Full Breakdown
Denny Hamlin's Championship Bid at Phoenix Raceway
11/2/2025, 1:21:43 PM
Championship Race Overview
Denny Hamlin, a veteran driver in his 20th full season, is poised to compete in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, aiming to finally secure his first championship title. Hamlin won the pole position for the race, clocking a lap at 133.759 mph in his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. He will be joined on the front row by William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports, with Kyle Larson also from Hendrick starting third, and Chase Briscoe, Hamlin's teammate, starting 12th.
Key Competitors
The championship race features four finalists: Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Briscoe. Hamlin, with a career total of 60 wins, is often regarded as the best driver without a championship. Byron and Larson have both previously won titles, while Briscoe is making his championship debut. This race marks Hamlin's sixth opportunity to clinch the title, having faced various setbacks in past finales, including a spin in 2010 and a bad pit stop in 2014.
Background Context
Hamlin's journey to this championship has been marked by significant challenges and changes, including a crew chief switch that he initially opposed. After a successful season, culminating in a victory at Las Vegas that secured his spot in the finale, Hamlin has expressed a sense of urgency to win, particularly for his father, who has health issues. He stated, “I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment.”
Chase Briscoe's Rise
Chase Briscoe's ascent to the championship race is notable, as he transitioned from Stewart-Haas Racing to Joe Gibbs Racing, achieving three wins this season. Briscoe reflects on the support from his hometown of Mitchell, Indiana, where a watch party is planned for the race, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for his success. He noted, “It’s crazy just to see the support that you have,” emphasizing the pride his hometown feels as he competes for the title.
Official Statements & Responses
Hamlin's competitors have acknowledged the narrative surrounding his quest for a championship. Kyle Larson remarked, “It would be really cool to see somebody who has put in so much time to this sport and been so close so many times.” Briscoe added, “I think it would be a shame... if whenever he does decide to hang it up, he would be the best ever that's never won.”
What's Next
The championship race is set to take place on November 2, 2025, at Phoenix Raceway, with the green flag expected around 3 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast on NBC, and the outcome will determine who will take home the coveted Bill France Trophy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think the benefit was winning in Vegas because I was able to get so much work done before this week.” — Denny Hamlin, Driver
- “It would mean a lot to do it in year one, just with everything, with Coach (Joe Gibbs) obviously taking a chance on me.” — Chase Briscoe, Driver
- “ Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: Denny Hamlin "Only nine people in the history of the Cup Series have more victories than Denny Hamlin.” — Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports
This championship race not only represents a culmination of the season's efforts but also serves as a pivotal moment in the careers of the drivers involved, particularly for Hamlin, who seeks to finally secure his place among NASCAR's elite.
