Larson Claims Second NASCAR Cup Title in Overtime Thriller, Hamlin Left Devastated at Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ – Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in a dramatic, overtime finish at Phoenix Raceway, a victory that capped a roller-coaster season for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. The dramatic conclusion, however, was overshadowed by the profound disappointment of Denny Hamlin, who saw a dominant performance unravel in the closing laps, leaving many fans with a mix of elation and sorrow. The race, widely considered a potential farewell to the current playoff format, delivered intense competition and a stark contrast in fortunes for the championship contenders.

Larson, who hadn’t won a Cup Series race since May, entered the finale without leading a single lap on Sunday and not even being the fastest Hendrick Motorsports driver. Yet, he demonstrated characteristic resilience, capitalizing on an opportunity that emerged in overtime. He advanced on the final restart, ultimately finishing third, enough to clinch his second career Cup Series title. This triumph, perhaps the most unexpected of his NASCAR career, comes after months of speculation about his form following an ambitious Indy 500/Coke 600 double earlier in the season.

For Denny Hamlin, the outcome represented a gut-wrenching conclusion to a season marked by strong performance. Hamlin had led the championship race for over 200 laps, dominating the proceedings from the pole position. After two decades of pursuit, a championship appeared within his grasp. However, a strategic decision to prioritize new tires over track position on the final pit stop proved detrimental. Hamlin could only advance from tenth to sixth on the closing restart, unable to catch Larson. The scene in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing pit stall was one of palpable emotion, with team members visibly distraught.

Adding to the drama, Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, played a significant spoiler role, winning the race itself with a last-lap pass. Despite not qualifying for the Championship 4, Blaney expressed no bitterness, focusing instead on his fourth victory of the season. This contrasts with his 2023 championship run, where he won the title without winning the final race, a moment that had previously been a source of frustration for the Team Penske driver.

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The race was significantly altered by a late caution that sent the event into overtime. William Byron, a championship contender, was the cause of this pivotal caution after experiencing a blown tire. Byron expressed his regret, apologizing to Hamlin for the incident that reshaped the championship battle. Despite the title ultimately staying with Hendrick Motorsports, Byron lamented his role in the caution, acknowledging the frustration of being a "passenger" in a situation that altered the outcome for others. His performance, which saw him running strongly for much of the race, was ultimately marred by this ill-timed mechanical failure.

Credit must also be given to Larson’s crew chief, Cliff Daniels, for a crucial pit strategy decision. While Joe Gibbs Racing opted for four fresh tires, Daniels made the call for fresh right-side tires on the No. 5 car. This strategic move, executed over two consecutive pit stops, allowed Larson to maintain a competitive edge in the overtime period, even with older left-side tires.

The weekend also saw near-victory for RFK Racing, with Brad Keselowski nearly ending the team’s winless streak. Keselowski’s strategy of staying out on older tires and his ability to maintain a lead were commendable. He even received a push from Larson on the final lap, but an overzealous move into the final corner allowed Blaney to capitalize, securing the win and leaving RFK without a victory to close out the season.

In a challenging year for Kyle Busch, the two-time series champion managed to secure his sole oval top-five finish of the season, coming home in fifth. Busch’s 2025 season was largely disappointing, ending 21st in the standings, his worst career showing. However, his two-tire strategy in the closing laps proved effective, offering a small silver lining as he looks towards 2026 with a new crew chief and hopes for a revitalized campaign.

The race’s outcome has also reignited discussions about the current playoff format. While it undoubtedly generates dramatic finishes, the sentiment among a segment of the fanbase points towards frustration. Larson’s championship, achieved without leading a single lap in the finale and with his last win occurring early in the season, has led to a perception that the championship is more about who was "robbed" rather than who consistently performed best. This echoes the sentiment from 2003, the final year of the Winston Cup era, where Matt Kenseth won the championship with his last win coming early in the season. The current format’s emphasis on playoff performance, while creating excitement, may be alienating a portion of the fanbase, suggesting a need for format recalibration to ensure a more universally satisfying conclusion to the championship battle.

Beyond the Cup Series, the weekend also featured compelling action in other NASCAR divisions. In the Truck Series, Corey Heim delivered a dominant performance, earning accolades for his season-long excellence. Heim’s victory, secured through a remarkable seven-wide pass on an overtime restart, was a highlight of the weekend. Despite his success, his lack of a full-time ride for the upcoming season remains a concern for fans, given his status as one of NASCAR’s most promising talents.

Conversely, the Xfinity Series saw a heartbreaking conclusion for rookie Connor Zilisch. Despite a dominant season with ten wins, Zilisch faltered in the championship race, losing the lead and subsequently finishing behind his best friend Jesse Love and Aric Almirola. This defeat not only cost Zilisch a potential championship but also denied JR Motorsports the owner’s championship. The sight of Zilisch in tears after the race underscored the emotional toll of the weekend’s events.