Overview
- In his first public comments since Phoenix, Hamlin said he intends to race in 2026 and cited an existing contract, but added he cannot think about a race car right now and will take time.
- Kyle Larson clinched the championship in NASCAR Overtime after opting for right-side tires, overtaking Denny Hamlin, who took four, following a late caution for William Byron’s flat tire.
- NBC analyst Steve Letarte defended crew chief Chris Gayle’s four-tire call as a reasonable choice given Hamlin’s long-run speed, noting Larson’s execution on the restart as decisive.
- JGR competition director Chris Gabehart characterized the finale’s pit choices as a coin flip and, like Hamlin, declined to fault Goodyear as teams pushed tire limits all weekend.
- Media coverage notes speculation about a possible off-season exit, referencing Carl Edwards’ sudden retirement as precedent, though Hamlin has announced no retirement decision.