Is Kyle Larson facing criticism for his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship win?
Denny Hamlin seemed destined for victory and his first Cup title, but with fewer than three laps remaining, a caution flag altered the race. After pitting for four new tires, Hamlin lost out to Larson, who only took two tires. Sunday’s championship drama focused more on Hamlin’s defeat than Larson’s success.
Larson, however, handled the win with humility, even noting he hadn’t led a lap despite clinching the championship at Phoenix Raceway. His crew chief, Cliff Daniels, admitted the race was challenging at times.
Hendrick Motorsports earned a $2.84 million bonus from the win, benefiting the whole team after a turbulent season. Their car’s performance at Phoenix, where they previously struggled in championship races, was solid enough to last two laps on just two new tires.
Larson is planning a celebratory trip to Cabo soon. He now holds 32 Cup wins and two championships. Meanwhile, Hamlin has 60 wins but no titles, a fact Larson empathizes with.
Hamlin’s story resonates beyond friendship because he’s a polarizing figure known for his candid personality and weekly emotional openness via his podcast. He also won a series-high six races this year but couldn’t secure the championship, a title many believe he deserves.
In today’s NASCAR, both wins and championships define a driver’s legacy. Hamlin shines in races at iconic tracks like Daytona, Bristol, Darlington, and Charlotte, but the championship title has eluded him despite a stellar career.
There’s speculation about how Hamlin will respond to this disappointment—whether he will continue striving or possibly consider retiring like Carl Edwards did, frustrated by the championship format despite strong performances.
At 44, Hamlin still has a contract, and NASCAR’s upcoming changes to the championship format might favor him more. Yet, he must weigh the effort required to keep competing at the highest level.
Perhaps chasing 70 wins could become his new goal, though it might fuel ongoing debates about his lack of a championship. Meanwhile, Larson’s future story will focus on how many titles he can add, while Hamlin’s will revolve around his pursuit of another shot at the championship.
Fans are drawn to such stories of struggle because they reflect the universal agony of striving hard but falling short. Hamlin’s spotlight isn’t about how he lost the title, but about a 20-year career of perseverance and near-misses.
Bob Pockras, a seasoned motorsports journalist, covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports.
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Fan Take: This showdown highlights the emotional highs and lows that make NASCAR so compelling, showing how tight competition and heartache shape driver legacies. For fans, Larson’s victory and Hamlin’s poignant chase underline the sport’s drama and the enduring quest for greatness.
