Dale Earnhardt Jr. described witnessing Denny Hamlin‘s NASCAR championship loss as agonizing, following the dramatic outcome of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway. Hamlin, who set a record by leading 208 laps in the championship race, saw his title hopes vanish in the final moments as Kyle Larson captured his second Cup Series championship.
Hamlin’s Heartbreaking Near-Miss at Phoenix Raceway
The Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship loss unfolded with stunning intensity on Sunday, as Hamlin appeared poised to finally secure his first title. From the start at Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin’s car was superior, dominating the field and maintaining control over the majority of the event. However, as the laps dwindled, a late-race twist upended Hamlin’s championship aspirations.
The race begins, and he drives this car for 90 percent of the race going, ‘There ain’t a car here as good as this one. I got this.’ Of course, he’s not assuming anything, but he’s sitting there going, ‘I’ve never had a better shot at winning a championship.’ He’s never had that car at Phoenix. That car would’ve beaten the f*cking Penske cars.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Driver
With fewer than three miles left, William Byron‘s blown tire and resulting crash forced a caution flag, throwing the race into an overtime finish. During the pivotal final pit stop, Larson’s team opted for just two new tires while Hamlin’s crew took four, reshuffling the leaders on the restart. This gamble placed Larson ahead, and despite Hamlin’s dominant performance through most of the race, Larson was able to hold on and capture the championship by finishing third, while Hamlin ended three positions behind.
The Emotional Fallout for Hamlin
Hamlin’s anguish was evident after the checkered flag, an emotion shared by those watching—even his peers. Dale Earnhardt Jr., reflecting on the loss, emphasized the unique pain of coming so close to a NASCAR Cup Series title after so many near-misses across Hamlin’s career.
Denny is heartbroken. It sucks, there ain’t nothing I can say. I don’t even wanna say anything because there ain’t nothing you can tell this guy. No one’s ever going to be able to say anything to him that will make him feel better,
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Driver
Earnhardt noted that, for a competitor like Hamlin, comfort is hard to find in the aftermath of such a defeat. The disappointment of losing after such a strong showing sits heavy, and even those close to Hamlin struggle to find words that could ease his pain.
Support and Hope from Family
According to Earnhardt, the only voice that might provide solace in this moment is that of Hamlin’s father. The bond and approval of family, especially after a long and successful season, could help Hamlin process the disappointment and continue pursuing his championship dream.
… If there’s anybody that could ever make Denny feel somewhat better or at least be able to move beyond and continue to do kickass things, it would be probably his dad telling him, ‘What you did was enough for me.’ Hopefully that happens, and I’m sure it will, but I think that’s probably the only person in the world that could actually take a little bit of this sting out for him.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Driver
What This Loss Means for Hamlin and NASCAR
The Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship loss at Phoenix Raceway adds another chapter to his complex legacy in the sport, fueling both the intensity and turbulence that has defined his career. As Hamlin continues to chase his first Cup Series title, his determination remains an example for fellow drivers and fans. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson’s victory cements his status, and NASCAR prepares for another season with these storylines driving intense anticipation and unresolved rivalries. The resilience Hamlin shows in the face of disappointment will shape not only his own narrative but the ongoing saga of championship pursuits in the NASCAR Cup Series.
