We turn our attention to Sunday’s Cup Series Championship, where several storylines are set to unfold as four drivers battle for NASCAR’s biggest prize. Let’s jump right in!
Kyle Larson
Among the Championship 4, Kyle Larson is the only driver who’s already captured a Cup title — that victory coming in dominant fashion back in 2021. Larson enters this race with one career win at Phoenix, that being his championship-clinching triumph. Since 2018, he hasn’t finished outside the top 10 in any fall race at the track. Larson looks strong heading into today’s finale, but he’ll have three hungry challengers chasing their first Cup Series championship.
William Byron
William Byron returns to the Championship 4 for the third straight season, and this time, he’s hoping the third trip is the charm. In both the Truck and Xfinity Series this year, the driver who won Daytona went on to win the championship — could that be a sign for Byron? Maybe, maybe not, but once the green flag drops, anything can happen. Byron finished third in last year’s finale and owns one career win at Phoenix (2023). After coming so close in recent years, he’s one to watch this afternoon.
Chase Briscoe
What a turnaround it’s been for Chase Briscoe. After some challenging years with Stewart-Haas Racing, his move to Joe Gibbs Racing has reignited his career — and possibly set him up for a championship. Back in 2020, Briscoe dominated the Xfinity Series with nine wins but fell short in the finale. Could today be his redemption story? The task is tall, but Briscoe’s momentum suggests he’s up for it.
Denny Hamlin
For years, Denny Hamlin has carried the “modern-day Mark Martin” label — a superstar without a championship. But today might finally be the day that changes. Beyond the title, this race carries extra meaning for Hamlin, whose father, his lifelong supporter, has faced serious health issues. Hamlin has said this could be his last real chance for his dad to see him win it all. Starting from the pole, he has six wins this season — could number seven be the biggest of his career? We’ll find out around sundown in the desert.
Thank you all for following along with us this season! We’ll continue posting content throughout the offseason, so if you have an idea for a story, send us a message — we’d love to hear from you. Be sure to check back next week as we recap championship weekend. Until next time!
Champion Predictions
Zach Akers (Mountain Top Sports) – Denny Hamlin
Jerry Scott (Mountain Top Media) – William Byron
Heath Robinson (Co-Host, Hail Podcast) – Denny Hamlin
Cody Mitchell (Local iRacing Driver) – Chase Briscoe
