The Cutline – Phoenix: Is This The Last Championship Race?

The 2025 NASCAR Cup finale at Phoenix brought the season to a close with just as many questions as answers. Joey Logano came in as the defending champ, and it seemed like Denny Hamlin was about to finally take his crown after 20 years of trying, but it was Kyle Larson who came out victorious in overtime. By the end of the night, it was clear this season’s story wasn’t about dominance, but about survival. Between bold calls, playoff heartbreak, and the changing balance of power, Armany DePaul breaks down what really defined the year’s chaotic finish.

• Did NASCAR’s playoff format once again decide more than the drivers did?
• What did we actually learn about Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Blaney’s late-season form?
• Was this finale proof that the parity era has gone too far?
• And where does the sport go from here after another unpredictable, controversy-filled championship?

Armany dives deep into Phoenix’s highs, lows, and head-scratchers, unpacking the big storylines that will shape how we view the 2025 season. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tune in every weekend after the Cup Series race for the live episodes of The Cutline