single lap until the crucial final moments. Even within his own Hendrick Motorsports stable, he wasn’t the fastest of the four drivers competing. However, Larson demonstrated the quintessential trait of a champion: the ability to seize opportunity when it arises. In the chaotic closing laps, as the field bunched up for an overtime restart, Larson found himself in contention. He advanced positions and ultimately finished third, enough to clinch the championship.

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"I’m speechless," Larson stated post-race, visibly stunned by his triumph. "I honestly didn’t think we were in a position to win this thing. To come away with it… it’s unbelievable." This victory arrives after months of speculation regarding Larson’s performance following his ambitious attempt at the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double in May. His ability to reassert his championship dominance despite a seemingly quieter season speaks volumes about his resilience and race-craft.

Denny Hamlin: The Agonizing Near-Miss

For Denny Hamlin, the sting of this loss is likely unparalleled. After twenty years of chasing a Cup Series championship, Hamlin appeared poised to finally achieve his lifelong goal. He led the field for a staggering 200 laps from the pole position, commanding the race and seemingly in control of his destiny. However, a pivotal strategic decision by the No. 11 team proved to be his undoing. Opting for four fresh tires over track position on the final restart, Hamlin found himself mired in sixth place. Despite his best efforts, he could not bridge the gap to the frontrunners, ultimately finishing sixth in the championship race and watching his championship hopes evaporate.

The emotional toll on Hamlin and his team was palpable. The scene in the No. 11 pit stall post-race was one of devastation, with tears flowing and an overwhelming sense of what could have been. Hamlin, often a polarizing figure in the sport, garnered widespread sympathy in that moment, a testament to the sheer dominance he displayed throughout the race. This marks yet another agonizing near-miss for a driver who has consistently been in championship contention but has yet to secure the ultimate prize.

Ryan Blaney: A Victorious Spoiling of the Party

Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, delivered a masterful performance to win the final race of the season. Two years prior, Blaney won the championship without winning the Phoenix finale, a scenario that left him frustrated as he battled Ross Chastain for the lead. This time, however, Blaney was the disruptor. In a thrilling last-lap pass, he claimed the checkered flag, his fourth of the 2025 season.

Despite not advancing to the Championship 4 himself, Blaney refused to view his victory as "bittersweet." "I’m just so proud of this team," Blaney said, hoisting his trophy. "We had a great car all day, and to get the win here, at the championship race… that’s what you race for. This is a victory, plain and simple." His perspective highlights a different approach to the playoff system, where winning the race, regardless of championship implications, remains the ultimate objective for many drivers.

William Byron: The Unintended Architect of Overtime

William Byron, another strong contender from Hendrick Motorsports, found himself on the wrong side of fortune when a blown tire sent him spinning and brought out a caution that ultimately extended the race into overtime. Byron, who had been running strongly and was arguably faster than Larson for significant portions of the race, expressed his disappointment not for his championship hopes, but for his role in altering the race’s outcome.

"It’s tough, man," Byron stated, visibly dejected. "I apologized to Denny afterwards. To be the reason for that caution, to change the dynamic of the championship… that’s not how I wanted it to go. I felt like a passenger when that tire let go." The incident dropped Byron from second to fourth in the championship standings, but his primary regret was inadvertently impacting the battle for the title.

Cliff Daniels: The Master Strategist

While Larson’s driving was crucial, the strategic brilliance of his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, cannot be overstated. Daniels orchestrated a masterful pit strategy that proved decisive in overtime. Facing a similar situation to the Joe Gibbs Racing teams, who opted for four tires, Daniels made the critical decision to take fresh right-side tires for Larson on consecutive pit stops. This bold move, executed under immense pressure, allowed Larson to maintain his track position and contend for the win in the closing laps. His ability to make the correct call in a high-stakes environment cemented his reputation as one of the premier crew chiefs in NASCAR.

RFK Racing: A Near Miss in a Resurgent Season

For RFK Racing, the season finale offered a tantalizing glimpse of a return to Victory Lane, a prospect they had been building towards throughout a year where all three of their drivers missed the playoffs. Brad Keselowski, driving strategically, stayed out on older tires and managed to hold a lead in the closing laps. He even received a push from Larson on the final circuit, momentarily clearing Blaney. However, his aggressive approach in the final corner proved too much, as he overdrove it, allowing Blaney, with fresher tires, to surge past and secure the race win. This near-victory leaves RFK winless for the 2025 season, a stark contrast to the progress they’ve shown.

Kyle Busch: A Solitary Oval Top Five

In a challenging 2025 season that saw him finish 21st in the standings – the lowest of his career – Kyle Busch managed to salvage a positive note in the season finale. His two-tire call on pit road proved effective, allowing him to hold on for his sole top-five finish on an oval circuit this year. Busch’s other top-five finishes came on road courses (COTA) and street circuits (Chicago). With a new crew chief slated for 2026, Busch and Richard Childress Racing will be hoping for a renewed chapter and a more consistent performance.

The Playoff Format: Spectacle Over Substance?

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix has reignited the debate surrounding the effectiveness and fairness of the current playoff format. While the format undeniably generates drama and captivating finishes, it has also led to a sense of disillusionment among a segment of the fanbase. Larson’s championship, achieved without leading a lap in the final race and with his last win occurring early in the season, raises questions about whether the championship truly reflects overall season performance. The sentiment that the championship was "stolen" rather than "won" has permeated discussions, suggesting that a format that prioritizes consistency over a single, high-stakes race might be more equitable. The call for a return to a more traditional, points-based championship system is growing louder.

Bonus Winner: Corey Heim’s Truck Series Masterclass

Beyond the Cup Series drama, Corey Heim delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the weekend in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series finale. His season was a statistical anomaly, with his performance dwartling that of his rivals. Despite restarting tenth in overtime, Heim executed a breathtaking seven-wide pass that secured him the championship in a finish that electrified the crowd. The only blemish on his triumphant weekend is the uncertainty surrounding his full-time ride for the upcoming season, a stark reminder of the precarious nature of opportunities in professional racing, even for a dominant champion.

Bonus Loser: Connor Zilisch’s Heartbreaking Xfinity Season Ender

The NASCAR Xfinity Series saw a similarly emotional conclusion for rookie sensation Connor Zilisch. Despite a stellar season that yielded ten wins – more than any other competitor – Zilisch fell short in the championship race. Struggling to maintain his lead in the closing laps, he was ultimately passed by his close friend Jesse Love, and subsequently by Aric Almirola, costing JR Motorsports the owner’s championship. Zilisch’s tears on pit road after the race underscored the profound disappointment of a dominant season ending in defeat, casting a somber shadow over the championship weekend.