On Sunday, all eyes were on Denny Hamlin. After 20 years of trying, he entered the 2025 title-decider as the favorite for many. He recently secured his 60th career win, and he earned pole position for this race.
He was also racing for his father, who is terminally ill and could not attend the race. And in the background of the battle on track, Hamlin’s 23XI Racing team is in the middle of a contentious lawsuit against NASCAR over the 2025 Charter Agreement.
Hamlin absolutely dominated at Phoenix, leading 208 of 319 laps. Championship winner Kyle Larson led zero laps. But a late-race caution for William Byron forced the race into overtime, and the decision to give up track position for four fresh tires proved costly for the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, giving up track position and finishing behind Larson on the road. Once again, Hamlin leaves the season finale Cup-less.
Strong race, difficult loss
Watch: Denny Hamlin shares how this loss stings differently to prior years
“What can you do? Just not meant to be,” said Hamlin after climbing out of the car.
After embracing his loved ones and team members, Hamlin made his way to the Media Center. Byron actually apologized to him for his role in the final caution of the race, even though it was a cut tire outside of his control.
“I don’t know,” said Hamlin after sitting down. “I really don’t have much for emotion right now. Just numb about it ’cause just in shock. That’s about it.”
It was emotional scenes at the No. 11 after the race as it began to sink in.
“We’re 40 seconds from a championship,” continued Hamlin. “I don’t know. It’s just unfortunate.
“The only difference before is the cautions came maybe a little sooner than that. I don’t know. Gosh, you work so hard. This sport can drive you absolutely crazy ’cause sometimes speed, talent, all that stuff, just does not matter.”
As for the the race-altering caution, Hamlin didn’t think it was over for him. He began to realize he was in trouble once he saw how many cars went an alternate strategy, taking two tires or staying out.
“I thought, well, all right, let me see where the other guys are at,” said Hamlin. “Surely they can’t jump too far in front of me. I just didn’t think there would be that many cars that took two tires. It’s really hard to predict how many cars are going to do what, things like that. But yeah, I didn’t think it was over. When I lined up, yeah, row five, I thought, It will be difficult, for sure.”
Hamlin has now been the championship runner-up twice in his career, and he remains the winningest driver to never claim the crown.
“In this moment I never want to race a car ever again (smiling),” added Hamlin, joking. “I mean, my fun meter is pegged.”
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