Just minutes ago, Hendrick Motorsports star Chase Elliott shattered his silence in a fiery social media post and subsequent interview, rallying fiercely behind his teammate Kyle Larson amid a brutal online backlash. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion has been under siege since clinching his second title at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025, with accusations of cheating swirling like exhaust fumes after a controversial overtime finish. Larson’s dramatic comeback—fueled by a late caution from William Byron’s flat tire—snatched victory from Denny Hamlin, who dominated much of the race but fell short in the two-lap shootout. Fans and critics alike have flooded social media with threats, insults, and claims that Larson’s Hendrick team manipulated rules or benefited from unfair advantages, turning what should have been a celebratory moment into a toxic firestorm.
Elliott, no stranger to the spotlight as NASCAR’s reigning Most Popular Driver for eight straight years, didn’t hold back. “Kyle Larson is one of the cleanest, most talented drivers this sport has ever seen,” Elliott posted on X, accompanied by a photo of the two celebrating Larson’s win. “The hate he’s getting right now—the threats, the lies—it’s disgusting. He earned that championship fair and square, overcoming two flat tires and a lap down like a true champion. This isn’t about luck; it’s about skill and heart.” In a follow-up interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Elliott went further, breaking down the vitriol Larson has endured. “People are hiding behind screens, throwing around ‘cheater’ like it’s nothing. Kyle’s been called everything from a fraud to worse, with real threats against him and his family. It’s crossed every line.”
The scandal traces back to the Phoenix finale, where Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet surged from adversity to glory. After suffering tire issues that dropped him a lap down, a caution with three laps remaining reset the field. Larson opted for two tires on the pit stop, rocketing him ahead of Hamlin, who took four. The move sparked immediate outrage, with some fans alleging Hendrick Motorsports exploited loopholes or that NASCAR favored Larson to create drama. YouTube videos and Reddit threads exploded with titles like “Phoenix CHEATING Scandal!” and conspiracy theories pointing to manipulated cautions or illegal setups. Hamlin himself expressed frustration post-race, though he congratulated Larson graciously, but his supporters amplified the narrative, claiming the overtime “stole” his long-awaited first title.
Elliott didn’t stop at defense—he pointed fingers directly at the media manipulators fueling the chaos. “It’s the same old voices twisting facts for clicks,” he said. “Certain podcasts and so-called insiders are pushing this narrative that Kyle’s win was rigged, ignoring how he outdrove everyone in overtime. Denny Hamlin’s camp and some JGR-aligned media are behind a lot of it, framing Kyle as the villain to deflect from their own pitfalls. Look at the stats: Kyle had more points than anyone in the regular season standings projection, more top-fives, and proved his consistency all year. This isn’t cheating; it’s racing.”
Larson’s season was a rollercoaster of resilience. Despite a winless streak stretching 24 races into the finale, he amassed three victories early on, including Kansas, and navigated the playoffs with grit. His dirt racing commitments and the infamous “Double” attempt earlier in the year drew criticism for divided focus, but Elliott praised it as proof of Larson’s versatility. “Kyle’s the total package,” Elliott added. “He’s won on dirt, ovals, roads—you name it. The hate is jealousy, plain and simple.”
As the NASCAR community reels, Elliott’s outspoken support has rallied Larson’s defenders, with thousands liking and reposting his statements. Team owner Rick Hendrick echoed the sentiment, calling the attacks “unacceptable” and vowing to protect his drivers. Yet the divide persists: Hamlin fans argue the format rewarded luck over dominance, while Larson’s backers celebrate a deserving two-time champ.
In a sport built on high speeds and higher emotions, Elliott’s intervention highlights the ugly side of fandom in the digital age. Larson’s championship trophy shines bright, but the shadows of doubt linger. Will this unite the garage or deepen rifts heading into 2026? One thing’s clear: Chase Elliott just drew a line in the sand, and NASCAR’s passionate fanbase is feeling every rev of it.
