Kyle Larson captured his second Cup Series championship on Sunday at Phoenix, adding to his legacy in NASCAR and highlighting the resilience required to overcome setbacks. The achievement cements Larson’s place among the sport’s elite, reinforcing his reputation as a true Kyle Larson Cup Series champion and placing him in the company of racing icons Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.
Larson Overcomes Tire Troubles to Secure a Second Championship
Despite not leading any laps until the closing moments, Kyle Larson demonstrated determination during an unpredictable Cup Series title race. Elias setbacks included a flat right-front tire with just under 100 laps left, which temporarily cost him a lap and threatened to end his title bid. Undeterred, Larson relied on strategic calls from his Hendrick Motorsports team and made his move in the final laps, only leading the Championship 4 for the last seven circuits but finishing third overall, outlasting title contenders Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and William Byron for his latest crowning achievement.
Significant tire complications contributed to Briscoe falling out of contention and eliminated Byron from the title chase in the final four laps. Larson also had to recover from his own tire misfortune but managed to stay competitive. This title makes him the 18th Cup driver in history with multiple championships and the third multiple-time champion for Hendrick Motorsports, a feat only matched by Hall of Famers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.
“Kyle Larson is the 2025 Cup Series Champion, becoming the 18th driver to win multiple ChampionshipsHe joins Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon as the third multi-time Champion at Hendrick Motorsports. pic.twitter.com/TK8SqbyWDu”
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights)
The 2025 season challenged Larson in new ways, as he went without a win since Kansas in May. Yet, he consistently finished among the top 10 in six of the last seven events, showcasing steady form at the right time to claim another Cup title.
Denny Hamlin’s Hopes Dashed Despite Dominance
Denny Hamlin led more laps than any other driver in the final, registering 208 laps at the front in his bid for a first Cup Series championship. His crew, led by Chris Gayle, opted for an aggressive four-tire strategy on the overtime restart to maximize speed for the closing stretch. Unfortunately, the gamble only brought Hamlin up to sixth position at the checkered flag, ultimately leaving him three spots behind Larson for the coveted championship trophy.
Earlier mechanical difficulties, including clutch troubles and a fortunate caution following his own left-rear tire deflation, affected Hamlin’s race strategy and put him on the back foot. The late-race caution, triggered by Byron’s issues, forced the overtime restart and a flurry of two-tire decisions by competitors. This strategic reshuffling placed Hamlin too far down the order to recover in time.
At 44 years old with 60 career wins, Hamlin remains one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers without a title to his name. The outcome served as another reminder of the difficulties posed by NASCAR’s playoff format, suggesting further changes may be considered in the quest for more balanced championship runs.
Ryan Blaney Claims First Phoenix Win with Last-Lap Surge
Although Team Penske’s prospects for a title ended earlier at Martinsville, 2023 series champion Ryan Blaney capitalized on the chaos at Phoenix to score his first victory at the track. Taking advantage of a timely two-tire call for the overtime restart, Blaney overtook Brad Keselowski in the final stretch, finishing ahead as the field crossed the line.
While the championship battle drew much of the spotlight, Blaney’s performance reinforced Team Penske’s strength on raceways like Phoenix. His calculated drive and late-race move delivered a memorable win, keeping Penske’s brand prominent even without a title on the line.
Kyle Larson’s latest championship joins the list of multi-title winners in NASCAR Cup Series history, ensuring his name is now spoken alongside Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and other racing legends. The victory not only secures Hendrick Motorsports’ continued dominance in the sport but also influences discussions about future playoff formats and competitive strategies. As teams and drivers reflect on the twists of the season, attention turns to the next chapter in the quest for NASCAR’s top honors.
Kyle Larson is the 2025 Cup Series Champion, becoming the 18th driver to win multiple Championships
He joins Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon as the third multi-time Champion at Hendrick Motorsports. pic.twitter.com/TK8SqbyWDu
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) November 3, 2025
