Kyle Larson, now a two-time NASCAR Cup champion, powered to victory at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday evening, capturing his second Cup Series title and further establishing himself among racing‘s elite. His remarkable performance at the season finale, achieved at the Arizona oval, underscored his impressive prowess as the Kyle Larson NASCAR Cup champion and cemented his place in motorsports history.
Another Title Run for Hendrick Motorsports
Representing Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 5 Chevrolet, Larson demonstrated unparalleled consistency and speed throughout the entire season. This latest triumph was a testament to both his individual ability and the collective strength of his crew, led by the strategy-minded Cliff Daniels. The championship showdown brought together Larson, teammate William Byron, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin, but it was Larson from Elk Grove, California, who delivered a drive worthy of the ages to claim the Cup.
Season of Dominance and Resilience
Larson’s 2025 campaign featured three significant victories at Homestead–Miami, Bristol, and Kansas, as well as an extraordinary 411-lap-led win at Bristol Motor Speedway earlier in the season. That emotional triumph was especially poignant, as Larson dedicated the win to Jon Edwards, the Hendrick director of communications and his public relations representative, who passed away days before the event. This ability to maintain focus and channel adversity into performance set the tone for the rest of his championship journey.
Championship Journey Through the Playoffs
The road to the 2025 title was not without setbacks. Larson did not win a playoff race leading up to the Phoenix finale, but stayed in strong contention with commanding performances and strategic decision-making from his pit crew. The precision and quick work of his team, including crucial calls from crew chief Cliff Daniels, kept Larson competitive through every round of the elimination-style playoffs. It was a strong effort at Martinsville Speedway in the cutoff race that clinched his spot among the Championship 4, highlighting his ability to perform when it mattered most.
A Place Among NASCAR’s Legends
This new Cup Series championship is Larson’s second, both earned behind the wheel for Hendrick Motorsports, adding to a legacy built on determination and racing intellect. He now joins Kyle Busch and Joey Logano as the only drivers to have won multiple Cup Championships in the playoff elimination era. Hendrick’s success story also continues, with the team celebrating its fifteenth Cup Series driver championship over 31 seasons and achieving this milestone with five different drivers.
Expanding His Racing Legacy
Larson’s racing ambitions have extended beyond the NASCAR scene this year. Racing at the Indianapolis 500 and continuing to compete on dirt tracks across the country, he remains one of motorsports’ most versatile and dynamic talents. His rise from dirt tracks in California to becoming a NASCAR Hall of Fame contender is a journey rooted in resilience and adaptability, traits on full display throughout this championship campaign.
The Significance Going Forward
By claiming the Cup title for 2025, Larson adds another memorable chapter to his rapidly growing legacy, and underscores the strength of Chevrolet within the sport as the manufacturer records its 34th Cup Series driver championship. His journey, marked by determination and supported by his family and team, stands as an example of what’s possible in racing. As celebrations unfold, the victory inspires both his team and the broader racing community, offering a glimpse of even greater achievements that may still be on the horizon for this exceptional competitor.
