Kyle Larson Captures Second Cup Series Championship in Thrilling Fashion
Four years after winning his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship during his inaugural season with Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson is back on top.
For the second time in his career, the driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet claimed the Cup Series title in an intense battle at Phoenix Raceway. And for the second time in his career, it came with bold strategy and precise execution from Crew Chief Cliff Daniels and the entire HendrickCars.com team.
Larson began Sunday’s season finale race in third, behind two fellow Championship 4 drivers. He maintained his position toward the front of the pack for the better half of the 312-lap race, running in the top five through the first two stages.
During the second stage break, adversity struck. While executing a four-tire pit stop, a miscue with the wheel fastener cost valuable seconds and dropped Larson from fourth to 18th for the stage-three restart.
The No. 5 team quickly regrouped and regained 10 spots in just 20 laps. However, on a day when tire pressure issues were common, the right-front tire on the No. 5 Chevrolet blew without warning. Larson carefully maneuvered his way to pit road while the race remained green, falling a lap down in the process.
Then, fate smiled on the No. 5 team. A yellow flag waved just two laps later. This allowed Larson to rejoin the lead lap, but he restarted 29th with just 86 laps remaining.
As the race leaders battled up front, Larson attempted to mount his comeback, meticulously picking his way through the field. The cautions continued to fly due to tire and wheel issues, and they provided big opportunities for Daniels and the No. 5 team.
A caution on lap 260 allowed for a four-tire pit stop that erased Larson’s tire deficit from a few laps prior. The caution flag flew again 20 laps later. In what turned out to be a pivotal decision, Daniels opted for just two right tires. This helped Larson regain track position and restart in second.
The race restarted with all four Championship 4 drivers out front. After intense battling from the title contenders, Larson remained in the top five, but the chances of a championship became increasingly improbable with each lap that passed.
But with just three laps remaining, the caution flag flew for the final time and set the stage for an overtime finish to decide the 2025 champion. As the majority of the field entered pit road, Daniels again opted for just two right-side tires. The No. 5 crew nailed the pit stop. Larson finished the race off pit road in fifth, five spots ahead of the next closest Championship 4 driver.
After the green flag dropped in NASCAR overtime, Larson jumped to the outside lane and surged ahead. Moments later, the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet crossed the finish line third overall and first among the Championship 4 drivers.
“Honestly, I can’t believe it,” exclaimed Larson in his post-race interview. “Like, we didn’t lead a lap today. Somehow won the championship. I mean, really, I’m just speechless. I can’t believe it.”
"What a year by Hendrick Motorsports. Cliff Daniels’ leadership just showed that whole race. He kept us all motivated and always had a plan. That's just the story of our season. Again, just unbelievable. I cannot believe it. This is insane!”
For the 33-year-old from Elk Grove, California, this is his second Cup Series title in a five-year span.
Larson’s triumph also adds to the legacy of Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, who also serves as chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. The win gave the team 15 championships in NASCAR’s top division, extending their previous record.
Congratulations to Kyle Larson, Mr. Hendrick, and the entire No. 5 HendrickCars.com team on an incredible season and a second Cup Series championship!
AdChoices