Kyle Larson NASCAR Cup Champion secured his second NASCAR Cup Series title after clinching a dramatic victory at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday afternoon, joining a select group of drivers with multiple championships. Larson outpaced strong contenders, demonstrating resilience and skill in a fiercely competitive finale that delivered excitement for fans at Phoenix, Arizona.
Larson Triumphs in a Thrilling Championship Finale
Kyle Larson claimed the coveted championship after a significant performance in the season-ending race, overcoming rival efforts from drivers such as William Byron of Joe Gibbs Racing and Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin from Hendrick Motorsports. Notably, Larson was the only finalist to have previously captured a Cup Series title, having first taken the crown in Phoenix back in 2021.
The event featured intense competition throughout. Denny Hamlin started at the front of the pack after a qualifying speed of 133.759 mph at Phoenix Raceway, while William Byron followed closely in the second position. Larson launched the race from third, setting the stage for a heated battle among the championship hopefuls. Chase Briscoe began the finale as the twelfth starter, and was the lone contender with a qualifying speed below 133 mph.
Key Moments Shape the Championship Showdown
William Byron surged ahead to win Stage 1, overtaking Hamlin for the lead. Meanwhile, Briscoe contended with mechanical difficulties midway through the contest, but managed an impressive climb to seventh by the end of Stage 2. A slow pit stop sent both Larson and Hamlin outside the top ten just before the critical third stage, heightening the tension among the competitors.
With ten laps left, all championship contenders went four-wide in a bid to secure the top honor. Byron encountered trouble late, hitting the wall, while Larson tactically advanced to hold the third spot just as the race entered overtime. This finale marked only the second time since 2016 that the NASCAR Cup championship concluded with an overtime restart.
Larson Joins Elite Company in NASCAR History
Larson ultimately crossed the finish line in third place, with Ryan Blaney and Brad Keselowski finishing just ahead. His effort, however, was enough to clinch the overall championship—making him the 18th driver to have won the NASCAR Cup Series more than once. The official playoff standings and championship bracket are available for fans on NASCAR.com.
This victory not only cements Kyle Larson’s reputation as one of NASCAR’s leading talents but also sets the stage for future seasons, as the championship contenders—such as William Byron, Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Brad Keselowski—continue to compete at the highest level. The outcome of the Phoenix race is poised to influence upcoming strategies and aspirations across the NASCAR Cup Series.
The No. 24 flexes its muscles in the opening stage! pic.twitter.com/g1ogQN0tks
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 2, 2025
