With so little time to run down Larson, Hamlin came up short with a sixth-place finish as Larson was third. Ryan Blaney, who was eliminated from title contention last week, won the race. It is the second championship for Larson, who won his first title in 2021 when he joined Hendrick Motorsports.

Kyle Larson won his second Cup title in different fashion, but he and his team are already setting their sights on more.

Kyle Larson denied Denny Hamlin his first career championship when a late caution at Phoenix Raceway sent title-deciding finale into overtime. Hamlin was three laps from

Hamlin, Briscoe and then Byron all won to earn their spots in the field, while Larson failed to win in the playoffs and earned the final berth through points. Even so, he likes how the No. 5 Chevrolet is running the last nine week and likes his chances Sunday.