As Phoenix's six-year championship run ends, NASCAR's finale delivered two worthy champions whose victories blurred the line between triumph and heartbreak.

Hamlin’s South Point 400 win began with the pole on Saturday. It’s a category he openly admits has never been his strong suit. “I have never been a driver that’s been fast for one lap,” Hamlin said. “But I noticed that it was something that could improve my chances of winning week in, week out, so I focused on getting better.”

LAS VEGAS— Round of 8 playoff driver Denny Hamlin will lead the field to green in Sunday’s South Point 400 after earning the Busch Light...

SONOMA, Calif. — In a region where meals are crafted with care and victories are slow roasted, Shane van Gisbergen delivered a Sonoma win that matched the setting: clean, intentional and rooted in precision.

Credit: SONOMA, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway on July 12, 2025 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Ross Chastain at Sonoma Raceway during NASCAR Sonoma 2025. When asked to pick between Giants or Dodgers, he went his own way "Rays."