Kyle Larson captured his second NASCAR Cup Series title in a dramatic finish at Phoenix, delivering a memorable Kyle Larson NASCAR championship win as he topped the Championship 4 field. Although Ryan Blaney took the checkered flag in Sunday’s race, Larson’s third-place result secured the season championship over rivals Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and William Byron on a day filled with shifting fortunes.
Larson Seizes Opportunity in Wild Final Laps
The Phoenix finale saw Denny Hamlin dominate by leading 208 of 319 laps, showcasing the kind of performance expected from a 60-time winner in the sport’s premier series. Yet, when it counted most, circumstances opened the door for Larson. As the closing laps approached, Hamlin looked set for his first championship, holding an advantage over William Byron while Larson stayed in contention.
A pivotal moment occurred when Byron’s flat tire forced a caution, sending the race into overtime. The ensuing pit strategies shaped the outcome: Hamlin opted for four fresh tires, while Larson, among others, took only two. That crucial decision left several two-tire runners ahead of Hamlin for the restart, and although Hamlin surged from the pack to finish sixth, he couldn’t reach Larson.
Larson’s championship drive came without leading a single lap, a rarity at this level but emblematic of his persistence and tactical brilliance. The No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports car was consistently in the mix, and as the championship trophy was hoisted, it became clear that judgment and adaptability had been just as vital as outright speed.
Inside the Key Moments and Decisions
Larson described how earlier in the race, a stint on two tires gave him confidence that the same call late would pay off—a belief vindicated in the final laps. He benefited from a timely caution after losing a lap due to a right-front tire issue, using the wave-around to rejoin the lead group. The decisions made by Cliff Daniels, Hendrick’s crew chief, further illustrated the leadership and preparedness that carried the team through challenging moments.
We did the best job we could,
Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
I’m just speechless. I can’t believe it. We had an average car, at best. We had the right-front go down and lost a lap. Got saved by a caution and did the wave-around. It was really bad that run.
Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
What a year by this Hendrick Motorsports team. Cliff Daniels, everybody, his leadership, his complete leadership just showed that whole race. Keeping us all motivated, always having a plan, just all of that. It’s just the story of our season.
Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Denny Hamlin, who had led the most laps and seemed the probable champion until the late caution, reflected afterward on both the disappointment and the tough strategic choices. Candid in his post-race comments, Hamlin defended his decision to pit for four tires, reasoning it was the right move as the pressure mounted in overtime.
There’s nothing I can do different,
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
I was just praying for no caution. We had one there. What can you do? It’s not meant to be.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
I thought I was still okay,
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
We took four tires, and I thought that was definitely the right call. Just so many cars took two there, and obviously put us back. The team did a fantastic job. They prepared a championship car. It just didn’t happen.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Now 44 and still searching for his first Cup championship, Hamlin continues to focus on future opportunities amid the emotional aftermath of Sunday’s heartbreak.
I’ve got a couple more shots at it. If you can’t win that one, I don’t know which one you can win.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Blaney Takes the Checkered Flag in a Tense Finish
While the championship race was the primary focus, the battle for the race win delivered its own fireworks. Ryan Blaney maneuvered his No. 12 car in a gripping final-lap duel, edging Brad Keselowski with a last-corner pass to claim his fourth victory of the season. Blaney reflected on the intensity and the decisions that brought him to the front at the right moment, acknowledging both crew chief Jonathan Hassler and the strength of his team.
Obviously, we would have liked to have been in the championship. Our goal this weekend was to just go and try to win the race, you know, and end on a high note. We did the best we can. So proud of the 12 group for doing what they do.
Ryan Blaney, Race Winner
Byron Reacts as Championship Picture Shifts
William Byron, whose late-race misfortune triggered the final caution, expressed mixed emotions after potentially altering the outcome for the No. 11 team and Hamlin. Despite his happiness for teammate Larson’s win and high praise for Rick Hendrick, Byron could not escape a feeling of responsibility for the dramatic twist in the closing laps.
I hate it for Denny and I hate it for the 11 team,
William Byron, NASCAR Driver
I thought at the time, if it’s left-rear, you can kind of get back [to pit road]. It just went straight into three. It laid down on the right rear and went straight. I hate that.
William Byron, NASCAR Driver
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NASCAR Season
As Larson and Hendrick Motorsports celebrated a season marked by perseverance and tactical execution, the rest of the garage began to look ahead. The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series will kick off with the Cook Out Clash, an exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, with the championship chase officially resuming on February 15 at the Daytona 500 on the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
Sunday’s finale at Phoenix served as a showcase of teamwork, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of the NASCAR Cup Series. Kyle Larson’s NASCAR championship win will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for the resilience and composure that defined his drive to victory.
