Kyle Larson won his second NASCAR Cup Series title earlier this month, pipping Denny Hamlin to the championship in a dramatic season finale at Phoenix Raceway
14:56 ET, 19 Nov 2025Updated 14:56 ET, 19 Nov 2025
Denny Hamlin commended Kyle Larson for his attitude after winning the NASCAR title(Image: Actions Detrimental)
Denny Hamlin praised Kyle Larson after heartbreakingly missing out on the NASCAR Championship to the No. 5 driver.
Earlier this month at Phoenix Raceway, Larson secured his second Cup Series title in thrilling fashion. The 33-year-old hadn’t led a single lap but grabbed the victory in overtime, meaning Hamlin’s quest for the championship continues.
Hamlin controlled 208 laps and commanded from pole position before a yellow flag appeared with three laps left as William Byron encountered tire trouble. The 44-year-old fell back multiple positions in the pits as his team replaced all four tires, allowing Larson to capture his second Cup Series crown.
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Although most of the crowd support in Phoenix backed Hamlin, Larson still earned his championship. The Hendrick Motorsports ace had a strong campaign, claiming three victories during the regular season before advancing through the playoffs.
The stories following the NASCAR Championship focused on Hamlin and how his pursuit of that elusive title continues. However, on his ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, Hamlin ensured he recognized Larson for his classy response to claiming a second Cup Series championship.
“I think the fans made it a lot easier. I mean, the competitors made it easier,” Larson said. “I got to give so much appreciation to Kyle Larson and how gracious he was during all this.
Kyle Larson claimed his second Cup Series title on Phoenix(Image: GETTY)
“Very humble during all this and certainly during the banquet giving myself and my team the props that we did deserve it in that final race and, you know, he did nothing wrong. His team knew that they had to do something to try to win that, know they played the game as it was meant to be played.
“We definitely have a deserving champion in the No. 5 team, and they scored more points than anyone else the entire year. I don’t think anyone should ever question the deservingness of Kyle Larson’s championship because he definitely did.”
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Hamlin added: “What did I say out in the Toyota display at Phoenix when they say like, ‘Who are you a fan of?’ Who did I say? I said I’m a fan of Larson.
“I just- if I were a race fan only, I certainly admire his ability behind the wheel and to do special things, and so if I didn’t win, I wish it was a Toyota – wish Chase would have got it – but obviously Larson is one that I’m close with off the track and have a ton of respect for.
“I want to make sure that that No. 5 team, there is no asterisk beside this one.”