Kyle Larson’s championship strategy delivered a dramatic victory at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025, securing his second NASCAR Cup Series title with Hendrick Motorsports. By opting for a calculated tire gamble during a critical late-race moment, Larson outmaneuvered his main rival Denny Hamlin and captured motorsport’s top prize in Arizona.
A high-stakes battle at Phoenix sets the stage
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship finale at Phoenix unfolded with relentless intensity, featuring some of the sport’s most determined drivers. Denny Hamlin appeared to have the race under control for much of the afternoon, dominating the track and confidently leading the field. Kyle Larson, piloting the No. 5 car, spent most of the event in fifth place, unable to mount a significant challenge as the laps dwindled and the race seemed decided.
However, the tension at the Phoenix Raceway spiked on Lap 309, when a late-race caution dramatically altered the complexion of the event. The unexpected yellow flag sent every contender barreling onto pit road, turning what appeared to be a straightforward finish into an unpredictable sprint. This was the vital moment when strategic decisions, rather than outright speed, would determine the championship’s outcome.
Two-tire gamble pays off for Larson in dramatic style
On pit road, race teams faced a defining choice: change two tires or four. While most, including race leader Denny Hamlin, played it safe by taking all four, Kyle Larson and his crew chief Cliff Daniels bet on a bolder option. Daniels encouraged Larson to stick with a right-side tires-only stop, a move they had already tried once earlier with success. The decision moved Larson up to fifth on the restart, while Hamlin’s four-tire strategy saw him fall out of the lead back to tenth.
In my head, I’m like we need to take two again because I think it’s gonna be just fine. And yeah, we got the caution, and it’s like Cliff and I are on the same page and did right side tires again. And yeah worked out. Just a couple of gutsy decisions,
Larson broke down the strategy that won him his second NASCAR championship on the NASCAR Live podcast.
This move was consistent with the risk the No. 5 team had embraced earlier in the race. With 32 laps remaining, when Larson was running thirteenth and falling back, Daniels had already taken a chance on two right-side tires—a call that catapulted Larson up the standings and put him back in the hunt. It was a gamble that paid off twice in one race, showcasing the importance of strategic ingenuity at the highest level of motorsport.
I wasn’t even expecting them to do two tires at that time, cause we ran a long time on that run,
Larson added further. The initial two-tire strategy had already rescued his race, creating an opening for the last-lap heroics still to come on pit road.
On the race’s final restart, Larson’s fresher positioning and relentless drive allowed him to stay ahead of his championship challengers, including Hamlin, whose earlier decision to opt for four tires left him embroiled in traffic. Larson eventually finished third—crucially, the highest among the Championship 4 contenders. That was all that was needed to claim the 2025 Cup Series crown.
The leadership and mindset behind these pivotal moves were emphasized by Cliff Daniels, who praised the perseverance and belief that underpinned the No. 5 team’s approach throughout the year.
There was just no other way for us to get toughened up, gritty enough, determined enough to show that level of perseverance. That is what the team showcased. I’m very grateful to be part of a team and an organization and a group of people that all share that belief.
Cliff Daniels, crew chief
Reflecting on a season shaped by risk and reward
Kyle Larson’s unexpected triumph at Phoenix was not merely the result of speed, but also the outcome of calculated risk-taking and uncompromising teamwork. The move for two right-side tires defined both the finale and Larson’s season—demonstrating bold thinking under pressure and the value of trust between driver and crew chief Cliff Daniels. The outcome—Larson lifting the Bill France Cup for the second time in his career—was a triumph for execution and vision, as well as performance.
Chase Briscoe, who also tried the two-tire approach during a pivotal late-race pit stop, briefly surged to the front, underlining how strategy could upend the expected order. But it was Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports team who saw their approach through, fending off all challengers when it mattered most.
As the confetti settled at Phoenix Raceway, the NASCAR community acknowledged how ingenuity and nerves of steel had proved just as important as raw pace. The 2025 Cup Series championship was won by those willing to defy convention in the pursuit of victory, with Kyle Larson and Cliff Daniels setting the standard.
Larson’s focus turns quickly to new challenges
Only two weeks after reaching NASCAR’s pinnacle, Kyle Larson shifted his concentration from celebration back to rigorous competition. Returning as a hero to his hometown of Elk Grove, the energy surrounding his victory quickly transitioned to anticipation for the next season. Larson, renowned for balancing his NASCAR commitments with his enduring passion for grassroots racing, revealed a demanding offseason schedule centered on dirt races across California.
For Larson, the post-championship period left little time for relaxation. His media responsibilities and fan engagements were intense, but he quickly redirected his energy back toward preparation and driving.
I feel like the last week has been crazy with media and just everything that goes along with winning the championship,
Larson shared.
So it’s been nice to kind of soak that in through those experiences. But then now, as it’s kind of slowed down, and I would say this today would probably be the last sort of thing of celebrating the championship.
Kyle Larson, driver
Larson’s deep commitment to racing was evident as he immediately joined events such as the Hangtown 100 at Placerville Speedway. His participation highlighted not just his love for competition, but his ongoing engagement with the local racing community. The Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ventura Raceway, another annual Thanksgiving showcase, was also on his agenda, alongside potential appearances at marquee events like the Chili Bowl Nationals and Knoxville Nationals. After his California sprint, Larson planned a brief vacation in Cabo before heading to Australia for more dirt racing.
A new benchmark for NASCAR championship strategies
Kyle Larson’s championship strategy at Phoenix Raceway sets a new precedent for risk-taking in elite motorsport. The trust between Larson and his crew chief Cliff Daniels, paired with a willingness to embrace unconventional decisions, secured a second title and underscored the evolving tactical landscape of NASCAR competition. Hamlin’s shift to a conservative four-tire change and the No. 5 team’s successful gamble showcase the fine margins that separate champions from contenders.
As the sport moves forward, teams may take Larson’s success as inspiration to balance proven methods with instincts and daring choices. With Hendrick Motorsports and its No. 5 crew now firmly established as the benchmark for bold, strategic thinking, attention turns to how rivals will respond in upcoming seasons. For Larson, the challenge is clear: continue to innovate and compete at the highest level on NASCAR’s biggest stage and beyond.
