“This is as close as he’s ever been”: Kyle Larson shares a heartfelt message for ‘friend’ Denny Hamlin after NASCAR title loss 

Kyle Larson headlined the final NASCAR Cup Series race after upsetting Denny Hamlin at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. The Hendrick Motorsports star became a two-time champion by finishing two spots ahead of the No. 11 driver as a result of a crucial tire strategy in the last pit stop.

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Hamlin was the fastest and the dominant car throughout the finale race in Arizona. Having led the most laps, the 44-year-old lost his NASCAR championship bid to No. 5 Larson, who didn't even lead a single lap throughout the 319-lap race.

Reflecting on the same, Larson, in the post-race media availability, said (via Cup Scene) :

"I definitely have a lot of empathy for him...It's great to celebrate and all that, but it does feel a little awkward because he has put so much time and energy, has been so close to winning so many championships. This is as close as he's ever been. Sure he's a competitor, but he is a friend. I was going to be happy for him to win. That's kind of what I was thinking about. Like, man, I can't wait to go tell him, Good job. Then the caution came out and the script flipped right there." [8:50 onwards]

Furthermore, Kyle Larson said:

"That's competition. That's the format. It's just weird, you know? But yeah, I still hope someday he can get to feel what it's like."

Hamlin was leading with three laps to go and was poised to add one last feather in his cap with a trophy. However, an unwanted caution due to William Byron's flat tire changed the outcome. As a result, Larson took two right-side tires to make up track position wheras the Toyota driver took four tires, which ultimately became a key turning point in the Phoenix finale.

---

"Hard to believe": Kyle Larson opens up on becoming a multi-time NASCAR champion

Kyle Larson - NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Source: Imagn

Kyle Larson won his second NASCAR title after the 2021 season and brought home Hendrick Motorsports' 15th Cup Series trophy.

Speaking to the reporters after the race, Larson, the 32-time Cup race winner, talked about what he's going to remember after Sunday's championship run. He said:

"It's still so fresh that it's honestly hard to believe that I'm sitting right bere talking to you guys after what we went through tonight. I think that's probably what's going to probably be the thing that I look back on, is just how unbelievable today was, the last 40 minutes of the race for us. Yeah, just incredible." [11:20]

Kyle Larson also credited his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, for making him a champion once again. After an eventful 36-race season, the HMS driver managed three wins, 15 top-fives, and 22 top-10s.

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 Sashwat Deo