The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway will forever be etched as arguably the most unusually cruel heartbreak in Denny Hamlin’s career. The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran put on a masterclass of race management and speed, starting from pole position and leading an astounding 208 laps. With the race winding down, Hamlin held a comfortable lead of over 3 seconds against the field.

He stated that he was “40 seconds from a championship” when a disaster struck with a cut tire on William Byron’s car, sending the race into chaotic overtime, erasing all of Hamlin’s dominance in an instant. Under the final caution, Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gayle, made the seemingly conservative choice to take four fresh tires on the No. 11 Toyota, aiming for maximum grip. However, the move backfired when

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