Kyle Larson captured his second NASCAR Cup Series title in unprecedented fashion at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025, overcoming a challenging race to secure the 2025 Cup Series Championship for Hendrick Motorsports. Larson, despite not leading a single lap, managed to outlast his competitors in a dramatic finale, reinforcing his reputation as one of NASCAR’s elite drivers.
Kyle Larson Triumphs Amid Chaos at Phoenix
The 2025 Cup Series Championship unfolded at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, with Kyle Larson surprising many by taking home the trophy, even though he struggled for much of the race. Facing off against Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing, and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron, Larson emerged victorious after a series of unpredictable developments in the final laps. The race, broadcast on NBC and Peacock, highlighted Larson’s tenacity as he overcame a flat tire, lost a lap, and contended with an “average car at best,” ultimately benefiting from a timely caution and strategic wave-around to rejoin the lead lap.
His closest rivals experienced their own setbacks. Hamlin, who led 208 laps and appeared destined for glory, finished sixth after late-race misfortune. Briscoe overcame a late tire issue to end the day in 18th, while Byron suffered from tire trouble and placed far down in the order at 33rd. The collective struggles of the top contenders allowed Larson to stay in contention, leading to a finish that shocked many watching the race unfold.
Reactions from the Championship Finish Line
Larson’s unexpected win resonated with spectators and competitors alike. In his immediate reaction to the victory, he said,
“I can’t believe it. We didn’t lead a lap today and somehow won the championship.”
– Kyle Larson, 2025 Cup Series Champion
NASCAR race announcer Leigh Diffey summarized the magnitude of the accomplishment as Larson crossed the line:
“The 33-year-old from Elk Grove, California, Kyle Larson comes to the line and is a two-time champion! He just had the drive of his life.”
– Leigh Diffey, NASCAR race announcer
Runner-up Denny Hamlin reflected on his performance, noting,
“Nothing I could’ve done different. Prepared as best as I could coming into the weekend and my team gave me a fantastic car. Just didn’t work out…What can you do? It’s just not meant to be.”
– Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing
Dramatic Developments Shape the Championship Race
The closing laps were marked by a caution with just three laps remaining, upending Hamlin’s hopes after he had driven in dominant fashion. The unpredictable nature of the race befitted a season of twists for all four championship contenders. Hamlin’s push for a long-elusive title – one that would add to his Daytona 500 and numerous Cup Series wins – was stymied despite a commanding display at the front for much of the contest. William Byron, for a time the only title contender to avoid tire problems, eventually found himself caught out in the late chaos.
Crew chiefs and analysts, including Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, and NBC Sports’ Leigh Diffey, provided insight into the strategies and misfortunes of the drivers as the tension mounted throughout the afternoon. With tire failures, pit stop errors, and clutch problems affecting the leading teams, the path to victory proved anything but straightforward. Kim Coon, Dave Burns, Parker Kligerman, and pit reporters delivered updates as Larsen’s chances fluctuated throughout the race.
Insights and Strategy from Inside the Race
Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing deployed different tactics as the final stage progressed. Jeff Burton remarked on Denny Hamlin’s ability to protect his lead and make smart moves:
“Races aren’t always won with aggression. They’re won with your mind. Denny Hamlin, a great move.”
– Jeff Burton, NASCAR analyst
Meanwhile, Steve Letarte spoke to the unpredictable turns of the contest:
“We’ve run 283 laps and we’ve had a clutch issue, four flat tires, a free pass, a wave-around, two bad pit stops, and now they run 1-4. I mean, could you imagine this?”
– Steve Letarte, NASCAR analyst
As the drama peaked, Burton and Letarte analyzed the impact of mechanical troubles and tire wear, which were central to the strategies of Hamlin, Byron, Briscoe, and Larson. The degree to which these problems reshaped the race underscored the significance of durability and driver composure under pressure.
Pre-Race Ceremonies and Special Features
The day began with NBC Sports’ Countdown to Green, where host Marty Snider was joined by Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett, analysts like Steve Letarte, and Hyak Motorsports co-owner Brad Daugherty to break down the storylines and highlight the personal journeys of the Championship 4. Features showcased William Byron’s career, Denny Hamlin’s relationship with team owner Joe Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe’s family support. Kyle Larson shared a personal moment with his son Owen and daughter Audrey, who gave him bracelets live on air for good luck. The event also included a musical performance from CMA Award winner Jordan Davis, a special introduction voiced by Olympian Michael Phelps, and actress Sydney Sweeney waving the checkered flag in a nod to the event’s significance.
Significance of the 2025 Cup Series Championship
Larsen’s comeback victory serves as a memorable chapter in Hendrick Motorsports’ NASCAR legacy and adds to the ongoing narrative of Cup Series drama. With drivers like Hamlin, Byron, and Briscoe all battling adversity, the result offered a snapshot of the unpredictability that defines motorsports at its highest level. The layered emotions and intense competition on display reflect the enduring appeal of the NASCAR Cup Series and set the stage for new storylines as the sport looks ahead to future seasons.
For Kyle Larson, now a two-time champion at just 33 years old, the path to victory in 2025 will be remembered as a testament to skill, resilience, and the ability to seize opportunity in the face of adversity. As the teams and fans reflect on a complex and hard-fought championship, attention turns to how contenders like Hamlin, Byron, and Briscoe will regroup for another title push in the coming year.
The race to turn effort into gold. 🏆
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship from Phoenix airs Sunday at 3pm ET on NBC and Peacock. pic.twitter.com/m1ERYXZ2wF
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 1, 2025
