Denny Hamlin’s championship hopes slipped away in dramatic fashion after a late-race overtime restart at the NASCAR Cup Series finale, as Kyle Larson clinched his second series title and left Hamlin and his team devastated. The much-anticipated race, held in the desert, was defined by bold strategy and sudden misfortune, sharply impacting the Denny Hamlin championship loss that unfolded before fans and competitors alike.
Key Moments Shift the Championship Outcome
Hamlin led for a commanding 208 laps and appeared to be on course for his long-awaited Cup championship. The track atmosphere shifted, however, when William Byron suffered a flat tire and collided with the wall, sparking NASCAR overtime and upending the running order. Hamlin’s dominance faded as the final restart paved the way for other contenders.
Kyle Larson finished third in the event but outlasted other title hopes to secure the championship, while Ryan Blaney narrowly took the race victory over Brad Keselowski by a scant 0.097 seconds. The heartbreak at Hamlin’s pit was palpable, symbolizing bitter disappointment after a season of high achievements and hopes dashed at the finish.
HE DOUBLES DOWN IN THE DESERT! @KyleLarsonRacin wins his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship! pic.twitter.com/2T4CAQl3Ts— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 2, 2025
Implications for NASCAR Teams and Fans
Larson’s achievement, now as a two-time Cup Series champion, adds to his reputation after a season filled with challenging events and fierce competition. For Denny Hamlin, the loss resonates deeply not just within his own team, but throughout NASCAR, as the dream of a title after a dominant performance was erased in a matter of moments. As the championship celebration continues for Larson and his team, the path forward for Hamlin is uncertain, leaving fans and competitors reflecting on the unpredictable turns that define the sport.
HE DOUBLES DOWN IN THE DESERT! @KyleLarsonRacin wins his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship! pic.twitter.com/2T4CAQl3Ts
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 2, 2025
