After a nail-biting finish at Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Larson emerged victorious in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series title race. Despite not leading a lap and finishing third in the race, Larson’s strategic points accumulation secured him his second Cup title. Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, analyzed Larson’s performance during the final restart that ultimately decided the championship.
Gordon dissected the overtime restart, where Larson started in fifth position and made a strong move to finish third, clinching the championship. Reflecting on the race, Gordon emphasized the differences between Cup cars and trucks, highlighting Larson’s skill in navigating the field:
“He didn’t get a good launch. Like, I expect him to be side by side with the 48 [Alex Bowman] three wide right here, and then he ends up going to the outside, and I’m like, oh, gosh, you don’t want to see our guys make contact. But when he made that big run off it, too, and then you see 11 (Denny Hamlin) bogged up on the bottom, you know, these cars are so such a level playing field as good as 11 was.”
“But these cars and this tire, it just isn’t quite like the truck series, right? And so at this point. … I’m like, okay, we’re good. We’re good. We got we got pretty clean air.”
The final restart was triggered by William Byron’s right-front tire issue, allowing Larson to capitalize on the opportunity. Opting for a two-tire strategy on a late pit stop, Larson gained track position and successfully fended off the competition in the closing laps. The bold move by his crew paid off, making Larson only the third active Cup driver with multiple championships.
On the other hand, Denny Hamlin, who had led a significant portion of the race from the pole position, saw his championship hopes slip away in the final moments. A late caution disrupted his lead, and he ultimately finished in sixth place.
Jeff Gordon’s High Expectations for Kyle Larson
Following Larson’s title win, Jeff Gordon expressed high expectations for the talented driver. In a post-race press conference, Gordon boldly stated his belief in Larson’s potential to win multiple championships for Hendrick Motorsports:
“As long as he’s on our team, I want him to win 10,” Jeff Gordon said.
Gordon also shared his close bond with Larson, revealing a friendly competition between them as he jokingly challenged Larson to surpass his own four Cup titles. The camaraderie between the veteran champion and the rising star added an extra layer of excitement to Larson’s remarkable victory.
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series title race not only showcased Larson’s exceptional driving skills but also highlighted the strategic prowess of his team. With Gordon’s unwavering support and belief in Larson’s abilities, the future looks bright for the young champion as he aims to leave a lasting legacy in the world of NASCAR.
Edited by Hitesh Nigam
