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Kyle Larson Claims Second Cup Title on Overtime Gamble at Phoenix

Denny Hamlin’s dominant run unraveled after a late caution triggered split tire strategies.

Overview

  • Ryan Blaney won the race, passing Brad Keselowski in the final corner as Larson finished third to secure the championship.
  • A caution for William Byron’s blown tire with three laps remaining set up overtime and a decisive pit stop.
  • Larson’s crew chief Cliff Daniels called for two tires while Hamlin took four, giving Larson crucial track position on the restart.
  • Hamlin won Stage 2 and led a race-high 208 of 319 laps but finished sixth and ends the season as runner-up.
  • Tire failures affected contenders throughout the day, renewing questions about Goodyear reliability and fueling discussion of potential playoff-format changes for 2026.