In a thrilling and unpredictable race at Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Larson emerged as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion, securing his first title in the premier series. The 29-year-old driver clinched the championship with a dramatic overtime finish, taking advantage of a late caution that completely changed the outcome of the race. It was a bittersweet moment for Larson, who had a dominant season but faced his fair share of challenges along the way.
For Denny Hamlin, it was a heartbreak. The 45-year-old driver had been leading the championship standings for most of the season and was just one race away from finally winning his first Cup Series title. But as fate would have it, it wasn’t meant to be his race. Despite a strong performance throughout the year, Hamlin’s dreams of becoming a champion were shattered in the final moments of the race.
The 2025 season had been a rollercoaster ride for both Larson and Hamlin. Larson, who had joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2022, had a rough start to his career with the team. He faced criticism and backlash for his past mistakes and was suspended for the entire 2023 season. But he returned in 2024 with a newfound determination and proved his critics wrong by winning multiple races and securing a spot in the playoffs.
On the other hand, Hamlin had been a consistent performer throughout his career but had never been able to seal the deal when it came to the championship. He had come close on multiple occasions but had always fallen short. However, this year seemed different. Hamlin had a strong team, a fast car, and the experience to finally win it all.
But as the saying goes, anything can happen in racing. And that’s exactly what happened at Phoenix Raceway. With just a few laps to go, a caution flag was waved, completely changing the dynamics of the race. Hamlin, who had been leading, was forced to pit for fresh tires, while Larson stayed out on the track. The decision proved to be crucial as Larson was able to hold off a charging Hamlin in the final laps and cross the finish line as the champion.
After the race, team owner Rick Hendrick expressed his joy and pride in Larson’s victory. He also addressed the controversy surrounding the playoffs and the impact it had on Hamlin’s championship hopes. “I like the old system,” Hendrick said, referring to the previous championship format where the driver with the most points at the end of the season was declared the champion. “But at the end of the day, it’s the same for everybody. You just have to win races and be consistent.”
Hendrick’s stance on the playoffs is not a surprise, considering his team has dominated the series in recent years. Hendrick Motorsports has won six out of the last seven championships, with Larson’s victory being their latest accomplishment. The team’s success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and ability to adapt to the ever-changing rules and regulations in NASCAR.
As for Hamlin, he may have missed out on the championship this year, but his performance throughout the season cannot be overlooked. He proved that he is still a top contender in the series and will undoubtedly be back next year with the same determination and hunger for the title.
In the end, it was a memorable season for NASCAR fans, with plenty of ups and downs, surprises, and unexpected twists. And while the playoffs may have caused some heartbreaks, it has also added an extra layer of excitement and drama to the sport. As we look forward to the 2026 season, one thing is for sure – anything can happen in racing, and that’s what makes it so thrilling.
Congratulations to Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports on their well-deserved championship win. And to Denny Hamlin, keep your head up, your time will come. As for the fans, let’s continue to support and celebrate the sport we love, and may the best driver win.
