Rick Hendrick says he “wasn’t expecting” Kyle Larson to win his second NASCAR Cup title

Rick Hendrick shared his thoughts about Kyle Larson's second Cup Series title and revealed that he was not expecting the HMS star to pick the championship this time. Speaking to the media after the race, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports stated that he was surprised to see Larson with the title despite Denny Hamlin's valiant efforts.

Sunday's race at the Phoenix Raceway saw Larson emerge as the title winner for the second time in five years. In the process, he beat Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and his teammate, William Byron.

Although Larson ended up with the title, it was Hamlin who had the best race of the day until the last two laps. As the #5 driver crossed the finish line and claimed his Championship, an elated Rick Hendrick waved his hands with joy.

Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio after the race, Hendrick stated that he felt bad for Hamlin and Byron. Speaking about Larson's win, here's what he stated:

"You know, they never give up and work hard together. It was an unbelievable day, and this is probably the most nerve-wrecking race in being a Championship with ups and downs and blown tires. You have to feel bad for Denny because he ran a heck of a race, his car was lights out and I feel bad for William because he had a problem at the end." "But you know when cars fall your way, and there's caution, Larson got a shot man, it is unbelievable. I don't think I've ever been excited in all 15 as I was cause I wasn't expecting, I thought it was over and then all of a sudden, here we were and man I think I was going nuts," Mr. Hendrick further asserted.

After starting from the pole, Denny Hamlin was in control of the race. However, his day came to a brutal end as Byron's car malfunctioned, and brought in a caution. As a result, Hamlin's race lead vanished, leading him to a sixth-place finish.

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Kyle Larson got real about his feeling towards Denny Hamlin

As Denny Hamlin missed out on his title for the fourth time in seven years, Kyle Larson let his feelings known. Speaking to the media after the race, here's what the HMS star said:

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) and crew pose for photos following his championship victory of the Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway - Source: Imagn

"There’s definitely a large part of me that feels really bad and sad."

Ryan Blaney won the race, ahead of Brad Keselowski. Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Brad Keselowski wrapped up the Top five. Larson won the title ahead of Hamlin, Briscoe, and Byron on the virtue of points.

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Edited by Sabyasachi Biswas