The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, with Kyle Larson emerging as the champion in a dramatic overtime finish. It was a result that surprised many, as Larson had not been in contention for much of the race, and it was a bittersweet victory for him. But for Denny Hamlin, it was a heartbreak as he fell short of the title despite a dominant year. And in the aftermath of this intense finale, team owner Rick Hendrick has made his stance clear on the controversial playoff system.
As the race entered its final stage, it seemed like it was going to be Denny Hamlin’s day. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver had been the clear favorite to win the championship, having won seven races in the regular season and leading the points standings for most of the year. But a late caution completely changed the dynamics of the race, and it was Kyle Larson who took advantage of the situation to clinch his first Cup Series title.
It was a cruel twist of fate for Hamlin, who had been so close to winning his first championship. And for Larson, it was a strange feeling to be celebrating a title that did not feel entirely earned. In his post-race interview, he acknowledged this, saying, “It wasn’t our race to win, but we’ll take it.”
But amidst all the celebrations and commiserations, team owner Rick Hendrick had a clear message for the NASCAR community. In an interview with EssentiallySports, he confirmed his stance on the playoff system and why he believes it needs to change.
“I like the old system,” Hendrick stated firmly. “I think it’s important to reward consistency throughout the entire season. It’s not fair for a driver to dominate the regular season and then have it all taken away in one race.”
Hendrick’s statement echoes the sentiments of many fans and experts who have been critical of the current playoff system. In recent years, we have seen several instances where the driver with the most wins and points in the regular season has not gone on to win the championship. This has led to calls for a return to the old system, where the champion was determined by the driver with the most points at the end of the season.
But despite his criticism of the playoffs, Hendrick was full of praise for the 2025 season and the level of competition it brought. “It’s been an incredible year for NASCAR,” he said. “We’ve had some amazing races and some incredible storylines. I’m proud of all my drivers and the entire team for their hard work and dedication.”
And speaking of his drivers, Hendrick had a special message for Denny Hamlin, who has been with Joe Gibbs Racing for his entire Cup Series career. “Denny had an outstanding year, and he deserves to be champion. But sometimes, luck plays a big role in racing, and unfortunately, it wasn’t on his side today.”
As the NASCAR community reflects on the 2025 season, it’s clear that the playoffs have once again been a topic of debate. But regardless of one’s stance on the system, there’s no denying the excitement and drama it has brought to the sport. And as we look ahead to the 2026 season, one can only hope that it will be just as thrilling, if not more.
In the end, Kyle Larson may have clinched the championship, but the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series will always be remembered as Denny Hamlin’s year. And for Rick Hendrick, it’s another reminder that success in racing is not just about winning races, but also about consistency and perseverance. Let’s hope that NASCAR takes note of his words and makes changes to the playoff system for a fairer and more exciting competition in the years to come.
The 2025 season may be over, but the passion and excitement of NASCAR will continue to live on. And with the likes of Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin at the forefront, we can be sure that the future of the sport is in good hands. Congratulations to all the drivers, teams, and fans for another fantastic season of racing. Let’s gear up for an even better 2026!
