The NASCAR 2025 Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway delivered high pressure and sharp emotion. Denny Hamlin led most of the race. His car stayed strong, fast, and stable through long green-flag runs. Many fans expected him to finish the job. Kyle Larson stayed close behind and waited for an opening.
A late caution changed everything. The restart placed Larson in a position to strike. He took the lead and earned his second championship. After the race, former driver and current analyst Kevin Harvick explained how the decision to pit for fresh tires changed the outcome. His view showed how one call near the end shaped the result. The story offers a direct look at strategy, rules, and how fast momentum shifts in NASCAR.
Denny Hamlin Held Control Until Late Strategy Call
Hamlin led lap after lap. His pace stayed strong through long runs. Harvick explained how dominant the performance looked. Harvick said, “This was just one of those races where I was sitting at home, and they said, ‘Well, had by far the dominant car all day long.”
Hamlin entered the closing laps with confidence. He wanted to protect the lead and avoid a tire issue. “I told them, ‘I’m going to put everything right to the end of this race, not blowing a tire Harvick shared the plan in Hamlin’s words.”
Hamlin headed to pit road for fresh tires. Under regular race conditions, he likely holds the lead after the stop. A caution came soon after. The field tightened. NASCAR overtime rules placed him deeper in the pack. That single change shifted the outcome. Hamlin now faced traffic and pressure. Larson lined up ahead. Track position became more important than fresh tires.
Kyle Larson Took The Lead And Closed The Deal
Larson moved into position once the field was stacked for overtime. He held steady, stayed low, and secured clean air on the restart. “And it was for the 24 bunch. He beat the system, the format that is in place, Harvick said.” Larson crossed the finish line first. They made the right moves when the moment arrived.
Larson stayed patient during the race. He avoided trouble and saved his strongest push for the end. When the restart dropped Hamlin behind slower traffic, Larson used the opening. The championship went to the driver in the best position after the final shuffle.
Emotion And Aftermath
After the race, the atmosphere around pit road shifted from loud cheers to quiet frustration. Harvick said, “Everything after the race, the road was super with excitement and just devastated.” Larson and his team celebrated. Hamlin faced a different feeling. He led the race with strength. One late sequence changed the ending.
Harvick continued, “I mean, that’s got to be that you could possibly say it after the race, the championship in this car. You saw the comments, just him saying, ‘That’s normal when you’re,’ and I felt like that. And win nine races is the dominant car, except for that one event. Comes down to circumstances is championship from a day.”
The race displayed the reality of this sport. Strong performance over many laps does not guarantee a title. One restart decided Larson’s win. One strategy reshaped Hamlin’s outcome. The NASCAR 2025 Championship will remain known for a lead held, a moment lost, and a title earned through position and timing.
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The post NASCAR 2025: Kevin Harvick Reviews Kyle Larson’s Win And Denny Hamlin’s Painful Finish appeared first on Heavy Sports.