PHOENIX — Elk Grove native Kyle Larson cemented his place among NASCAR’s modern greats Sunday night, clinching his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in four years with a commanding performance at Phoenix Raceway.
The 33-year-old driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet outpaced teammate William Byron, along with contenders Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe, to secure the 2025 title. Larson’s consistency, speed, and strategic execution carried him through the playoffs, culminating in a dominant finale that reinforced his reputation as one of racing’s most complete drivers.
The victory added another milestone to a standout year for Larson, who previously captured wins at Homestead-Miami, Bristol, and Kansas. His pit crew, led by crew chief Cliff Daniels, played a critical role throughout the season with flawless stops and well-timed strategy that kept the team at the top of the standings…