There was a surprising winner, a two-time champion and another round of heartbreak for one of NASCAR’s biggest stars.
The NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway brought the season to a dramatic conclusion with Ryan Blaney in victory lane, Kyle Larson celebrating the championship and Denny Hamlin wondering what might have been.
Hamlin dominated the event, leading 207 laps of the one-mile track, but a late-race caution flag turned things upside down, paving the way for Larson to win his second championship.
Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet took only two tires on the pit stop, while Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing team bolted four tires on his Toyota.
With an overtime finish in store, the two had to battle Blaney and other drivers who were looking to win the race.
Blaney edged Brad Keselowski at the finish line, with Larson finishing third to secure the title. Hamlin finished sixth and despite having won 60 races in his career, still has not earned the series championship.
For Larson, it was a championship moment, sealed under pressure.
