Kyle Larson clinched his second NASCAR Cup Series championship after a critical late-race decision on pit strategy, expressing initial uncertainty over the bold two-tire move that ultimately secured the win. The daring approach taken by the Hendrick Motorsports driver and his pit crew at Phoenix Raceway became the defining factor in dethroning Denny Hamlin and capturing motorsport’s top honor, putting the Kyle Larson championship pit strategy at the center of racing discussions.
Larson’s Skepticism Toward Last-Minute Pit Call
As the decisive laps ticked down, Denny Hamlin led the way and appeared poised to clinch his first Cup Series trophy. However, a caution flag at Lap 310 triggered a critical pit stop, forcing teams to make high-stakes choices. While Hamlin’s team chose a four-tire change, Kyle Larson’s crew gambled on just two tires to gain valuable track position. This strategic shift set the stage for Larson’s eventual win.
Recounting the events during an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Larson reflected on the first crucial two-tire pit stop his #5 Hendrick Motorsports team performed. He acknowledged that this choice was unexpected and made in the heat of the moment, catching him by surprise and pushing the limits of conventional race strategy.
“The one that he’s talking about is that first two-tire stop, which I think is more important than even the stop we had there at the end. So, I didn’t have two tires on my mind at all. And I could tell that it was the last kind of second decision because usually when I come, when I hit pit road, they’re like, All right, we’re doing four tires, we’re doing two tires, whatever.”
– Kyle Larson, Driver
“I was like just turning into my stall, and I think they said, ‘Your right side is leaving on the jack.’ And I was like, “Oh gosh, this is a desperate call, and I don’t think it’s going to work, but you know, here we go,” the #5 driver continued.
– Kyle Larson, Driver
First Gamble Opens Door for Championship Success
The initial risk paid off for Larson and his team, making the subsequent two-tire call in the race’s closing moments feel inevitable. The confidence built from the outcome of the first pit stop allowed for a seamless repeat of the strategy, as another late caution appeared and the #5 car rejoined the fight at the front of the pack.
“Then yeah, it worked out so well that when the caution came out for the next one, it was really a no-brainer to do two tires again,” Larson added.
– Kyle Larson, Driver
Overcoming Obstacles to Secure the Title
Kyle Larson’s charge to the 2025 championship was anything but straightforward. Denny Hamlin had dominated the day at Phoenix Raceway, leading 208 laps and controlling the event for much of the distance. In contrast, Larson did not lead a single lap during the race, making his triumph all the more remarkable. He described the outcome as ‘just unbelievable,’ emphasizing how everything aligned for his team at the perfect time.
“We didn’t lead a lap and won the championship. We had an average car at best and had the right front (tire) go down, lost a lap and got the wave around, saved by the caution with the wave around. It’s just unbelievable. What a year by this motorsports team.”
– Kyle Larson, Driver
Despite adversity, including losing a lap and a front-tire issue, Larson demonstrated resilience. He ultimately regained position thanks to timely cautions and bold calls from his pit crew. His season concluded with three Cup victories, 15 top-five finishes, 22 top-10s, and over 1,100 laps led. The championship campaign solidified his standing as one of the sport’s top drivers and underscored the impact of teamwork and strategic risk-taking.
Bigger Implications for NASCAR Cup Series
The bold pit decisions that propelled Kyle Larson and the Hendrick Motorsports team to the 2025 championship will likely resonate with teams across the NASCAR Cup Series. The success of the Kyle Larson championship pit strategy may inspire others to take calculated risks in search of elusive victories. For Denny Hamlin, who came close but fell short after a dominant performance, the experience serves as motivation heading into future seasons. Meanwhile, Larson’s championship win further cements his reputation and the ingenuity of his pit crew, signaling that creative decision-making remains a vital part of racing at the highest level.
🛞 "I wasn't thinking two tires at all."@KyleLarsonRacin discusses the back-to-back gutsy pit calls that secured him a second NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
More from the champ earlier this week: https://t.co/9V67SHwcGg pic.twitter.com/rE1L6WkdVv
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 7, 2025
