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Larson Claims Second Cup Title on Overtime Call as Blaney Wins Phoenix Finale

A two-tire pit decision on the final stop gave Kyle Larson the track position to finish highest among the Championship 4.

Overview

  • Larson secured the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship with a third-place finish at Phoenix, his second career title, while Ryan Blaney won the race.
  • Denny Hamlin dominated the day from pole and led 208 of 319 laps but finished sixth after taking four tires on the last stop before overtime.
  • A right-front failure for Championship 4 contender William Byron with three laps remaining triggered the caution that set up the two-lap overtime.
  • Crew chief Cliff Daniels’ two-tire call put Larson several spots ahead of Hamlin on the restart, and Larson held the advantage to clinch the crown.
  • Chase Briscoe placed 18th and Byron 33rd as multiple right-side tire failures throughout the race intensified scrutiny of tire durability and the one-race, overtime-decided championship format.