Kyle Larson clinched the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship in overtime at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, achieving a victory that had been humorously anticipated by Bubba Wallace years prior. The pivotal final moments saw Larson opt for a two-tire strategy, holding off Denny Hamlin to secure his second career championship and further fuel discussions about the foresight surrounding the “Kyle Larson 2025 NASCAR champion” prediction.
Moments and Reactions from the NASCAR Community
The championship race became intense following a late caution that led to an overtime finish. As drivers scrambled for position, Larson maintained his composure to edge past Denny Hamlin and claim the crown, marking his first title since 2021. In the aftermath, Hamlin expressed his emotion with a direct statement:
In this moment, I never want to race a car again.
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
Bubba Wallace’s Prediction from 2023
In December 2023, Kyle Larson took to X (formerly Twitter), humorously requesting help from the racing community, writing:
Who would be generous enough to donate some fast iRacing setups? I’m slow so need all the help I can get.
– Kyle Larson, Driver
(Queue up the jokes, I’m sure I know which ones are coming.
– Kyle Larson, Driver
Bubba Wallace, known for his candid presence within the sport, replied with a tongue-in-cheek prophecy, calling Larson “2025 cup champion right here.” Following Sunday’s win, Wallace responded to his previous comment with a single word: “Welp.” This succinct response, posted again on Monday, highlighted the accuracy of his earlier prediction and resonated with fans online.
Welp https://t.co/7XkkteDkyx— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) November 3, 2025
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
Looking Ahead After the Championship Finale
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway added another achievement to Kyle Larson’s record, further solidifying his role as a major competitor within the sport. Bubba Wallace’s playful foresight has become a viral talking point among fans, adding humor to a fiercely competitive season. With this result, attention now turns toward the next chapter in the rivalry between Larson, Wallace, and Hamlin as the series gears up for future races at venues such as Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) November 3, 2025
