Kevin Harvick reacts to gutting Denny Hamlin defeat, Kyle Larson NASCAR Championship

Kevin Harvick seems to be ready to talk in-depth about Kyle Larson beating Denny Hamlin to win the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. On X/Twitter, Harvick shared his reaction to the big win for Larson and the tough loss for Hamlin.

“Well, lots to talk about on [Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour],” Kevin Harvick wrote. “Gutted for [Denny Hamlin]. Congratulations [Kyle Larson] and [Hendrick Motorsports].”

NASCAR fans are looking forward to what Harvick, Mamba Smith, and Kaitlyn Vincie have to say about Larson winning the title despite Hamlin dominating the race. Late in the race, Hamlin was leading William Byron and looked poised to win his first Cup Series title. But when Byron hit the wall on Lap 310, a caution was called, and the race was sent into overtime.

During the overtime restart, Hamlin lined up 10th and was five spots behind Larson. When the race was all said and done, Larson finished third, and Hamlin finished sixth. Larson, Hamlin, Byron, and Chase Briscoe were the four drivers remaining in the playoffs and competing for the championship.

Kyle Larson talks about being ‘sad’ for Denny Hamlin

During his post-race press conference, Larson talked about beating Hamlin for the title. “I definitely have a lot of empathy for him,” Larson said. “I said it, I think, in the interview I did on the stage. 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. That’s kind of what I was thinking about. Like, man, I can’t wait to go tell him, Good job. Then the caution came out and the script flipped right there.”

Larson added, “I mean, sure, I’m happy, but there’s definitely a piece of me that is sad for him, as well. I’m sure all of us in here, even the Denny haters, I’m sure there’s a spot where they’re sad, too. That’s competition. That’s the format. It’s just weird, you know?”

Larson now has two NASCAR Cup Series Championships. He won his first title in 2021 after winning 10 races, including the championship race at Phoenix.