Denny Hamlin’s Denny Hamlin championship heartbreak after the NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway led to a strong show of support from both his fans and those close to him, as he experienced another championship slip away in the final laps due to a pivotal pit stop. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s latest setback extended his run as the Cup Series’ most successful competitor without a championship, amplifying the emotional atmosphere around his crew, fiancée Jordan Fish, and many NASCAR followers.
Hamlin’s Dominant Race Ends in Disappointment
On Sunday, at Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin commanded the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race for much of the event, leading 208 out of 312 laps and setting the pace with his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. However, with just three laps left, a caution caused by William Byron’s tire problem altered the entire field’s strategy. Teams split between taking two new tires, four, or staying out altogether. Hamlin’s decision for fresh four tires left him restarting in 11th position during overtime, a move that ultimately cost him his shot at the title.
Kyle Larson, meanwhile, benefitted from a two-tire call, lining up near the front and charging into the lead to claim his second career championship. Hamlin crossed the line in sixth, which made him runner-up in the championship for the second time, reviving memories of his earlier heartbreaks, including a memorable defeat in 2010 to Jimmie Johnson.
Support Surges from Fans and Family
Jordan Fish, Hamlin’s fiancée, reacted to the outcome by posting a single broken-heart emoji on X, capturing the collective mood. Fans quickly responded to her message and expressed their empathy:
“Bad call from Gayle. He deserved it and was by far the best car. The fanbase hurts with you.”
This message echoed much of the public reaction as disappointment filled NASCAR discussions across the nation. Many supporters noted that Hamlin’s misfortune was particularly tough given the strength and speed he and his team showed throughout the season and especially during this crucial race.
The moment also resonated emotionally as Hamlin was seen motionless alongside his car, comforted by Fish, crew chief Chris Gayle, and his two daughters. For many fans, witnessing such vulnerability after five unsuccessful Championship 4 appearances, and now two runner-up finishes, revealed the intensity and dedication the veteran driver brought to his 60 career wins, which remain unmatched by any other driver without a title.
Critical Decisions and Reflections Post-Race
The championship pressure came to a head with three laps remaining when the late caution forced every contender’s hand on pit road. Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece stayed out while others, including Hamlin, weighed their tire strategies. Ultimately, the call to take four tires left Hamlin buried in the field for the overtime sprint.
Hamlin described the final moments and his emotions:
“We were 40 seconds from a championship,”
Hamlin said post-race, via NASCAR.com.
“You work so hard, but sometimes speed, talent, all that stuff just doesn’t matter.”
Chris Gayle, Hamlin’s crew chief, also defended the decision as strategy dictated by the race’s unpredictable finale:
“We were the dominant car. I thought we made the right decision. It just came down to chaos at the end.”
For Hamlin—whose father was in attendance and who counted this race as a possible final chance at the long-sought championship—the sting of defeat ran deeper than ever before.
What Lies Ahead After Another Painful Finale
With his latest Denny Hamlin championship heartbreak, the driver and his loyal fans are left seeking answers about what more can be done. The event at Phoenix Raceway cemented Hamlin’s reputation as both one of the fastest drivers in NASCAR and one of its most heartbroken champions-in-waiting. As the season closes, attention shifts to how Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, and crew chief Chris Gayle will regroup, whether he can shake off another emotional loss and finally claim that elusive title. Until then, the NASCAR community continues to rally, their hopes and frustrations reflecting the complexity and passion at the core of every great sporting pursuit.
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— Jordan Fish (@missjfish) November 3, 2025
