Phoenix championship weekend ‘25

[18degrees]

So this weekend at Phoenix we had-
Friday- Corey Heim shoot from something like 10th to 1st in the space of 2 turns or so, being part of a 7 wide spread of trucks on the final restart.
Saturday- saw Jesse Love, who was probably considered the least favorite driver to win the Xfinity championship, won the Xfinity championship for RCR. Essentially negating Connor Zilisch's amazing performance throughout the rest of the season.
Sunday- Denny Hamlin had his first championship within touching distance, having a 3 second lead with 3 to go when a very untimely caution flew. Just as pit strategy had put Hamlin in the lead the previous cycle, pit strategy put him too far back this time to win. Kyle Larson claimed what looked to be a pretty unlikely championship win. Good on him...

So Hamlin still remains cemented in 1st place on the list of "best driver to never win a NASCAR championship", staying just ahead of Mark Martin.

[Volzfan59]

While I no longer watch NASCAR, they left me, I have zero problem with Hamlin not winning the title.

A. I just don't like him.

B. It exposes the flawed NASCAR playoff system as farce. I'm sure they will come up with something even worse instead of going back to a season long, cumulative points system. There was nothing wrong with the old system.

[Speedracer]

BEST MAN WINS! Always!!!

[jh63fan]

In my opinion (which don't count) Mark Martin did win a championship, Nascar took it away from him.

As for championship format, one of the many reasons I don't watch racing anymore. You can't get better than the '92 battle with the 3 contenders, Petty running down Waltrip in 1979 and others.

[Volzfan59]

NASCAR seems to have gone out of its way to ruin itself.

[jh63fan]

One word: Management
When you go out of your way to "entertain" every Johnny come lately fan and ignore those who followed it religiously, your headed for demise.

[Volzfan59]

Amen jh63fan! My money says that Big Bill France, his wife Anne and Bill France, Jr are not only rolling over in their graves. They're flipping end for end. This mess started with the Brian France era and only gotten worse.

[Razorback 46]

Happy for Larson but I hope they figure out a better system next year. Larson did score the most points this year though. If they go to a full season points championship next year, I'll be thrilled. Even if they go back to the 10 race Chase, it'll be better than what we've got now. Just going to wait and see what they do before I get my hopes up though.

[Jim N]

Congratulations to Larson. He is my daughter and son in law's favorite driver, so I am happy for them.

I have an intense dislike for Hamlin, but his father is terminally ill, and he was trying to win the title for him.  I have a hard time feeling good about his misfortune.  Also, he will be 46 net year, so his window may have closed.