Kyle Larson’s triumph at the recent NASCAR Cup Series finale in Phoenix has ignited fresh discussion around the “villain” label in NASCAR, with Larson himself deflecting the notion even as Denny Hamlin’s heartbreak has rallied fan support. As new heroes and seeming villains emerge in motorsport storylines, the dynamic following Hamlin’s dramatic near-miss spotlights how NASCAR drivers—and their images—are shaped by both competition and community sentiment.
Hamlin’s Phoenix Setback Turns Fans in His Favor
During the closing laps of the Phoenix finale, Denny Hamlin seemed destined to finally secure his first NASCAR Cup championship, having commanded more than 200 laps. However, an untimely caution triggered by William Byron’s tire trouble led to an overtime restart, abruptly altering the outcome. Kyle Larson, who had not led a single lap before, opted for a two-tire change and vaulted to victory, claiming his second Cup trophy, while Hamlin faced another harrowing close call.
For many, Hamlin’s loss was not only a crushing moment for his career—which is rich in near-misses—but also a pivotal shift in how fans and rivals viewed him. Instead of the familiar boos, there was a surge of empathy, transforming Hamlin from perennial villain to a figure worthy of support. Larson himself openly acknowledged the turn: the heartbreak Hamlin endured seemed to have won over a segment of the NASCAR faithful who may once have jeered him.
Larson’s Take: Fame, Rivalry, and NASCAR’s “Villain” Mantle
Soon after the race, Larson appeared on the Rubbin’ Is Racing podcast, where he was quizzed about stepping into the now-vacant villain role, with co-hosts quipping,
“Will Kyle Larson become Kyle Larceny?”
—Rubbin’ Is Racing Podcast Co-Hosts. Larson listened and offered a measured perspective about how animosity or admiration from fans evolves. He stated,
“I think it takes a moment where you got to get into somebody that the fans like,”
—Kyle Larson, Driver. He expanded on the idea that the role of the villain isn’t something a driver can claim on demand; rather, it emerges spontaneously when on-track incidents or heated rivalries attract attention.
Larson referred to how personalities like Kyle Busch molded a controversial persona, or how Ross Chastain quickly polarized supporters and critics through hard-nosed racing in 2022. Turning back to Hamlin, Larson illustrated the recent shift:
“But I think after the heartbreak of this weekend for him, he’s probably won over a lot of fans because of it too,”
—Kyle Larson, Driver. Larson related Hamlin’s enduring quest for a title to the tales of other NASCAR greats like Dale Earnhardt, whose tough losses eventually cultivated a groundswell of fan respect.
Discussing public sentiment, Larson observed,
“He’s probably feeling much more welcome than he’s been, you know, for a while,”
—Kyle Larson, Driver. Hamlin’s willingness to share openly about his ups and downs—be it on his Actions Detrimental podcast or in his transparent partnership with Michael Jordan at 23XI Racing—has increasingly closed the gap between him and the audience, a rare feat for NASCAR veterans who long courted controversy.
Even Hamlin himself noted a transformation in the crowd’s tone, saying,
“I used to get booed every week. Now it’s kind of mixed. That’s a win.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver. Larson further credited Hamlin for his efforts to promote the sport:
“He really probably does the most to promote our sport these days.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver. This advocacy has included a strong voice in negotiations over NASCAR’s charter system and in championing driver interests, making Hamlin a key figure both competitively and at the negotiating table.
The recognition of Hamlin as not just a competitor but also an advocate is echoed elsewhere, with NBC Sports previously characterizing him as
“the rare driver who’s both competitor and advocate,”
—NBC Sports, cementing Hamlin’s enduring influence in NASCAR’s present and future. Larson concluded, backing Hamlin’s current support base,
“It’s deserving of people rooting for him, especially at this age and where he’s at now.”
—Kyle Larson, Driver.
At 44 and with 60 career Cup Series wins—all without a championship—Hamlin now represents something beyond the traditional villain: a storied driver whose setbacks have engendered widespread sympathy and respect.
Why Larson Isn’t Embracing the Villain Role
Despite media teasing, Larson didn’t accept the invitation to take on the villain identity. Instead, he emphasized that the roles of villain or hero are not preordained; they are shaped by pivotal track moments and the emotional swings of fans. Through his comments and approach, Larson seemed content to allow Hamlin the limelight—whether cheered or booed—rather than seeking notoriety for himself.
This outlook continues a long tradition in NASCAR where fan opinion can flip swiftly. Once-castigated rivals can become beloved over time, as drivers’ personalities and mishaps reveal their vulnerability and drive. This shifting landscape plays out weekly not only at the track but also in the stories told across the sport.
Mark Martin’s Outlook on Hamlin’s Perseverance
Veteran voices in the NASCAR community have noticed the ongoing drama as well. NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, reflecting on Hamlin’s latest heartbreak, compared Hamlin’s situation with Carl Edwards’ abrupt departure after his own title setback in 2016. Martin was clear in his belief that Hamlin’s journey isn’t over:
“Carl left the sport in a way that just left me in awe. But we will see where Denny is now. I believe he can come back in 26 and contend for the championship again. I also believe that 2025 was his year,”
—Mark Martin, NASCAR Hall of Famer.
Martin described the sheer dominance Hamlin showed at Phoenix, expressing frustration about the variables that can derail an otherwise perfect season:
“Denny and his team did the work, put the work in, whooped everybody’s a**. I mean, anytime he wanted, he could pull out to a 3-second lead. He did it all. And then, because in the name of entertainment, all these different things, points, resets, this, that, and the other, overtime finishes, whatever, something happens, and it slips through their fingers, and it tears everybody’s heart up. It’s not really a flaw in the system. It’s just that dog on it, you really wanted the guy that earned it, the guy that dominated the race, they did the work.”
—Mark Martin, NASCAR Hall of Famer.
Martin recognized how Hamlin began the race with authority, guiding much of its late stages, only to have a twist of fate erase his hopes. He acknowledged that the real test now lies in Hamlin’s recovery—mentally regrouping and finding the motivation to continue, especially as the demands of elite-level racing intensify with age.
Comparisons with Edwards also highlighted the psychological and political complexities that have prompted some drivers to walk away after disappointment. Yet, Martin and others in the paddock believe Hamlin’s love for racing and competitive zeal could pull him back into contention for another title run at age 45, even as expectations grow higher and the path becomes increasingly arduous.
The Road Ahead: NASCAR’s Evolving Storylines
Kyle Larson’s Phoenix victory has spurred deep reflection within NASCAR’s ranks about what it means to be cast as a villain—or a hero—in the eyes of fans. The post-race discussions confirm that while Larson was thrust into the “villain” conversation by virtue of his win, he is not eager to play that role. Instead, both he and the broader NASCAR audience seemed unified in turning their attention, sympathy, and curiosity toward Denny Hamlin’s continuing quest.
As Hamlin rallies from another staggering heartbreak and Larson maintains his cool, the sport’s narrative stays compelling. These shifting story arcs—marked by the transformation of public perceptions and the resilience of its star drivers—help explain why NASCAR continues to captivate, season after season. With each finish line, the sport invites new emotions and stories, as rivalries, disappointments, and triumphs intertwine, ensuring fans always find someone to cheer—and someone to question—on racing’s biggest stages.
