When the lights were brightest, tire troubles marred the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway, and Kyle Larson stole the 2025 championship — or did he?
Caleb Barnes and Wyatt Watson break down as much as they can in 10 minutes from Sunday’s (Nov. 2) race. For starters, tire troubles affected all four championship contenders, having an impact on the flow — and finish — of the race.
A late caution for William Byron‘s turn at tire trouble erased a lead for Denny Hamlin, who was cruising. The No. 11 crew decided to pit for four tires, while Larson’s team only bolted on fresh right sides. The move added yet another chapter of heartbreak to Hamlin’s storied career.
Ultimately, the guy who earned the most points on the season won the championship. However, the way the finish played out feels like Hamlin was robbed of a championship. Barnes and Watson discuss that dynamic just before the timer for the final episode of the season rings out.
There’s a lot to talk about, and just 10 minutes to do it. Check out Stock Car Scoop on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
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Caleb began sports writing in 2023 with The Liberty Champion, where he officially covered his first NASCAR race at Richmond in the spring. While there, Caleb met some of the guys from Frontstretch, and he joined the video editing team after graduating from Liberty University with degrees in Strategic Communications and Sports Journalism. Caleb currently work full-time as a Multi-Media Journalist with LEX 18 News in Lexington, Kentucky and contributes to Frontstretch with writing and video editing. He's also behind-the-scenes or on camera for the Happy Hour Podcast, live every Tuesday night at 7:30!
Wyatt Watson has followed motorsports closely since 2007. He joined Frontstretch as a journalist in February 2023 after serving in the United States Navy for five years as an Electronic Technician Navigation working on submarines. Wyatt is one of Frontstretch's primary IndyCar correspondents, providing exclusive video content on site. He hosts Frontstretch's Through the Gears podcast and occasionally The Pit Straight.You can find Wyatt's written work in columns such as Friday Faceoff and 2-Headed Monsteras well as exclusive IndyCar features. Wyatt also contributes to Frontstretch's social media team, posting unique and engaging content for Frontstretch.
Wyatt Watson can be found on X @WyattWRacing