NASCAR reporter describes heartbreaking scene surrounding Denny Hamlin on pit road

A NASCAR reporter shared how Denny Hamlin and his No. 11 team reacted after falling short of winning the Cup Series championship. Kelly Crandall of Racer.com and ESPN went to X/Twitter to describe the scene surrounding Hamlin and his team members at pit road.

“The emotions around Joe Gibbs Racing and the 11 team on pit road are so heavy,” Crandall wrote. “There are so many dejected faces and even tears. It’s one of the most emotional post race / championship scenes that I’ve ever felt.”

Denny Hamlin led over 200 laps at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway and looked poised to win his first title. But a late caution caused by William Byron led to the race going into overtime, and Hamlin lost the lead.

Hamlin and Byron were two of the four drivers competing for the championship. The other two were Chase Briscoe and Kyle Larson, who finished three spots ahead of Hamlin to win the title.

Denny Hamlin wanted to win the championship for his team

After the race, Hamlin reacted to the disappointing end to his 2025 season. “They did a great job,” Hamlin said when asked about his No. 11 team during his post-race press conference. “We had one hiccup, but it wasn’t their fault. We got fortunate with the left rear tire that was flat under caution. They executed a great day. Man, I really wish I could have got it for them.

“While the championship… You know, it wouldn’t have changed anything I felt truly about myself. I wanted it so bad for everyone else, all of my supporters, all my friends and family and whatnot, that they want it so bad. Just not going to happen.”

Hamlin finished the year with six wins, the most out of any Cup Series driver this year. He also had 18 top-10 finishes, 14 top-five finishes, and an average finishing position of 14. Hamlin’s sixth win of the season was also the 60the victory of his career. He is tied with Kevin Harvick for the 10th most in NASCAR history.