In a season filled with memorable NASCAR finishes, Kevin Harvick has selected Kyle Larson’s victory celebration as the highlight, awarding him the 2025 Best Burnout. The recognition, known as the Kevin Harvick NASCAR burnout award, comes after Larson’s dramatic championship win at Phoenix Raceway captivated fans and racing veterans alike.
Harvick, a 60-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, discussed his pick for the season’s top burnout during Tuesday’s Happy Hour podcast. He described witnessing a range of celebrations through the season, but Larson’s stood above the rest due to its intensity and emotional resonance.
“There were a lot of elements to this particular burnout,”
said Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion. He continued,
“I think being the surprise winner at the end with all the strategy and not being in contention all day and then Cliff [Daniels] making a great call at the end and Kyle Larson keeping that car ahead of Denny Hamlin and the rest of them that were still racing for the championship. This burnout right here, getting out of the car, car against the fence, waving the flag, on the gas, team standing against the wall and the celebration afterwards, to me, definitely was one of the top moments.”
– Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion
Larson’s Unexpected Path to Victory
The championship race at Phoenix Raceway was far from straightforward for Kyle Larson. Despite not leading a single lap for much of the day, and losing ground after a tire blowout dropped him a lap behind, Larson and his No. 5 team persistently battled to stay in contention. With strategic direction from crew chief Cliff Daniels, the team managed to position Larson ahead of Denny Hamlin as overtime began. Hamlin had been the dominant force for much of the race, making Larson’s late push even more striking.
The final laps at Phoenix highlighted the unpredictable nature of NASCAR’s championship format. Larson, widely seen as unlikely to win as the race unfolded, emerged victorious with a bold move orchestrated by the team. His emotional burnout, performed with the car against the fence and flag in hand, was witnessed by a cheering pit crew along the wall, cementing the celebration in NASCAR history.
Kyle Larson Reflects on His Win on National TV
Following the championship, Kyle Larson discussed the dramatic finish on
“The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”
He openly acknowledged the good fortune that came his way in Phoenix, yet emphasized how the team’s risks and perseverance made the victory—and subsequent celebration—so meaningful.
“Yeah, I got pretty lucky. The way our format is, you know, it comes down to one race, four drivers,”
Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver, stated.
“We’re competing with the other drivers, too, but you just have to beat the other three, and I was not going to do that until we got a late caution. Our team gambled, took two tires, and… yeah, I had a flat tire with under 100 laps to go, it was crazy. … I thought it was close to over. I tried to stay somewhat motivated and confident, but never in a million years did I think it would actually pay off.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Larson’s comments reflected both the unpredictability and pressure of the NASCAR Cup Series championship. His acknowledgment of the risks and last-minute strategy shifts highlighted the intensity surrounding his win.
The Lasting Impact of the 2025 Best Burnout
Kevin Harvick’s endorsement of Larson’s celebration as the top burnout not only recognizes skill and flair but also honors the resilience needed to win NASCAR’s biggest events. The celebration at Phoenix Raceway stands as a vivid testament to the uncertain, emotionally charged nature of the sport. As NASCAR heads into its next season, both fans and drivers will surely remember the moment Larson, against the odds, secured his championship and delivered a burnout worthy of special acclaim.
