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Kyle Larson Claims Second NASCAR Cup Title on Late Pit Call as Ryan Blaney Wins Phoenix

A caution for William Byron’s blown tire set up overtime, and Kyle Larson’s two-tire stop preserved track position over Denny Hamlin.

Overview

  • Kyle Larson secured his second championship by finishing third, becoming the top Championship 4 finisher despite not leading a lap.
  • Denny Hamlin started on pole, led 208 of 319 laps and battled clutch concerns, but a four-tire call before overtime left him sixth and second in the title race.
  • Ryan Blaney, eliminated from title contention a week earlier, won the race after edging Brad Keselowski in the final dash.
  • Multiple right-side tire failures shaped the finale, with Byron’s late flat triggering overtime; he finished 33rd as Chase Briscoe recovered from tire issues to place 18th.
  • Crew chief Cliff Daniels’ two-tire strategy put Larson ahead of Hamlin for the restart under the Championship 4 format, where the highest finisher among the four wins the season crown.