Kyle Larson secured the NASCAR Cup Champion title in dramatic fashion at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, overcoming late-race chaos and bold strategy calls. The victory crowned Larson as the 2025 Cup Series champion, delivering an unexpected outcome in a night rife with tension for fellow contenders, including Denny Hamlin and William Byron.
Unexpected Turnaround in the Final Laps
The atmosphere at Phoenix Raceway initially suggested that Denny Hamlin, eager to dedicate a championship win to his father, would command the day. Throughout much of the 312-lap event, Hamlin appeared unshakeable, maintaining his grip on the lead and the hopes of securing his elusive title. However, a late caution set the stage for a pivotal sequence.
With only a handful of laps left, William Byron’s right-front tire failure triggered a caution flag. At that critical moment, Larson was running in eighth, having battled his way back through the field after a challenging stint as far back as 17th place. Byron’s misfortune dashed his own title aspirations and shifted the balance for the remaining Championship 4 competitors.
Pit Strategy and Poise Under Pressure
The final pit stops proved decisive. Hamlin’s team opted for four new tires, seeking maximum grip for the run to the finish. Meanwhile, Larson’s crew gambled by taking just two tires, propelling him ahead of Hamlin for the restart. This calculated risk allowed Larson to maintain his position in the top three, while Hamlin, hindered by the time spent in the pits, faded to sixth as the checkered flag approached.
Ryan Blaney narrowly secured the race win itself after a two-lap shootout with Brad Keselowski, notching his fourth victory of the year. Yet, the spotlight centered on Larson, who managed to clinch the bigger prize—the championship—even though he crossed the finish line in third.
Driver and Crew Reflections
Larson, still in disbelief after the finish, expressed a mix of gratitude and astonishment.
“I guess. We did the best job we could,”
said Larson, glancing at a bracelet his son Owen had made for him before the race.
“Honestly, I can’t believe it. Like, we didn’t lead a lap today. Somehow won the championship. I’m just speechless. I can’t believe it. We had an average car at best. We had the right front go down, lost a lap. Got saved by the caution. Did the wave-around. Was really bad that run. We took two tires, and I was like, ‘Oh, God, here we go.’ We’re going to go to the back now.”
“It had a lot more grip than I anticipated,”
quipped Larson.
“We got lucky with the final caution. I was really hoping we were going to take two again. I felt like I learned a lot on that restart, bombing one and two really hard. I thought I could do the same thing if we got another one. Just unbelievable.”
Larson credited the focus and leadership of his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, throughout the demanding race.
“His leadership, his complete leadership, just showed that whole race. Keeping us all motivated. Always having a plan. That’s just the story of our season. Again, just unbelievable. I cannot believe it. This is insane,”
he continued.
Setbacks for Other Title Contenders
While Larson celebrated, the race was marked by disappointment for other top competitors. Chase Briscoe finished 18th, hampered by recurring tire issues that began with a right-rear failure on lap 106. This incident coincided with a caution involving Shane van Gisbergen’s similar setback, sparing Briscoe from greater damage in the short term. Nonetheless, persistent vibrations and another tire failure later ensured he would not be a factor for the championship as the laps dwindled.
William Byron’s run ended early after his own tire malfunction, which catalyzed the crucial late restart. His abrupt exit also marked the end of his title pursuit, adding to the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the Championship 4 at Phoenix.
Larson’s Season and Path to Victory
The triumph at Phoenix marks Larson’s second NASCAR Cup Champion title and caps a season that featured three victories, including a win at Kansas Speedway in May. Despite not leading a lap in the finale and having to recover from a near-disastrous tire problem mid-race, Larson’s steady performance under pressure reaffirmed his reputation for resilience and adaptability. His ability to exploit critical race moments, paired with the strategic calls from the Hendrick Motorsports team, ultimately made the difference in a season-defining contest.
Implications for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series
Larson’s unexpected capture of the championship underscores the unpredictable nature of the NASCAR Cup Series, where momentum can shift rapidly with a single caution or strategic gamble. The result keeps the title chase as open as ever, serving as both a heartbreak and a testament to the tenacity of all drivers involved. As the dust settles in Phoenix, attention now turns toward how teams and drivers like Hamlin, Byron, Briscoe, and Blaney will regroup for the challenges of the upcoming season, all with the knowledge that any race—or restart—can crown a champion.
