Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, provided a revealing championship reaction after Kyle Larson clinched his second Cup Series title at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday. Hendrick admitted he was caught off guard by the win, highlighting the unexpected nature of Larson’s triumph as Denny Hamlin appeared in control for much of the race.
Larson’s Unexpected Victory in Phoenix Shakes Up Cup Series
Kyle Larson secured his second championship in five years at the Phoenix Raceway finale, managing to surpass rival Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron. While Larson celebrated another Cup Series crown, the race saw dramatic shifts, especially in its closing moments.
Throughout most of the day, Denny Hamlin led the field, starting from the pole and appearing poised to finally clinch a long-sought championship. However, the race turned tense during the final laps when William Byron’s car faltered, prompting a caution that erased Hamlin’s commanding lead and altered the pit strategy for frontrunners. When racing resumed, Larson seized the opportunity, powering through to cross the finish line as champion.
Emotional Responses from Hendrick and Larson After the Race
Rick Hendrick, moved by Larson’s title win, spoke candidly with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio shortly after the race. His emotions reflected both excitement for Larson and empathy for the other contenders:
“You know, they never give up and work hard together. It was an unbelievable day, and this is probably the most nerve-wrecking race in being a Championship with ups and downs and blown tires. You have to feel bad for Denny because he ran a heck of a race, his car was lights out and I feel bad for William because he had a problem at the end.”
– Rick Hendrick, team owner
“But you know when cars fall your way, and there’s caution, Larson got a shot man, it is unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve ever been excited in all 15 as I was cause I wasn’t expecting, I thought it was over and then all of a sudden, here we were and man I think I was going nuts,”
Mr. Hendrick further asserted.
Despite the celebration within the Hendrick Motorsports camp, the outcome struck a bittersweet note. Hendrick, elated by Larson’s championship, also noted the disappointment for both Denny Hamlin and William Byron—both of whom missed out on the title following late-race chaos.
Kyle Larson Expresses Sympathy for Denny Hamlin
The defeat carried a particularly heavy meaning for Hamlin, who has now finished short of the championship four times in the past seven years. After the race, Kyle Larson openly acknowledged his empathy for Hamlin’s disappointment:
“There’s definitely a large part of me that feels really bad and sad.”
– Kyle Larson, driver
The day’s competitive pack saw Ryan Blaney taking the checkered flag ahead of Brad Keselowski, with Larson, Joey Logano, and Keselowski rounding out the top finishers. Larson’s cumulative points placement, however, secured his Cup Series title, while Hamlin settled for sixth place after his strong early performance was derailed in the final laps.
What This Result Means for Hendrick Motorsports and the Cup Series
Rick Hendrick’s championship reaction underscores the unpredictability and drama inherent in NASCAR’s playoff format. Larson’s ability to capitalize on late-race developments and Hendrick’s genuine surprise reflect the volatile nature of racing at this level. The victory further cements Hendrick Motorsports’ status as a powerhouse, while Hamlin’s continued pursuit of a title adds tension for future seasons.
With intense racing and shifting fortunes, the Cup Series remains as competitive and uncertain as ever. Rick Hendrick, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and the rest of the contenders now set their sights on next season, hopeful for redemption and more electrifying moments on the track.
How did Rick Hendrick take in those final laps and his 15th Cup Series championship with @KyleLarsonRacin?
🗣️ "I don't think I've ever been (as) excited in all the 15 as I was (tonight) because I wasn't expecting it, I thought it was over, and all of as sudden here we were." pic.twitter.com/qYFX4gPEai
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 3, 2025
