“Sometimes Speed, Talent Just Does Not Matter!” Denny Hamlin Makes Concerning Admission After Championship Loss

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season ended last Sunday at Phoenix with Kyle Larson breaking Denny Hamlin’s heart to win the second championship of his career. Hendrick Motorsports was lucky to fly back home with the title, as if the race didn’t go into overtime following the caution due to William Byron’s tire failure, the No:11 team would have been on the victory lane.

It was the decision to put four new tires instead of two like most of the front runners what cost Denny Hamlin the championship. After the race, the veteran was beyond heartbroken and made some sad comments on his post-race interview. One of those was the admission about the sport being wild that sometimes being the best doesn’t matter.

Well, I mean, we were 40 seconds from a championship. I don’t know. It’s just unfortunate. The only difference before is the cautions came maybe a little sooner than that. I don’t know. Gosh, you work so hard. This sport can drive you absolutely crazy ’cause sometimes speed, talent, all that stuff, just does not matter.

Denny Hamlin said via Motorsport.com.

Kyle Larson won the title, despite leading a single lap of the finale while the team that dominated and led over 200 laps left in tears. Hamlin didn’t forget to appreciate the No:5 Chevy team for the succeeds and declared that there are a lot of wins coming their way. But he also reminded the fans that on Sunday they were the best team by miles.

I mean, Kyle Larson has the trophy, but we dominated. We did our job. We did the best we could. They’re a championship team and a championship driver. They’re going to win a hell of a lot more than just these two. When everyone had to bring their best, I think it was evident who was the best today.

Denny Hamlin added.

Kyle Larson shows empathy for Denny Hamlin

On his post-race interview, even Kyle Larson was feeling sad for Denny Hamlin, like many of the sports’ great as one of the all-time greatest of the sport might retire without a title. Hence, he has some awkward feelings about the loss, as it is the closest the No:11 team has ever come close to winning.

I definitely have a lot of empathy for him. I said it I think in the interview I did on the stage. It’s great to celebrate and all that, but it does feel a little awkward because he has put so much time and energy, has been so close to winning so many championships. This is as close as he’s ever been.

Kyle Larson said.

Further talking about the point, Larson pointed out that he would have been happy to lose the championship to Denny Hamlin. He revealed how excited he was congratulating the veteran about the win, before the caution came out and change the whole race.

Sure, he’s a competitor, but he is a friend. I was going to be happy for him to win. That’s kind of what I was thinking about. Like, man, I can’t wait to go tell him, ‘Good job.’ Then the caution came out and the script flipped right there, so …

Kyle Larson added.

Though Denny Hamlin is heartbroken, considering his mind set and reason form, he has two more peak years left in him in the Next-Gen era. With the new format coming in from next year, Denny Hamlin might win the Bill France cup before moving onto other ventures in his life.

Also Read: Denny Hamlin Makes Painful ‘Never Want to Race a Car Again’ Admission After 2025 Title Loss

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