The aftermath of Denny Hamlin‘s championship heartbreak at Phoenix Raceway has brought attention to the crucial pit call that cost him the 2025 Cup Series title, with Denny Hamlin championship heartbreak now a central focus for fans and analysts. The debate intensified as Rudy Fugle, crew chief for Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron, discussed the race on SiriusXM and highlighted the tough decision Chris Gayle, Hamlin’s crew chief at Joe Gibbs Racing, had to face.
Heading into the final laps at Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin’s #11 Toyota Camry XSE was dominant, leading 208 laps and claiming a stage two win. Positioned as the fastest car among the Championship 4, the team appeared poised for victory. However, the final pit strategy became pivotal: while Hamlin’s crew opted to change four tires, other teams, including Kyle Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports crew, went for two.
This gamble unexpectedly shifted the lead, dropping Hamlin down the order and propelling Larson ahead. As Hamlin wrestled to regain ground in the closing moments, Larson’s advantage on fresher position proved unassailable, securing him his second Cup Series championship and leaving Hamlin, once again, without the elusive title despite his reputation as one of the sport’s most successful drivers.
Rudy Fugle Shares His Perspective on Chris Gayle’s Decision
In his reflection on the pivotal moment, Rudy Fugle offered a candid assessment of Gayle’s actions during a recent media discussion, defending the Joe Gibbs Racing crew chief and his difficult choice during the crucial final pit stop.
“Chris was in a really tough spot, but you want to have your car on offense, and it’s just scenarios of what will go on… It’s a different story if there is a caution, which is highly likely that there is another caution. Then the 11 is in a better spot. I’d rather be on offense more times than not.”
– Rudy Fugle, Crew Chief for William Byron
“Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. So, I don’t blame him at all. It’s a tough spot, and I think that was an easier decision for Cliff to make, the decisions he made. Then you let the driver go sort of with that than it was for Chris, where he tried to put his driver on offense as best he could,”
he added. – Rudy Fugle, Crew Chief for William Byron
Fugle’s comments shed light on the logic behind the choice: the four-tire strategy could have played out in Hamlin’s favor had another caution occurred late in the race. Instead, when the race ran green to the finish, the move hindered Hamlin rather than helped, intensifying the pain of falling just short.
Denny Hamlin Processes Defeat After Phoenix Loss
The emotional toll of the final outcome was apparent as Denny Hamlin faced media after the race. Despite dominating much of the Championship 4 contest at the one-mile Phoenix track, Hamlin was unable to become the 2025 Cup Series champion and achieve his long-sought maiden title. When interviewed by NASCAR analyst Jeff Gluck at the post-event party, Hamlin spoke openly about his mindset following the difficult finish.
“I mean, I plan to. I have a contract to, but at this point, there’s just absolutely no way that I would even — I don’t even think about race cars right now. I’m gonna need some time on this one.”
– Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Hamlin signaled he would eventually return to the sport, while admitting he needed an extended break to recover from the heartbreak of Phoenix. His runner-up finish to Kyle Larson keeps him as NASCAR’s most accomplished driver still seeking a championship, while Larson celebrates his second series win.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps After the Cup Series Finale
With the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season now concluded and emotions still raw for Hamlin and his Joe Gibbs Racing team, the focus shifts forward. The off-season, set to be longer than usual, provides Hamlin a window to recuperate and prepare mentally for another shot at the title. The prestigious Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway will open the 2026 season on February 15, offering a fresh challenge and an opportunity for redemption.
As discussions continue about strategy, risk, and heartbreak at the finish line, figures like Rudy Fugle, Chris Gayle, Kyle Larson, and Denny Hamlin remain at the center of NASCAR’s competitive drama. The decisions made at Phoenix, and their broader significance for crew chiefs, drivers, and teams across organizations like Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, ensure that the debate over championship strategy and the pursuit of racing’s ultimate prize continues into the offseason and beyond.
🗣️ "Chris was in a really tough spot."@TeamHendrick Crew Chief Rudy Fugle discussed @JoeGibbsRacing Crew Chief Chris Gayle's decision to take four tires at the end of the championship race in Phoenix.
More: https://t.co/9V67SHwcGg pic.twitter.com/9hkF3CfpQ3
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 4, 2025
