Kyle Larson achieved a dramatic victory to become the 2025 Kyle Larson NASCAR Cup champion at Phoenix Raceway, finishing third in a tension-filled overtime restart that defied the expectations of fans and competitors alike. Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports, now stands as just the third driver to earn multiple Cup Series titles since the advent of NASCAR’s elimination-style playoffs.
Larson Breaks New Ground with Unconventional Strategy
Despite not leading a single lap during the season finale, Kyle Larson managed to secure the championship, a feat unprecedented since NASCAR introduced the elimination-style playoffs. While fellow contender Denny Hamlin led the most laps—dominating 208 of 312—he only managed a sixth-place finish, whereas Larson’s steady perseverance kept him in play from start to finish.
“Honestly, I can’t believe it,” Lyle Larson told NBC Sports’ Marty Snider during his post-race interview. “Like, we didn’t lead a lap today. Somehow won the championship. I’m just speechless. I can’t believe it.”
Throughout most of the Phoenix event, Larson trailed behind Hamlin and William Byron. His drive was threatened by a flat right-rear tire, which put him two laps behind the leaders after Lap 216. Despite this setback, a timely caution and the strategic move to take a wave-around allowed him to regain lead-lap status, although he restarted the race in 29th place at Lap 227.
“We had an average car at best,” Kyle Larson continued. “We had the right-front go down, lost a lap. Got saved by the caution. Did the wave-around. Was really bad that run.”
The Role of Pit Strategy and Crucial Calls
Crew chief Cliff Daniels made a decisive call late in the race, opting for a two-tire change that boosted Larson up to second place behind Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe. Ultimately, Ryan Blaney took the checkered flag at Phoenix, but the championship went to whoever finished highest among the final four playoff drivers—a challenge Larson managed with precision.
Final Laps Defined by Tire Choices and Intense Competition
The outcome shifted again when William Byron, then running second behind Hamlin, hit the wall with a flat tire, causing a late caution. This set up a restart that saw Hamlin in second and Larson in fifth for the final two-lap showdown. Notably, Hamlin had four new tires, while Larson was among six drivers opting for just two. Larson’s Chevy Camaro nevertheless gripped the track better than Hamlin’s Toyota Camry during the frenzied finish.
“We got lucky with the final caution. I was really hoping we were going to take two (tires) again. I felt like I learned a lot on that restart, bombing (Turns 1 and 2) really hard. Thought I could do the same thing if we got another one.”
Leadership Behind the Victory
Larson credited much of his success to his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, who has guided him since October 2020. Daniels’ steady strategy and calm direction were key ingredients for Larson’s unexpected triumph, holding the team together during moments of uncertainty and keeping them focused on the ultimate goal.
“What a year by this Hendrick Motorsports, (crew chief) Cliff Daniels, everybody, his leadership, his complete leadership. Just showed that whole race. Keeping us all motivated. Always having a plan. All of that. That’s just the story of our season.”
Looking Forward to Daytona and the New Season
With his remarkable performance at Phoenix, Kyle Larson now heads into the off-season as a two-time Cup Series champion. For Larson, Cliff Daniels, and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, the victory marks the close of a challenging year filled with dramatic turns. Drivers will soon have time to rest and prepare for the kickoff of the 2026 Cup Series at the Daytona 500—a crown jewel event scheduled for February 15, 2026.
This unexpected championship run stands as a testament to determination, teamwork, and the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing, setting the stage for renewed rivalries and stories when the engines come to life again at Daytona.
