Denny Hamlin in ‘shock’ over heartbreaking end to his Phoenix dominance

Denny Hamlin's end to the 2025 Cup Series season ended in shock and disappointment as the Joe Gibbs Racing driver missed out on the title. Hamlin, who started his race from the pole position, ended his day in sixth, rounding off yet another season without a championship.

Coming into the Championship 4 race at the Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin was one of the favorites to win the title, given his record at this track. This was further fuelled by his pole on Saturday. However, in the end, it was not meant to be.

Despite starting from the pole, the #11 driver dropped back to third by the end of Stage 1. In Stage 2, he took the lead of the race, but coming into the final stage, he came home in sixth.

Sharing his thoughts after the race, here's what a disappointed and dejected Hamlin told NASCAR journalist, Kelly Crandall on X:

"I really don't have much emotion for it right now. Numb about it. Just in shock."

With this, Denny Hamlin lost the chance to pick up a title for the second time in five years. Hendrick Motorsports' Kyle Larson won the title as he finished the race in third place and secured his second title. Championship contenders Chase Briscoe and William Byron ended their day in 18th and 33rd place.

Interestingly, back in 2021, when Hamlin failed in the final race, it was Larson who picked up the title. Ryan Blaney of Team Penske won the race, ahead of Brad Keselowski. Larson, Joey Logano, and Kyle Busch wrapped up the top five.

---

Denny Hamlin hails team after bitter end to his Championship journey

Denny Hamlin hailed Joe Gibbs Racing despite failing to win the title this season. He was one of the two JGR drivers who competed for the title, along with Chase Briscoe. Speaking to the media after the race, here's what the #11 driver said:

NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) pits fo tyres during the Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway - Source: Imagn Images

"Kyle Larson has the trophy, but we dominated, we did our job, we did the best we could. They're a championship team and championship driver, and they're going to win a hell of a lot more than just these two, but when everyone had to bring their best, it was evident who was the best today." (Via Jordan Bianchi on X)

Denny Hamlin ended his season in second place behind Kyle Larson, with six wins, 14 Top 5s, and 18 Top 10s. He led a whopping 1024 laps, had an average start position of 11.943, and an average finish position of 13.971.

Get the latest NASCAR All-Star race news, Xfinity Series updates, breaking news, rumors, and today’s top stories with the latest news on NASCAR.

Edited by Sabyasachi Biswas