Denny Hamlin has shared his perspective on Kyle Larson‘s recent NASCAR Cup Series championship, expressing a nuanced reaction following the season finale. Speaking openly about the significance of this achievement, Hamlin weighed in on the conversation surrounding Larson’s performance, providing insight into how he feels as both a competitor and a friend. The Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship reaction comes at a pivotal moment in his own storied racing career.
Larson Joins Elite Company with Second Cup Title
With his latest Cup Series victory, Kyle Larson is now among the few active drivers—alongside Kyle Busch and Joey Logano—to have claimed multiple Cup championships. In the previous season, Larson led the series with six race wins but ultimately saw his title hopes dashed, with Logano taking the crown. This year, strategic calls and timely cautions worked in Larson’s favor, allowing him to stay composed under pressure and capture another championship trophy.
Addressing the outcome and the discourse it sparked, Hamlin told reporters,
“There’s a difference in ‘deserving’ and ‘should’ve been’, right? I think that there’s not one person that should ever question his deservingness of being a champion. That’s what I don’t like to see. I mean, he’s a great friend of mine, and if it wasn’t me I was definitely happy for him.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
“I’m a bit torn as well, because my friend won the championship and it’s not being talked about that much,” he added.
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Following the championship race, Hamlin made a point to attend Larson’s celebration party. He explained that being present was about recognizing his friend’s accomplishment, even as he worked through his own feelings of disappointment. According to Larson, the significance of Hamlin’s appearance and the visible emotion it conveyed during the event left a lasting impression.
Kyle Petty Praises Hamlin’s Racing Career Despite Setback
Veteran racer Kyle Petty has been vocal in his admiration for Denny Hamlin’s impact on NASCAR, emphasizing Hamlin’s consistency and milestones as marks of a champion—regardless of whether he’s secured a season title. Petty’s reflection came in the wake of Hamlin’s near-miss at championship glory once again.
“Denny Hamlin is a champion in anyone’s book. It doesn’t matter that he’s hoisting that trophy or not. Three Daytona 500 wins, 60 wins in the Cup Series, not to count all the top-5s and the top-10s. Not to count he’s an owner along with being a driver…he’s done so much for this sport. I was crushed for Denny Hamlin,” Petty said in a segment with NASCAR.
—Kyle Petty, NASCAR Analyst
This season, Hamlin ended the year with an impressive record: six wins, 15 finishes in the top five, five pole positions, and more than 1,000 laps led. Even so, the Joe Gibbs Racing ace acknowledged that recovering from the setback would require time, describing the defeat as especially hard to accept.
Still under contract for two more years with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin’s main ambition remains winning his first Cup Series championship, particularly as a tribute to his father, who has been facing health challenges. Despite another year passing without a title win, Hamlin is determined to keep chasing the goal.
Hamlin’s Pursuit of Racing Milestones Continues
Although Hamlin’s championship aspirations were again delayed, his enduring career includes significant achievements, including 60 Cup Series victories. This tally puts him within reach of surpassing Kyle Busch on the list of all-time wins—setting a new personal and professional benchmark—and keeps alive the hope of reaching the 70-win milestone. With continued determination, Hamlin looks ahead to future seasons, remaining a prominent figure in the NASCAR landscape and driving ongoing conversations about championship worthiness and legacy.
Denny Hamlin returned the favor to Kyle Larson during his media avail today, saying he doesn't think anyone should question Larson's deservingness of being champion and that he hates how the attention has been shifted away from Larson's accomplishment.
"There's a difference in… https://t.co/9KI2rZyoXA
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) November 4, 2025
