Kyle Larson Stuns the NASCAR World with Historic Championship Win in a Struggling Chevy!
In a breathtaking finale at Phoenix, Kyle Larson defied the odds and clinched the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship, leaving fans and competitors alike in sheer disbelief. Finishing third during a nail-biting overtime restart, Larson became only the third driver ever to snag multiple Cup Series titles under the elimination-style playoff system—a feat that has shaken the very foundations of the sport!
“I can’t believe it,” Larson exclaimed in a post-race interview with NBC Sports’ Marty Snider, visibly overwhelmed by his unexpected victory. Unlike his rival Denny Hamlin, who dominated the race by leading a staggering 208 out of 312 laps, Larson didn’t lead a single lap, marking a shocking first in the playoff era. “We didn’t lead a lap today. Somehow won the championship. I’m just speechless,” he admitted.
Larson’s journey to glory at Phoenix was anything but smooth. For much of the race, he found himself mired in third place behind Hamlin and William Byron. An untimely flat right-rear tire on Lap 216 saw him drop two laps down, and even after a wave-around brought him back onto the lead lap, he was in a precarious 29th position when the critical restart occurred on Lap 227. “We had an average car at best,” Larson revealed, acknowledging the uphill battle he faced. “Got saved by the caution. Did the wave-around. Was really bad that run.”
Thanks to a bold strategy call by his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, Larson’s fortunes turned dramatically. The decision to take only two tires proved pivotal, catapulting him to second place behind JGR’s rookie driver, Chase Briscoe. Although Ryan Blaney ultimately crossed the finish line first, he wasn’t part of the Championship 4—an ironic twist in this high-stakes showdown.
The drama intensified when the final caution was triggered by Byron hitting the wall with a flat tire. This set the stage for an electrifying two-lap shootout, with Hamlin positioned in second and Larson in fifth. While Hamlin benefitted from four fresh tires, Larson’s Camaro surprisingly outperformed Hamlin’s Camry, showcasing the brilliance of his strategy. “We got lucky with the final caution. I felt like I learned a lot on that restart,” Larson noted.
Larson’s admiration for Cliff Daniels was palpable. The two-time Cup Series champion credited his crew chief’s leadership for steering them through the tumultuous season. “What a year by this Hendrick Motorsports, (crew chief) Cliff Daniels, everybody, his leadership, his complete leadership. Just showed that whole race. Keeping us all motivated. Always having a plan. All of that. That’s just the story of our season,” Larson emphasized.
As the dust settles on this unforgettable season, the off-season begins, granting drivers a much-needed respite. Fans are already gearing up for the 68th running of the prestigious Daytona 500, which will kick off the 2026 Cup Series season on February 15, 2026. Will Larson’s incredible journey inspire a new wave of champions? Only time will tell!
