Overview
- Denny Hamlin led 208 laps and was in control before William Byron’s right‑front tire failure brought a late caution, after which Hamlin took four tires and fell to traffic as Kyle Larson took two tires and finished ahead to secure the championship despite not leading a lap.
- Crew chief Cliff Daniels’ calm guidance and two‑tire decisions, including an earlier call at lap 279, were cited by Larson and Jeff Gordon as the difference, with team engineers steering the decisive final stop.
- Kevin Harvick said he felt “absolutely gutted” for Hamlin, and analysts highlighted how overtime and pit strategy shaped the outcome and renewed scrutiny of the current playoff format.
- Hamlin was visibly emotional yet congratulated Larson, attended his celebration, and later received a standing ovation at the NASCAR Awards as he said he needs time but noted he has a contract to return in 2026.
- The victory delivered Larson a second Cup title and elevated Daniels alongside Hendrick Motorsports greats Ray Evernham and Chad Knaus as multi‑championship crew chiefs for the organization.