Kyle Larson Claims 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Thrilling Season Finale
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season culminated on November 2nd with Kyle Larson securing his second career championship, marking a year filled with dramatic moments and pivotal shifts in the sport. Larson’s third-place finish in the Phoenix finale proved sufficient, as he emerged as the top-performing driver among the Championship 4 contenders.
Denny Hamlin finished a close second in the overall points standings, followed by Chase Briscoe and William Byron. Ryan Blaney clinched victory in the season-ending race, while Chevrolet secured the coveted Constructors title.
The 2025 season also represented a landmark year for NASCAR, being the inaugural season under a new television deal and a revised charter agreement. Looking ahead, a significant change is on the horizon: starting in 2026, the championship race will relocate from Phoenix Raceway to Homestead-Miami Speedway, though Phoenix will remain a key venue within the playoff schedule.
According to a report by Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, the 2025 season delivered five particularly unforgettable moments. Here’s a breakdown of those key events:
#5: Controversy at New Hampshire – “Too Scared to Make the Call”
A contentious incident unfolded during a NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where Ty Gibbs found himself embroiled in a battle with teammates Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell despite not being a playoff contender. Around lap 110, Hamlin and Bell, possessing faster vehicles, attempted to maneuver past Gibbs. He staunchly defended his position for several laps, ultimately leading to frustration from Hamlin, who initiated contact, sending Gibbs into the outside wall and ending his race.
Immediately following the collision, Hamlin questioned over the radio if the team was “too scared” to issue directives to Gibbs, sparking considerable debate.
#4: Blaney’s Daytona Win Secures Bowman’s Playoff Berth
The regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway proved to be a critical turning point. Ryan Blaney, starting 13th in the Coke Zero Sugar 400, executed a remarkable late-race surge. With just two laps remaining, the 31-year-old driver capitalized on a strong run in the high lane, ultimately winning the race in a nail-biting, four-wide photo finish. Daniel Suárez finished a mere 0.031 seconds behind, with Justin Haley close behind in third by 0.036 seconds.
Crucially, Blaney’s victory secured a playoff spot for Alex Bowman. Had a different driver won, Bowman would have been excluded from postseason contention.
#3: Championship Decided by Strategic Tire Calls at Phoenix
The championship race at Phoenix Raceway hinged on a pivotal caution and a critical strategic decision. Denny Hamlin dominated much of the race, leading an impressive 208 of the 312 laps. However, a late-race caution with three laps remaining erased his substantial lead. During the ensuing pit stops, Hamlin opted for four new tires, while Kyle Larson chose to change only two right-side tires.
This gamble proved decisive. Hamlin restarted in 10th position amidst heavy traffic, while Larson restarted ahead of all other championship contenders. In the two-lap overtime sprint, Larson maintained his track position, while Hamlin was unable to navigate through the congested field. Larson’s third-place finish was enough to secure the NASCAR Cup Series championship, surpassing his fellow Championship 4 drivers.
#2: Bell Honors Promise with Clean Pass at COTA
At the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on March 2nd, Christopher Bell achieved a notable victory, marking his third consecutive win in the NASCAR Cup Series. Prior to the race, Bell publicly stated his intention to race Kyle Busch cleanly, following an incident where Busch had spun him out the previous year.
Late in the race, Bell patiently waited for Busch to make a mistake. Busch faltered with back-to-back errors in Turn 2, allowing Bell to overtake him without any contact. This clean pass was widely lauded as a display of sportsmanship and solidified Bell’s impressive three-race winning streak.
#1: Elliott’s Last-Second Triumph at Kansas
The most memorable moment of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, as highlighted by Fox Sports, occurred during the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. Bubba Wallace led on the final lap of a grueling double-overtime race, with Denny Hamlin closely pursuing him.
However, Hamlin’s car experienced power steering issues, causing him to slide up into Wallace. Both drivers lost momentum and drifted toward the wall, creating an unexpected opportunity for Chase Elliott, who was running close behind. Elliott seized the moment, cutting to the inside and passing both slowing cars to claim the victory by a mere 0.069 seconds. Wallace ultimately finished fifth after hitting the wall. The dramatic opening and Elliott’s precise timing cemented this race as the season’s defining moment.
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season will be remembered for its compelling competition, strategic battles, and unforgettable finishes, setting the stage for an exciting future for the sport.
