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Kyle Larson wins second NASCAR Cup Series title

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Kyle Larson was well behind Denny Hamlin as he approached the final laps of Sunday night’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, but fellow competitor William Byron issued a caution when one of his tires blew.

Larson pitted for new tires and a quick stop allowed him to gain better track position, whereas Hamlin’s stop was slower and he dropped from first to 10th. In overtime, with two laps to go, Larson made a good jump and passed Hamlin to secure the second NASCAR Cup Series Championship of his career.

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Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with exhaustion after becoming the first of 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Hamlin had led 208 laps and was leading when the caution came. He told NBC he really hoped the caution flag wouldn’t come out in the final laps. Unfortunately, hopes were dashed.

He looked shocked when NBC cameras showed him sitting in his No. 11 Toyota. He won six races throughout the year, but was unable to claim the first championship of his career by finishing ahead of Larson.

Instead, it was Larson who eventually did enough to keep the trophy. He achieved three wins on the year and defended his championship in the play-offs, becoming one of the Championship Four drivers. He failed to lead any laps in the championship race.

#5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet driver Kyle Larson competes during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

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Byron, who won the Martinsville race to achieve the championship, finished the race in 33rd place. He led 52 laps and made the biggest run for most of the race, giving Hamlin a run for his money.

Briscoe finished 18th. He led three laps.

Ryan Blaney won the race himself. He finished ahead of Brad Keselowski and Larson. Joey Logano and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five.

Larson becomes the third Hendrick Motorsports driver to win multiple NASCAR Cup Series championships, joining Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.