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.
This marks Larson’s second career championship, following his 2021 triumph also with Hendrick Motorsports. He now joins Kyle Busch and Joey Logano as the only multi-time champions under NASCAR’s elimination-style playoff format. The victory continues Hendrick’s unparalleled success, with 15 Cup titles over 31 seasons and five different drivers contributing to that total.
Larson’s championship also underscores Chevrolet’s continued dominance in the sport, earning the manufacturer its 34th Cup Series driver title.
His road to Phoenix was one of grit and precision. After a challenging opening playoff round, Larson surged through the later stages on points, capped by a strong showing at Martinsville that locked him into the Championship 4. While he didn’t win a playoff race before the finale, his consistency and racecraft positioned him perfectly to seize the title when it mattered most.
Larson’s rise from dirt tracks to NASCAR glory has been nothing short of remarkable. Balancing both the NASCAR Cup Series and a start in the prestigious Indianapolis 500 this season, he demonstrated versatility and endurance rarely seen at the sport’s highest levels.
A native of Elk Grove in Sacramento County, Larson cut his teeth in auto racing locally, he won his first sprint car race at the age of 14 at Placerville Speedway at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
Go Wheel-to-Wheel with NASCAR’s Kyle Larson at Red Hawk’s Apex
Adding even more excitement to the month, NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson will return to The Apex at Red Hawk Resort + Casino on Thursday, November 13, for a high-octane showdown with ten lucky racers who qualify to go head-to-head with him on the venue’s multi-level indoor karting track. Fans can post qualifying lap times now through November 12 for a chance to race Larson during the event, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The ten fastest drivers will line up next to one of the most versatile champions in modern motorsports for an evening of racing, fun, and hometown pride.
“Hosting a hometown racing hero like Kyle Larson at The Apex is a thrill for both our guests and our team,” said Bryan deLugo, President & CEO of Red Hawk Resort + Casino. “This event celebrates the spirit of competition, community, and entertainment that defines Red Hawk. Whether you’re here to race, watch, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.”
Since opening, The Apex has become one of Northern California’s premier entertainment destinations, designed to bring the thrill of the track and the excitement of gaming together under one roof. Its three-level electric karting track features banked turns, elevation changes, and long straightaways that give racers of all skill levels a true motorsports experience. Beyond karting, The Apex offers 18 lanes of interactive bowling, four full-size golf simulators, a sprawling arcade, and a full-service sports bar and grill with locally inspired cocktails and wall-to-wall TVs.
With Larson’s visit, The Apex will transform into a motorsports arena for fans eager to see how their lap times stack up against one of the fastest men in professional racing. Qualifying is open daily, with leaderboard updates displayed inside the complex leading up to the November 13 event.
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