The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season culminates at Phoenix Raceway with Denny Hamlin securing the pole position for the winner-take-all finale, setting the stage for an intense battle among the Championship 4 drivers: Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson. Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, aims to finally secure his first NASCAR Cup Series title, having come close multiple times. He expressed confidence after winning the pole, noting that his recent victory in Las Vegas has prepared him well for the race. The final race features two Hendrick Motorsports drivers (Byron and Larson) and two Joe Gibbs Racing contenders (Briscoe and Hamlin). The dynamic of teammates competing against each other adds an intriguing layer to the championship, with Hendrick’s four drivers emphasizing communication and teamwork despite the rivalry. Hamlin, who has historically faced challenges in championship races, is considered a sympathetic favorite, especially after overcoming an offseason crew chief change. His crew chief, Chris Gayle, who has also advanced to the final four, aims to lead Hamlin to victory. Meanwhile, the narrative that Ryan Blaney would be the favorite had he advanced by winning at Martinsville is debunked. Blaney, despite leading all active drivers with a 6.4 average finish at Phoenix since 2022, has never won at the track and has a less dominant record compared to other Championship 4 drivers. He has led only 14 laps since 2023 and has not been a top finisher in recent Phoenix races. Experts and fans recognize the strength of other contenders like William Byron, who has spent the most laps running among the top five at Phoenix in recent seasons, and sleeper driver Chris Buescher, who has a strong recent record at the track. The race will be broadcast live on NBC at 3 p.m. ET, with fans encouraged to watch Hamlin, Byron, Larson, and Briscoe battle for the 2025 championship, while the debate over Blaney’s perceived favoritism is clarified by his track record and recent performances.