Kyle Larson wins second NASCAR Cup Series title

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Kyle Larson was significantly behind Denny Hamlin in quality NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race was approaching the final laps Sunday night at Phoenix Raceway, but fellow contender William Byron brought out the caution when one of his tires blew.

Larson went to the pits for new tires and a quick stop gave him a better track position, while Hamlin's stop was slower and he fell from first to 10th. In overtime, with two laps left, Larson made a good jump and was able to hold off Hamlin and 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 a burnout after finishing first of four NASCAR Cup Series Championship drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Hamlin completed 208 laps and was in the lead when the caution sounded. He told NBC he was really hoping the caution flag wouldn't come out in the final laps. Unfortunately, hopes were not realized.

He looked shocked when NBC cameras showed him sitting in his No. 11 Toyota. He won six races during the year, but was unable to finish ahead of Larson and secure the first championship of his career.

Instead, it was Larson who did just enough to hold on to the trophy in the end. He scored three victories during the year and held on in the playoffs, becoming one of four drivers in the championship. He did not lead a single lap in the championship race.

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, competes in 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 qualify for the championship, finished 33rd. He led on lap 52 and gave Hamlin the best run for his money for most of the race.

Briscoe finished 18th. He led three laps.

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

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