Kyle Larson Wins Second NASCAR Cup Title with Late-Race Strategy

Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in a dramatic fashion at Phoenix Raceway, overcoming an average car and a late-race setback that left him two laps down. Crew chief Cliff Daniels made a pivotal strategic call for a two-tire pit stop during a late caution, which allowed Larson to leapfrog Denny Hamlin, who had dominated most of the race but took four tires and started deep in the restart order. Despite not leading a single lap in the finale, Larson's bold team decision and skillful restart enabled him to finish third and claim the championship, marking him as the first driver in the elimination-style playoff era to win the title without leading laps in the final race. This victory also tied Larson with Tony Stewart for the longest winless streak (24 races) en route to a championship since the playoff format began. The win was bittersweet, as Larson expressed empathy for Hamlin, a friend and fierce competitor, who suffered another heartbreaking loss despite leading the majority of the race. Larson praised Daniels for the critical late-race call that turned the race around, highlighting the importance of teamwork in his championship run.