Kyle Larson became a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion on Sunday, November 2, 2025, following a suspenseful finish that saw him overcome challenging circumstances at the season finale. Larson’s performance not only demonstrated his resilience but also reaffirmed his place among elite drivers, cementing his status as a top Kyle Larson NASCAR champion.
Larson, racing for Hendrick Motorsports, faced formidable competition and unpredictable race developments before emerging victorious in front of fans and fellow competitors. The victory was celebrated at the NASCAR Media Conference, where Larson reflected on the intensity and emotion of the event.
Uncertainty at the Restart and Strategic Tire Choices Define the Race
Discussing the decisive moments, Larson explained his mindset during the chaotic final restart. He revealed that he felt far from certain about victory, especially when unexpected strategy calls by other teams shuffled the field lineup.
“Never did I feel like I had it. I was honestly surprised people stayed out. I thought I was going to line up on the front row with Ryan. This is going to be good, he can choose the bottom. I know what to expect into one with grip. When they said a few of them stayed out, I was like, Oh, no, this is not good.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Larson detailed being able to follow Alex Bowman and push hard through the first corners, aiming to get the advantageous clean air he needed. He anticipated a head-to-head with Denny Hamlin, but his car found more grip than expected, putting him in a stronger position than he initially thought.
Communication among his spotter and crew heightened the drama, as radio updates relayed that Hamlin’s car was in traffic, further shaping Larson’s strategy and commitment to using the outside lane to keep his momentum.
Reflecting on the pivotal two-tire call by crew chief Cliff Daniels, Larson admitted surprise at risking only right-side tires late in the race, especially after earlier challenges with tire performance. After managing to stay in contention through a series of cautions and strategic pit stops, Larson found himself back in the mix as the laps wound down.
“The first two-tire call, I didn’t know if it would be the right call. I’ll be honest, I didn’t have as much confidence that time. We just ran a long run, I was struggling. I thought with this softer tire, the lefts maybe were going to be not as strong as what they ended up being.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Maintaining control under pressure, Larson capitalized on each opportunity, executing on the right-side tire gamble and leveraging his team’s strategic acumen to ultimately clinch the championship.
Facing Adversity Throughout the Final Stage
Larson recounted the multiple setbacks that nearly removed him from championship contention. Early in the final stage, he fell back in the running order and doubted his ability to contend with front runners such as Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney. An unfortunate pit stop dropped Larson to 18th place, and a tire failure threatened to cost him even more track position.
Yet, through timely cautions and recovery strategies such as the wave-around to regain lost laps, Larson and his team slowly clawed their way back into the lead group. The path to victory required composure and adaptive decision-making, particularly when it came to tire choices and on-track moves in the closing laps.
“Yeah, the final stage was not going how we needed it to. I didn’t feel great about my car, but I thought my team was doing a good job to keep me in striking distance if we had a caution, we could get a good pit stop and make it work, hopefully have a shot that way.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The late-race caution and corresponding two-tire decision proved crucial, giving Larson the grip he needed to challenge for a position and maintain momentum. He credited Cliff Daniels and the entire team for being aligned on the approach, which ultimately proved to be the difference-maker.
Emotional Triumph and Reflections on a Team Victory
Larson expressed overwhelming gratitude toward his crew, particularly Cliff Daniels, whose leadership he praised for creating a winning culture. This championship run was marked by persistence and the ability to remain positive despite daunting odds during the race.
“Yeah, just incredible. Just really proud of my team, proud of Cliff. So proud of Cliff and the work that he puts in obviously on the race cars and all that. But the work that he puts in on the team, the leadership, himself personally, is just amazing. I think he is the reason why we are champions again.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
He highlighted the rare and surreal feeling of winning under such extreme conditions, particularly when considering how bleak the outlook seemed in the final stage. Larson also shared how joining fellow multi-time champions like Joey Logano elevated the meaning of his achievement and provided a special sense of pride.
“It feels amazing to join him as well as the other multi-time champions. I’m really excited. I think one of the most special things, probably the most special thing about being a champion, is getting that book.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The celebration included moments with his family—Larson’s children Audrey, Owen, and Cooper—as they joined him in Victory Lane, a memory he cherished especially after the prolonged effort it took to return to the winner’s circle for a second title. He reflected on how each championship win holds its own significance, noting the increased difficulty and the team’s collective resolve during this season compared to his first championship in 2021.
Empathy for Rivals and the Emotional Cost of Victory
The path to the championship was made more poignant by Larson’s empathy for close competitors who narrowly missed out, notably Denny Hamlin. Larson expressed complex emotions, recognizing both the joy of his own team’s achievement and the heartbreak for Hamlin, who had come close to a long-sought victory.
“No, I mean, I definitely have a lot of empathy for him. I said it I think in the interview I did on the stage. It’s great to celebrate and all that, but it does feel a little awkward because he has put so much time and energy, has been so close to winning so many championships. This is as close as he’s ever been.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Reflecting on the dramatic shift in fortune caused by the late caution, Larson recounted how he was prepared to congratulate his competitor before the race changed course. He acknowledged feeling both elated for his team and somber for those on the losing end, understanding acutely the pain of falling just short at the highest level of competition.
“There’s definitely a large piece of me that feels really bad and sad. But at the same point, I’m happy. It’s such a weird feeling. When you don’t win the race, you don’t lead a lap, you win the championship, you steal it from a guy who has tried for so long and had it in his fingertips, it’s a really weird feeling.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Reflecting on Legacy and the Future Beyond the Second Title
Asked about how a second NASCAR championship impacts his legacy, Larson admitted that he hasn’t had time to process what it means in the broader context of his career. For him, the immediate focus remains on competing and winning more races, while legacy considerations will naturally unfold as his career continues.
“As far as for legacy, I really don’t put a whole lot of thought into that yet. Like I’ve mentioned many times before, I think it’s really hard to think about that sort of thing right now as you’re still competing and plan to compete for quite a while.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Larson credited the importance of perseverance and staying present, emphasizing that while being a two-time champion is something to be proud of, his primary goal remains to pursue future victories. His mindset is that continued success on the track will shape his legacy naturally.
Larson also looked ahead to the possibility of additional championships, sharing his hope that each would bring unique meaning and distinct challenges, just as this one did.
Celebration Plans and Family Memories After the Win
With a champion’s schedule awaiting him, Larson joked about the whirlwind of public events. From early mornings to banquets and travel to cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, and New York, the excitement and responsibility of being a public figure began immediately after his win. He appreciated having his family with him for this victory, especially as some of his children are now old enough to share in the celebration and make new memories together.
“Audrey, it’s been a while since I’ve won, and I’ll never forget the first thing she said to me. She was like, Dad, you finally won again.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
These moments were especially poignant for Larson, who spoke of updating his collection of family photos with his children in the champion’s cup, marking the milestone for each child. This personal side of victory added further depth to the accomplishment, reinforcing the idea that the win belonged to his family and friends as much as it did to the race team.
Adapting to NASCAR’s Evolving Formats and Tracks
With continued changes to NASCAR’s championship formats and varying tracks such as Homestead possibly being included in title-deciding races, Larson weighed the potential impacts. While he acknowledged a preference for formats that include multiple races, providing more opportunities to showcase skill, he remained mindful that anything can happen in single-race scenarios—just as it did during this championship.
“You never know. Yeah, I mean, right now I don’t even know the format, so… But yeah, I mean, I think it would be a little bit more in my favor. I think it would be a little bit more in everybody’s favor, honestly. I think we all would take multiple races rather than just one because a lot can happen in just one, obviously.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The uncertainty of the sport is part of what drives Larson and his team to remain adaptable, focused, and ready for whatever challenges the future brings.
The Significance of the Win for Team and Sport
Larson’s championship is notable not just for his personal journey but also for the collective achievement of Hendrick Motorsports, Cliff Daniels, and the broader NASCAR community. The triumph was possible due to collaborative effort, strategic decisions under pressure, and the resilience shown throughout a grueling season and an even more dramatic race.
Larson’s comments at the press conference reinforced his gratitude toward teammates, competitors, and the NASCAR community at large for their roles in shaping the high-stakes environment of the Cup Series:
“Thank you. Thank you, guys, for all you do for our sport, all the hours you put in promoting us. Thank you.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Looking ahead, Larson indicated his eagerness to continue performing at a championship level while cherishing memories from this hard-fought win. The victory ensures his place among the greatest drivers of the era and inspires fans and future competitors alike.
Kyle Larson’s dramatic and emotional path to a second Cup Series title sets a new standard for perseverance and tenacity in the sport, and with his family, team, and community by his side, the celebration is sure to be long remembered throughout NASCAR’s storied history.
