Overview
- Denny Hamlin led 208 laps at Phoenix before a late caution triggered by William Byron’s tire failure flipped the finish and left Kyle Larson as champion.
- Larson said he is unbothered by fans’ sympathy for Hamlin, expressing empathy in post‑race comments and on a podcast while underscoring his season‑long consistency.
- Hamlin drew parallels to Carl Edwards’ 2016 heartbreak, spoke with Edwards about the loss, and said he needs time to reset but intends to continue racing.
- The Joe Gibbs Racing driver kept a low profile after the finale, attended Larson’s celebration, and spent time with family in Virginia, reflecting on his roots and his father’s health challenges.
- The outcome renewed scrutiny of NASCAR’s playoff format, with fans highlighting how a one‑race, win‑and‑in structure can undercut season‑long performance.