AVONDALE, Ariz. — The four drivers battling for the Cup Series championship sat at the desk in the Phoenix Raceway media center with dour looks on their faces. At first, it appeared that this session would not be a pleasant experience.
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And then Denny Hamlin completely changed the tone by mercilessly teasing a reporter from the Associated Press about the location of her seat in the media center and how she needed to watch what she said in front of NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps.
"Lightening the mood in this room, good Lord," Hamlin said while laughing when asked what he was doing. Turns out, he was correct.
Once Hamlin began having some fun with media members, the other three drivers visibly relaxed. Chase Briscoe, Kyle Larson, and William Byron began laughing, making jokes of their own, and actually having some fun during this media session.
No longer did it feel like a rigid, modern press conference. It hearkened back to the days when Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, and other drivers joked around before big events.
#NASCAR ... In the 27 seasons I've covered the sport, I can't recall a press conference after qualifying for the title race where there was so many laughs among the 4 championship contenders.
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) November 1, 2025
Just look at a rather routine question about engines. Did any of the Championship 4 drivers know which used engines would be in their cars for the most important event on the schedule?
"I know Denny and I do not have our last week's engine," Briscoe cracked, prompting laughter from Hamlin and the gathered media members. This referenced the fact that both JGR drivers had engine failures last weekend at Martinsville speedway.
Larson took a moment to have some fun at Hamlin's expense after a question about fans on social media supporting the veteran driver in his quest for his first championship. Larson said that everybody likes a story involving someone near the end of their career.
This comment prompted Hamlin to sigh and put his arm around Larson's shoulders. But the 2021 Cup Series champion was not yet done with his comments.
"I mean, I can see why people would cheer for him. I'm a competitor," Larson said. "I obviously want to win. But it would be really cool to see somebody who has put in so much time to this sport and been so close so many times. 60 wins.
"I agree. I'm going to want to kick his ass tomorrow, but it's not going to kill me if he wins, unless he runs me in the fence again (laughter)."
Here's Kyle Larson reacting to these poll results that show most of you want Denny Hamlin to win. Is Larson surprised? (@DaveyCenter asked the question) https://t.co/9MGPVxFWTP pic.twitter.com/p5ZYySt7Dr
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 1, 2025
The back-and-forth continued with Hamlin teasing Byron about his ignorance of the Twitter branding change and Byron joking about how Rick Hendrick can not have a "favorite kid" during this pivotal race weekend.
The best moment, however, occurred when a reporter from Germany asked about the hotter temperatures and how it would affect the Championship 4 drivers.
"Talk to the guys that wear the cool suits," Hamlin said while laughing. Larson responded with a big smile as he said, "I like the elements for guys who don't wear cool suits, so..."
Hamlin did not let the exchange end there. He took one more friendly jab at his competition, saying, "Nothing wrong with a little luxury."
The old school press conference showed the best part of championship weekend. These four drivers respect each other, which they showed while talking about the quality of this particular Championship 4. They also don't hesitate when the opportunity arises to poke fun at each other.
