Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer, described Denny Hamlin‘s final attempt at the Cup Series crown as agonizing, reflecting on Hamlin’s near-miss during this season’s decisive race. In an intense year for the Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship chase, Hamlin demonstrated top form but came up short at Phoenix Raceway.
Hamlin’s Championship Hopes Fade in Final Race
This season, Denny Hamlin, racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, seemed poised to seize his long-awaited Cup Series title. Hamlin led an impressive 208 of 319 laps, holding the fastest car after winning pole position, raising hopes among fans and observers for a breakthrough victory. However, despite these strengths, Kyle Larson ultimately outran the competition, denying Hamlin another shot at championship glory.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. remarked on his podcast that Hamlin’s loss resonated deeply given his decorated career and the weight of expectation after two decades of racing in NASCAR’s premier series.
“That was excruciating to watch. Denny was somewhat, I heard, emotional on the front straightaway or around the car before the race, and so, you knew whether Denny was going to show…Denny doesn’t really show a ton of emotion, but you can tell this was…he knew that he had a very good shot at this before he even got in his car. He never had a better shot at winning the championship.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Late-Race Drama Alters the Outcome
With only a handful of laps left, a crash involving William Byron on lap 309 led to the last caution of the day. On the ensuing restart, Hamlin opted for four fresh tires but was placed 11th as the race resumed. By contrast, Kyle Larson started fifth and finished third, securing his 15th top-five result out of 36 races that season. Hamlin again finds himself as the longest-standing Cup Series driver yet to secure a championship.
Hamlin’s closest previous brush with victory came in 2010, when he finished runner-up to Jimmie Johnson. This year, he crossed the line in sixth place. Ryan Blaney took the checkered flag, followed by Brad Keselowski in second and Kyle Larson completing the top three.
Hamlin Reflects on a Tough Loss and Looks Ahead
Speaking with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports after the event, Hamlin addressed the emotional impact of the outcome and his mindset moving forward.
“I plan to, I have a contract to, but at this point there’s just absolutely no way that would even…I don’t even think about the race car right now. I’m going to need some time on this one.”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Up next for Hamlin is the 68th running of the Daytona 500, one of NASCAR’s premier events. Although he has previously won the crown jewel three times, victory has eluded him in the NextGen era. The 2026 edition is set for February 15 and will air on FOX Sports.
Kyle Larson Recognizes Hamlin During NASCAR Awards
In a notable moment at the 2025 NASCAR Awards, Kyle Larson acknowledged Hamlin’s work ethic and stature during his acceptance speech. Despite being fierce rivals on the oval, the two drivers share mutual respect off the track.
“I’ve got to give a special shout-out to Denny Hamlin,” said Larson. “Nobody in this sport works harder or expects more out of himself.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“Year after year, he raises the bar and pushes his competitors to be better. He holds himself to a true championship standard, and I think everyone in this room has a ton of respect for that,”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Hamlin’s 2025 campaign was marked by six race wins, the latest being his 60th career triumph. He ultimately ended the season second in points, just behind Kyle Larson, cementing his reputation as one of NASCAR’s most resilient and determined athletes.
The Road Ahead for Hamlin and NASCAR
Denny Hamlin’s sustained drive for a title continues to captivate NASCAR fans and competitors, keeping his name prominent among top drivers like Larson, Ryan Blaney, and Brad Keselowski. His quest for a championship remains a central narrative heading into the next Cup Series season, as the sport’s attention turns toward the upcoming Daytona 500 and another opportunity for Hamlin to add to his storied career.
Denny Hamlin said he plans to race next year (he is signed through 2027) but he said he is going to need some time to get over Sunday and he's not ready to get in a race car right now. pic.twitter.com/zm3Wf6mdpM
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 4, 2025
