Denny Hamlin suffered a tough NASCAR championship disappointment on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, leading the most laps but ultimately finishing sixth in the Cup Series Championship Race. Despite dominating throughout the day, Hamlin was left to reflect on another year without the title as Kyle Larson claimed his second championship after a dramatic overtime finish.
Hamlin Sets the Pace Before Sudden Twist in Final Moments
As the race unfolded in Avondale, Arizona, Hamlin showcased his prowess, leading a commanding 208 laps—four times more than anyone else in the field. Driving the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, he delivered a performance that established him as the class of the competition. He started in pole position and led on seven separate occasions, making the disappointment even more acute when the championship slipped away in the last moments.
In the closing laps, a caution flag flew with Hamlin close to the finish line, prompting crucial pit strategy calls. Larson’s team elected for a two-tire stop that placed him fifth for the overtime restart, while Hamlin’s team opted for four fresh tires, dropping him to 10th on the grid. Despite a determined charge in the final two laps, Hamlin couldn’t overtake Larson, who ultimately finished third—first among the championship contenders—and celebrated with the championship trophy.
A Race Defined by Strategy and Intensity
The strategic gamble by Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports team contrasted with Hamlin’s slightly longer stop, a decision scrutinized after the race. For Hamlin, who has now finished runner-up for the championship twice in his two-decade NASCAR career, the disappointment was clear.
“We were 40 seconds from a championship,”
said the Virginian driver, reflecting on how close he had come to achieving the season’s ultimate prize.
“Gosh, you work so hard. This sport can drive you absolutely crazy ’cause sometimes speed, talent, all that stuff, just does not matter.”
Hamlin’s words echoed the intense, unpredictable nature of elite racing and the challenges even for top-tier talents.
After the race, Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gayle, immediately sought out the driver to offer support. Both men found solace in each other’s company after a season that included a series-leading six wins and a remarkable day on the track.
“He put in the work. He dominated the race. He sat on the pole. He did everything he needed to be a champion today. It didn’t work out for him on the last re-start but that’s the truth,”
Gayle said, acknowledging Hamlin’s valiant effort and performance.
Balancing Heartbreak and Resilience with Family and Team
The scenes after the checkered flag saw Hamlin lean against his parked car for a television interview before rejoining his family near pit wall. There, his daughters Taylor and Molly waited, sharing in their father’s emotional journey. Hamlin embraced them, wiping away their tears and comforting them, despite his own heartbreak.
Asked about his message to his daughters, Hamlin explained that some race outcomes are simply beyond their control.
“One of those life lessons, years down the road,”
he said, using the disappointment as an opportunity to teach his children about resilience and perspective in the face of setbacks.
Throughout the week, Hamlin had spoken of his desire to claim the championship, partly so his father, Dennis, watching from North Carolina, could witness another high point in a career that already includes three Daytona 500 victories. Although Hamlin did not win the championship trophy, he demonstrated to his daughters, his family, and his extensive support base how to navigate adversity with dignity. His willingness to console his pit crew and receive their support underscored deep mutual respect within Joe Gibbs Racing.
Recognition Earned Despite Not Claiming the Cup
Even though the championship trophy slipped from his grasp, Hamlin left Phoenix with reputation and respect even more firmly cemented.
“Kyle Larson has the trophy, but we dominated,”
Hamlin conceded, emphasizing that his team executed with excellence.
“They’re a championship team and a championship driver. They’re going to win a hell of a lot more than just these two. But when everyone had to bring their best, I think it was evident who was the best today.”
This intense contest at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in Avondale reminded fans and competitors alike of the razor-thin margins at the elite level of motorsport. Hamlin’s commanding performance—and subsequent heartbreak—were a testament to his enduring stature as one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers.
As the season closes, the focus now turns to the future. Hamlin, a 20-year NASCAR veteran and 60-time race winner, left no doubt that he will be a formidable presence in future championship battles. The disappointment in Phoenix may fuel further determination for Hamlin and his loyal team, while fans and fellow competitors alike watch to see if he will finally secure the elusive title he so clearly deserves.
