Kyle Larson, a standout in the NASCAR Cup Series, addressed the media during NASCAR Champions week at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on November 4, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, discussing the latest season’s results. Larson’s remarks, made in the wake of the championship event, highlighted his candid impression of the season and prompted discussion about the nature of winning in the NASCAR Cup Championship context.
Champions Week Gathers Racing Notables in Phoenix
NASCAR held its annual Champions week at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, drawing winners and key figures from the season to Phoenix. The event provided a forum for competitors such as Denny Hamlin, Daniel Dye, and Connor Zilisch, all of whom experienced both the high points and setbacks associated with major races like those at Phoenix Raceway and in the Xfinity Series Championship. Industry leaders and award recipients, including legendary announcer Mike Joy, who was honored with the Myers Brothers Award, were also recognized among their peers.
Larson Shares Thoughts on the Championship Experience
Kyle Larson’s recent comments provided insight into his mindset following the race. He described his experience of winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship as distinctly unusual, referencing how difficult it can be to process the outcome immediately after such a high-stakes event. Larson’s openness resonated in a year when several competitors, including Denny Hamlin, confronted tough finishes and emotional reactions to their own losses at Phoenix Raceway.
The Broader Landscape of NASCAR Achievements
Beyond Larson’s reflection, the Champions week honored a number of exceptional performances. Chase Elliott was named the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver for an eighth consecutive year, signaling continued appreciation from fans and the NASCAR community. Meanwhile, Daniel Dye’s dedication to suicide prevention underscored the personal impact that champions can have off the track, as he was recognized as the Comcast Community Champion of the Year.
Significance of Larson’s Candid Observations
Kyle Larson’s choice to publicly call the NASCAR Cup Championship outcome “weird” sheds light on the complexities and unpredictability inherent in motorsports. As the sport continues to grow, his comments invite conversation about the pressures and experiences that define a champion. With figures such as Larson, Hamlin, Elliott, and others at the forefront, NASCAR retains a competitive spirit and emotional depth that continue to shape upcoming seasons.
