Kyle Larson secured the NASCAR Cup Series championship win at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, narrowly defeating Denny Hamlin in a dramatic final showdown. Hamlin, reflecting on the intense outcome, faced disappointment but chose to support his longtime friend amid a wave of emotions.
Hamlin Shows Support for Larson Amid Heartbreak
After finishing second to Kyle Larson during the championship race, Denny Hamlin attended Larson’s celebration party, making a point to be there for his friend despite his own feelings of loss. Hamlin later expressed concern that Larson’s victory had not received the full recognition it deserved due to the shifting focus.
“There’s not one person who should ever question his deservingness of being a champion. That’s what I don’t like to see. But he’s a great friend of mine. If it wasn’t me, I was definitely happy for him. But I was just trying to do the right thing as a friend, regardless of my feelings and emotions, that evening. It was important for me to go and show him support.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin emphasized that showing respect for Larson, both as a competitor and a friend, was his priority in the aftermath of the race. He hoped that Larson would have done the same if the outcome had been reversed, highlighting the mutual respect between the drivers.
How the Race Unfolded at Phoenix Raceway
Denny Hamlin appeared to be on track to claim his own first championship, dominating the race by leading 208 laps—a record for the championship event at Phoenix. With less than three miles remaining, Hamlin was poised to take the checkered flag when William Byron’s blown tire resulted in a late caution, shuffling the field for a high-stakes pit strategy showdown.
On the final pit stop, Hamlin’s No. 11 team chose to fit four fresh Goodyear tires, while Kyle Larson and five other drivers opted for two. This tactical difference created separation among the Championship 4 contenders. Ultimately, Hamlin was unable to regain enough ground, allowing Larson to cross the finish line first and secure his second championship title.
The Aftermath: Coping with Disappointment and Expectations
Although Hamlin did not linger long at Larson’s party, he made it clear that being present, despite personal pain, was important. With the upcoming awards banquet on Tuesday night, Hamlin expected another difficult experience as he would again be reminded of the narrow miss.
“It won’t be as agonizing as having to sit through two hours tonight,”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
“You know, you can say that we’re the only sport that [blank] lots of things but having to make the losers sit there and celebrate the winners is just one of those extra things that we have to do in our sport that’s painful.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin’s comments highlight the emotional weight carried by top competitors in NASCAR, particularly when coming so close to victory. Despite personal heartbreak, he upheld the tradition of sportsmanship and respect within the series, reinforcing the strong bonds and rivalries among drivers such as himself, Kyle Larson, and William Byron.
Significance of Larson’s Victory and Final Thoughts
Kyle Larson’s NASCAR championship win not only cements his status as a top-tier driver but also draws praise from fellow racers like Denny Hamlin, even in defeat. As the NASCAR Cup Series season concludes, the events at Phoenix Raceway will be remembered for their dramatic twists and for the intense emotions experienced by the sport’s leading figures. The championship celebration party, the tough final laps, and the award ceremony all underscore the gravity and passion that define NASCAR’s pinnacle events.
