The phrase "closing laps" refers to the final stage or last part of a race or competition. It usually describes the time when participants are near the finish line and are making their final efforts to complete the race. Full definition
Paulfrere of Belgium, driving Cooper Climax, took off after England's Stirling Moss driving Cooper Borgward in 150 - mile South African Grand Prix, caught Moss in closing laps of race to zip in first by 38 seconds. (si.com)
Techeetah teammates Jean - Eric Vergne and Andre Lotterer got pretty physical during the chaotic closing laps of the Santiago ePrix (wtf1.com)
In that race, Senna, then a rookie driving for the underdog Toleman - Hart Formula 1 team, was in second place in the rain - drenched closing laps, gaining at a furious pace of 3 - seconds a lap on the race - leading Alain Prost, then driving for McLaren. (automobilemag.com)