Kyle Larson was able to gain track position in overtime and stay ahead of Denny Hamlin to capture the NASCAR Cup Series Championship on Sunday. As the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race approached its final laps on Sunday evening at Phoenix Raceway, Larson was initially trailing Denny Hamlin. However, a pivotal moment came when William Byron caused a caution by having a tire blow, creating an opportunity for Larson to take advantage.
The caution allowed Larson to pit for tires, and he got a quick stop, enabling him to get better track position. In contrast, Hamlin’s stop was slower, and he fell from first place to as far back as 10th. In the overtime period, with two laps to go, Larson got a good jump and was able to hold off Ham and secure his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
Hamlin, who had led 208 laps and was in the lead during the final laps, expressed disappointment when the caution flag came out. He had hoped that a caution would not interfere with the race’s outcome, but it ultimately caused his downfall. Hamlin, who won six races during the year, fell short of securing his first championship, which would have been a historic moment in his career.
Larson, who had three wins on the year and performed well in the playoffs, became one of the Championship Four drivers. Despite not leading any laps during the championship race, he did just enough to secure the trophy. This victory also marked the third time a Hendrick Motorsports driver has won multiple Cup Series titles, with the addition of Larson to the list of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.
Byron, who had won the Martinsville race to get into the championship, finished 33rd. He led 52 laps and gave Hamlin a strong challenge for most of the race. Briscoe finished 18th, leading three laps. Ryan Blaney won the race itself, finishing ahead of Brad Keselowski and Larson. Joey Logano and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five finishers.
This championship race exemplified the competitiveness of the NASCAR Cup Series, as drivers like Larson, Hamlin, and Byron showcased their skills and strategies to fight for the top spot. The race not only brought out the drama of the final laps but also highlighted the importance of timing and decision-making under pressure.