As the checkered flag fell for the final time on Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series crowned a new two-time champion, Kyle Larson, though not the one most fans were cheering for. Denny Hamlin was the man to beat at Phoenix Raceway, storming to pole position and leading 208 laps before heartbreak struck in the final three.
Earlier, Connor Zilisch suffered a similar blow in the Xfinity finale, losing the title to Jesse Love despite a stellar rookie season. When history repeated itself for Hamlin, the veteran tried to stay composed, towel in hand, but his cold, motionless eyes revealed the heartbreak he couldn’t hide.
Larson and Love, both from Chevrolets, may be NASCAR’s newest champions, but to many fans, Hamlin and Zilisch remain the uncrowned kings, undone by a playoff format that too often turns dominance into despair; dive deeper into Matt Weaver’s compelling “casual” reflection.
What Does Matt Weaver’s Farewell Say About NASCAR’s Future?
After Sunday’s Phoenix finale, veteran journalist Matt Weaver echoed the fandom’s sentiment, acknowledging the flaws of this era while holding faith in the next. His reflection felt like more than the end of a season; it was the end of an era, and the quiet start of something new.
At his core, Weaver remains a true fan of the sport. Yet as one of NASCAR’s most respected reporters, he’s often compelled to stay neutral, even as he does his best to echo the passions and frustrations of the fans.
Naturally, watching Zilisch and Hamlin go down swinging, after giving everything they had, amid the raging playoff debate that’s divided the community, struck Weaver hard. The Motorsport.com journalist was moved to write a heartfelt post that captured the raw emotion of the moment.
His reflection began modestly enough: “Some casual closing thoughts.” But what followed cut far deeper than the words suggested. He began, “This was certainly the end of an era this weekend, and while I have enjoyed covering this format from an intensity and narrative standpoint, I also endorse all the reasons we’re looking towards what’s next.”
Some casual closing thoughts
This was certainly the end of an era this weekend, and while I have enjoyed covering this format from an intensity and narrative standpoint, I also endorse all the reasons we’re looking towards what’s next.
Most importantly, the competitors and…
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) November 3, 2025
He didn’t mince words when it came to NASCAR’s future, emphasizing that for the sport to thrive again, it must listen to its fans. Weaver also credited Goodyear for its tire development and acknowledged progress with the Next Gen car, though whether that last note carried a hint of sarcasm is open to interpretation.
Like many within the community, Weaver also wished to see the 23XI Racing/FRM vs. NASCAR dispute reach a fair and fruitful conclusion. He acknowledged that, despite the frustration among fans, Larson and Love rightfully earned their titles not because of sentiment, but because the format crowned them as such.
After all, what can they do? They can only play by the rules before them and move on.
Then came a moment of genuine honesty: “We bicker and fight sometimes, but also know that we share the same passion for this sport. I’m a fan of this sport, and I hope that earns me something when we interact.”
A former racer himself and a proud Chevy trucker, Weaver ended on a hopeful note, figuratively lifting his head toward a brighter horizon:
“Excited to see what this next era of NASCAR brings us, and I’m excited to cover it, and grateful for the trust you put in me to do so. This sport and its people are the absolute best, and I’ll stop doing this when y’all don’t trust me to do it or I’m onto the next life.”
In a weekend that broke hearts and stirred debate, Weaver’s words reminded everyone why NASCAR endures because, beneath the noise, the rivalries, and the rules, it’s still a sport built on passion.