Denny Hamlin appeared to have the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series title slip away in dramatic fashion at Phoenix Raceway. After leading the race for the majority of the event and entering the final laps with a strong shot at his first Cup championship, a late caution reshaped the outcome. Hamlin opted for four fresh tires on a pit stop and restarted in 10th while Kyle Larson moved forward, ultimately finishing ahead of Hamlin as the overtime finish unfolded. The result left Hamlin, a veteran with 60 Cup wins, without the elusive championship crown despite his dominance in the race and the season overall. His post-race mood was one of numb disbelief, and the moment was widely described as heartbreak for a driver who had come so close. What happened, in brief:

• Denny Hamlin led the majority of the final race at Phoenix and appeared set to win the Cup title for the first time in his Cup career.
• A late yellow flag caused an overtime restart; Hamlin chose to take four tires, dropping positions.
• Kyle Larson, who had not led a lap in the race, capitalized on the restart and overtook Hamlin to win the championship.
• Hamlin finished sixth, maintaining his status as one of the sport’s most accomplished drivers yet still without a Cup title.
• The finish was particularly painful given Hamlin’s long pursuit of the title and the emotional layer of racing for his family and team.

Context and aftermath:

• The loss adds to Hamlin’s record of near-misses in the NASCAR Cup era, underscoring the cruel unpredictability of the championship-deciding race when late cautions change the track position dynamic.
• Reactions from Hamlin and his team emphasized the sting of the setback, with him expressing disbelief and heartbreak in the aftermath, while teammates and competitors offered condolences.
• The broader season highlighted Hamlin’s dominance in wins and consistency, even as the championship trophy continues to elude him.

If you’d like, I can pull more details from specific outlets or provide a quick comparison of the 2025 title finish to his previous close calls, including quotes and key turning points from the race.