Kyle Larson was not in the spotlight for the NASCAR Cup Series finale. The Hendrick Motorsports driver had not won a race since May, and barely hung on in the playoffs on purely on the basis of points. During the Phoenix Raceway event, he did not lead a single lap. Hence, when a late-race caution stole Denny Hamlin’s dominance and handed Larson the championship crown, fans frowned upon this victory. However, the community also has a reason to be fond of Larson.

Last Sunday’s race went down as one of the most sensational championship races. Denny Hamlin was the favorite – he had won his 60th Cup race victory in Las Vegas, and was eagerly awaiting the elusive Cup Series title. So his subsequent failure led to a heartbreaking response – which touched even the 2025 champion.

A heartfelt trib

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