By the Numbers: Denny Hamlin vs. Kyle Larson

By Staff Report | Published: April 15, 2025 10

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Kyle Larson bested Denny Hamlin Sunday at Bristol, earning his first win in the seven times the two of them have finished 1-2 in a race. With nine races in the books and two wins each the last four races, their on-track rivalry has intensified in 2025.

MORE: Cup Series standings | 2025 season schedule

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Denny Hamlin races against Kyle Larson at Bristol.

Ethan Smith | For NASCAR Digital Media

Head-to-head record

Hamlin and Larson have finished 1-2 in seven Cup Series races. Even though Larson got the better end at Bristol, Hamlin was on the winning side the first six times:

1. Richmond (Sept. 10, 2016)
2. New Hampshire (July 16, 2017)
3. Darlington (Sept. 5, 2021)
4. Kansas (May 7 2023)
5. Bristol (Sept. 16, 2023)
6. Dover (April 28, 2024)
7. Bristol (April 14, 2025)

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Kyle Larson drives ahead of pack of Cup Series cars at Bristol.

Ethan Smith | For NASCAR Digital Media

Laps led in 2025

Larson: 503*
Hamlin: 308

*First among all active drivers

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Denny Hamlin celebrates at Darlington Raceway as champagne is sprayed around him.

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Average fininsh in 2025

Hamlin: 9.7
Larson: 12.3

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Ethan Smith | For NASCAR Digital Media

Laps run in the top 15 this season

Larson: 2,011
Hamlin: 1,933

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Kyle Larson puts on sunglasses at Bristol.

James Gilbert | Getty Images

Wins in the Next Gen era

Larson: 15 (two this season)
Hamlin: 10 (two this season)

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Alex Slitz | Getty Images

Top-five finishes in Next Gen era

Larson: 48 (five this season)
Hamlin: 41 (five this season)

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Chris Graythen | Getty Images

Top-10 finishes in Next Gen era

Larson: 61 (six this season)
Hamlin: 59 (six this season)

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Jonathan Bachman | Getty Images

NASCAR Insights stats

Through nine races, what do more in-depth statistics say, according to NASCAR Insights?

Passing: Larson 3rd; Hamlin 8th
Defense: Larson 4th; Hamlin 6th
Speed: Hamlin 4th; Larson 5th
Restarts: Larson 2nd; Hamlin 5th
Pit crew: Hamlin 2nd; Larson 6th

Larson outranks Hamlin 3-2.

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Kyle Larson (L) and Denny Hamlin (R) look on.

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Final count

Based on the above stats, Larson has a 6-2 edge over Hamlin.

With 27 point-paying races left in the season there's a good chance we see these two continue to clash on track and add more to these numbers soon.