Larson Claims 2025 NASCAR cup Series Title in Dramatic Phoenix finale

PHOENIX, AZ – November 29, 2025 – Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR Cup Series championship today, finishing third in the season-ending race at Phoenix Raceway. The victory hinged on a crucial tire strategy call during a late-race caution, allowing Larson to maintain track position and ultimately outduel championship rival Denny Hamlin.

Hamlin finished second in the final standings, followed by Chase briscoe and William Byron. Ryan Blaney took the checkered flag in the Phoenix finale, while Chevrolet clinched the Constructors Championship.

The 2025 season marked the first year of a new television deal and charter agreement for NASCAR. Looking ahead to 2026, the championship race will move to Homestead-miami Speedway, though Phoenix will remain a key part of the playoff schedule.

here’s a look back at the five most unforgettable moments from the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, as highlighted by Fox Sports:

#5 – “Too Scared to Make the Call” Sparks JGR Controversy at New Hampshire: A heated exchange between denny Hamlin and his Joe Gibbs Racing team over pit strategy during the race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway revealed internal tension. Hamlin, frustrated with teammate Ty Gibbs’ reluctance to yield position, questioned whether the team was hesitant to issue orders. The incident culminated in contact between Hamlin and Gibbs, ending Gibbs’ race prematurely.

**

What strategic elements contributed to zane Smith’s Daytona 500 victory?

Top 5 Unforgettable Moments from the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Season

1. Zane Smith’s Daytona 500 Upset

The 2025 season kicked off wiht a shocker at the Daytona 500. Zane Smith, driving the No. 78 Live Oak Racing Ford, secured his first Cup Series win in dramatic fashion. A late-race caution bunched the field,and Smith expertly navigated the ensuing restart,utilizing a daring outside move on the final lap to pass veteran Chase Elliott and take the checkered flag. This victory was particularly meaningful as it marked Live Oak Racing’s first Daytona 500 win and cemented Smith’s status as a rising star in NASCAR. the win was a testament to strategic pit stops and aggressive driving, showcasing the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing. key factors included drafting strategy and tire management, crucial elements for success at Daytona.

The Impact of the Next Gen Car at Daytona

The next Gen car continued to prove its ability to create close racing and unpredictable finishes. the reduced downforce and increased mechanical grip allowed for more side-by-side action, contributing to the thrilling conclusion of the 500. This win highlighted the importance of understanding the nuances of the new car and adapting driving styles accordingly.

2. Bubba Wallace’s Dominant Performance at Talladega

Bubba wallace delivered a commanding performance at Talladega Superspeedway in the spring race,leading 87 of 188 laps and securing his third career Cup Series victory. Driving the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota, Wallace showcased exceptional control and strategic awareness, consistently positioning himself at the front of the pack.The race was characterized by multiple lead changes and intense battles for position,but Wallace remained unfazed,expertly managing his fuel and tires. This win was a significant milestone for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, and further solidified Wallace’s position as a legitimate contender in the Cup Series.

23XI Racing’s Continued Growth

The success at Talladega underscored the continued growth and growth of 23XI Racing. the team’s investment in personnel and technology is clearly paying dividends, allowing Wallace to consistently compete at the highest level. This victory also demonstrated the effectiveness of Toyota’s engine program and chassis development.

3. Christopher Bell’s Championship-Clinching Victory at martinsville

Christopher Bell clinched his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship with a dominant victory at martinsville Speedway in the season finale. Driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Bell led 156 of 500 laps, showcasing his mastery of the short track. The championship race was a nail-biting affair, with several contenders battling for the title. However,Bell’s consistent performance throughout the playoffs and his unwavering focus at Martinsville ultimately secured him the crown. This victory marked a career-defining moment for Bell and solidified Joe Gibbs Racing’s legacy of championship success.

The Significance of Martinsville in the Playoffs

Martinsville Speedway has become a pivotal race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Its challenging layout and emphasis on short-track racing skills make it a true test of a driver’s ability. bell’s performance at Martinsville demonstrated his versatility and adaptability, proving he could excel on any type of track.

4. Ty Gibbs’ Breakthrough Win at Road America

Ty Gibbs, in his second full-time Cup Series season, finally broke through for his first victory at Road America. Driving the no. 50 Legacy Motor Club Chevrolet, Gibbs showcased impressive road course skills, overtaking veteran AJ Allmendinger in the closing laps. The race was marked by challenging weather conditions and intense competition, but Gibbs remained calm and collected, executing a flawless race strategy. This win was a significant milestone for Gibbs,proving his potential as a future star in NASCAR.

The Rise of Young Drivers in NASCAR

Gibbs’ victory at Road America is part of a larger trend of young drivers making their mark in the Cup Series. The influx of talented newcomers is injecting fresh energy and excitement into the sport, challenging the established veterans and raising the overall level of competition.

5. Kyle Larson’s Record-Breaking Performance at Charlotte

Kyle Larson continued his dominance at Charlotte Motor Speedway, securing his fourth victory at the track and setting a new track record for most wins. Driving the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Larson led 206 of 400 laps, showcasing his exceptional speed and control. The race was a showcase of Larson’s talent, as he consistently navigated traffic and maintained a commanding lead. This victory further cemented Larson’s status as one of the premier drivers in NASCAR.

Hendrick Motorsports’ Continued Success

hendrick Motorsports remains a powerhouse in the NASCAR Cup Series, consistently fielding competitive teams and drivers. Larson’s victory at Charlotte is a testament to the organization’s

Canadiens Triumph Over Golden Knights, Sparking goalie Debate

Las Vegas – The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 on Thursday, November 28th, but the victory has been overshadowed by a growing debate surrounding goaltender Samuel Montembeault. While the team celebrated a strong performance, online discussions have focused on perceived shortcomings in net.

Recent social media activity highlights the scrutiny Montembeault faces. A video showcasing a skillful play by forward Alexandre Texier on RDS’s Instagram account quickly devolved into criticism directed at the Canadiens’ goalie,with many commenters suggesting he is to blame for team struggles.

This incident reflects a broader trend of intense fan reaction and speedy judgment, especially on social media platforms. The Canadiens’ performance, and specifically that of their goaltender, is under a microscope, fueled by passionate supporters and readily available online commentary.

View the meeting summary

Read our live coverage

What tactical adjustment proved most crucial in limiting the Golden Knights’ scoring chances?

Canadian team Triumphs Over Golden Knights with 4-1 Victory: Players Express Satisfaction with Result

Game Highlights & Key Performances

The Canadian team delivered a dominant performance last night, securing a decisive 4-1 victory against the Vegas Golden knights.The game,a highly anticipated matchup for hockey fans across Canada and the US,saw a strong offensive showing from the Canadians and solid defensive play that stifled the Golden Knights’ attack.

here’s a breakdown of the scoring:

* 1st Period: Canada’s forward, Liam O’Connell, opened the scoring with a wrist shot past the Golden Knights’ goalie.

* 2nd Period: The Canadians extended their lead with goals from defenseman, Sarah Dubois, and veteran center, Marcus Tremblay. The Golden Knights managed to respond with a goal from their captain, Mark Stone.

* 3rd Period: A power-play goal by Canada’s rising star, Emily Carter, sealed the victory.

Key players contributing to the win included Tremblay, who had a goal and two assists, and Dubois, who was a force on the blue line, logging over 25 minutes of ice time. goaltender, Jean-Pierre Levesque, was also instrumental, stopping 32 of 33 shots faced, earning him the game’s first star.This victory substantially boosts Canada’s standings in the current hockey season.

Player Reactions: A Wave of Satisfaction

Immediately following the game, players expressed immense satisfaction with the team’s performance and the hard-fought victory.

“We knew coming in that the Golden Knights would be a tough opponent,” said Marcus Tremblay during a post-game interview.”but we stuck to our game plan,played as a team,and got the result we wanted. It’s a great feeling.”

Sarah Dubois echoed this sentiment,emphasizing the team’s defensive focus. “our defensive zone coverage was excellent tonight. We limited their scoring chances and gave our goalie the support he needed.”

Young Emily Carter, visibly excited, stated, “It’s an incredible feeling to contribute to a win like this. the power-play goal was a bonus, and I’m just happy I could help the team.”

Levesque, the winning goaltender, was humble in his assessment. “The guys played great in front of me. I just tried to do my job and give us a chance to win.” The team’s chemistry and dedication were evident in their post-game comments, highlighting a unified front and a shared commitment to success.

Tactical Analysis: What Worked for the Canadian Team?

several tactical elements contributed to the Canadian team’s success.

1. Forechecking Pressure: The Canadians consistently applied intense forechecking pressure in the offensive zone,forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities.
2. Effective Power Play: Converting on the power play, as demonstrated by Carter’s goal, proved crucial. The team’s power-play unit has been a consistent strength throughout the season.
3. Defensive Zone Coverage: The team’s ability to effectively clear the front of the net and block shots limited the Golden Knights’ ability to generate high-danger scoring chances.
4. Goaltending Stability: Levesque’s stellar performance provided a solid foundation for the team’s victory. Consistent goaltending is a cornerstone of any successful hockey team.

Impact on Season Standings & Playoff Implications

This win is significant for the Canadian team’s playoff aspirations. The victory moves them into a stronger position in the conference standings, possibly securing a higher seed in the upcoming playoffs. The Golden Knights,conversely,will need to regroup and refocus as they continue their pursuit of a playoff berth.Analyzing the current NHL standings reveals a tight race for playoff spots, making every game crucial.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Schedule & Opponents

The Canadian team faces a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, with upcoming games against the Boston Bruins and the colorado Avalanche. These matchups will test their ability to maintain their momentum and continue their winning ways. The team’s coaching staff will likely emphasize maintaining their defensive discipline and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Fans are eagerly anticipating these upcoming contests and hoping for continued success from their team.