“He raises the bar”: Kyle Larson gives a ‘special shout-out’ to Denny Hamlin in championship speech at NASCAR Awards 

Kyle Larson gave a special mention to his fiercest competitor, Denny Hamlin, at the 2025 NASCAR Awards. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Larson, acknowledged Hamlin's efforts and dedication to his craft in the stock-car series.

After the 2025 Championship 4 race in Phoenix, Kyle Larson, the Hendrick Motorsports star, ended up on the fruitful end of the spectrum without even leading a single lap in the finale. At the same time, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Hamlin was left with heartbreak after being the most dominant car on the field due to a late-race pit strategy.

In his championship speech, Kyle Larson, the 32-time Cup race winner, thanked his family, team, and sponsors before concluding with a special shout-out to Denny Hamlin. The No. 5 driver recognized the veteran, who has been in the sport for two decades, for his dedication and relentless effort. He said (via NASCAR):

"Obviously, I got to give a special shout-out to Denny. Nobody in the sport works harder or expects more of themselves. Year after year, he raises the bar and pushes his competitors to be better. He holds himself to a true championship standard, and I think everyone in this room has a ton of respect for that." [5:49 onwards]

While Kyle Larson secured the 15th Cup Series title for the Rick Hendrick-owned organization, the No. 11 driver, Denny Hamlin, faced heartbreak. The veteran, nearing the end of his illustrious career, saw the one major achievement missing from his resume taken away by an uncontrollable late-race setback. Larson later admitted the 2025 finale was the closest Hamlin has ever come to bringing home the trophy.

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"This is as close as he’s ever been”: Kyle Larson opens up on Denny Hamlin's title loss

Kyle Larson shared his candid thoughts on having empathy for Denny Hamlin after the Championship loss in Phoenix, Arizona. In a post-race conversation with the media, the 33-year-old driver said (via Cup Scene):

"Definitely have a lot of empathy for him...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. Sure he's a competitor, but he is a friend. I was going to be happy for him to win." [8:50 onwards]

He also added:

"That's competition. That's the format. It's just weird, you know? But yeah, I still hope someday he can get to feel what it's like."

After 36 races in NASCAR's premier division, Kyle Larson managed three wins and 15 top-fives. On the other hand, JGR driver Denny Hamlin secured six wins and 14 top-five finishes.