Kyle Busch, a former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, reached out with a thoughtful message to Denny Hamlin after Hamlin’s father, Dennis Hamlin, passed away following a fire at his home in Stanley, North Carolina on Sunday evening. The NASCAR community has responded with support and condolences as the tragedy deeply impacts prominent figures and families within the sport.
Kyle Busch Offers Support Amid Loss
After news broke regarding the fatal incident, Busch used social media to publicly share his condolences, highlighting the sorrow felt across the sport. The incident occurred at a property owned by Denny Hamlin’s real estate company. Emergency teams responded to the fire just after 6:19 p.m. ET, arriving within eight minutes. Both Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin, Denny’s parents, aged 69, were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Mary Lou remains in critical condition at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem.
First responders, including Chief David Toomey from the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department, reported that when their teams reached the residence, close to half the house was already overwhelmed by flames. Firefighters battled the blaze for two hours, but the home, built in 2015, was completely destroyed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family,
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
It has really been a tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community.
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
NASCAR Family Faces Heartbreak
This tragedy comes during a period of hardship for the racing world. Denny Hamlin’s father, Dennis, had been struggling with health issues before the accident. Throughout the 2025 season, Denny often acknowledged the sacrifices his parents made to help him pursue his passion for racing. During interviews, he expressed gratitude, recalling the financial and emotional challenges his family faced in giving him a chance to succeed on the track.
Following his milestone win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway—his 60th career victory—Hamlin reflected on his parents’ efforts, emphasizing how their perseverance made all the difference in his storied career.
My parents had very normal jobs, but they found a way. That way is a path I would never recommend anybody taking. Every credit card that comes to the mail — okay, we’ll use it. Asking people to help. Second and third mortgaging the house. All these things. The arguments I had to listen to — I’m in my room, and my mom and dad are going at it. One is saying, ‘I can’t do it anymore.’ The other one saying, ‘Please, just one more week.’ It’s great it’s all paid off.
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Impact on Denny Hamlin and the Racing Community
Denny Hamlin, now 45 and a co-owner of 23XI Racing, remains an influential competitor with three Daytona 500 wins and a significant role in NASCAR’s recent legal disputes with Front Row Motorsports. The emotional weight of his father’s passing follows a demanding year, marked by high-profile races and off-track conflicts.
The outpouring of support, including the Kyle Busch message to Hamlin, demonstrates how tightly bonded the NASCAR community becomes during personal loss and adversity. As Mary Lou Hamlin continues her recovery in critical care, friends, fellow racers, and fans have rallied around the Hamlin family, reinforcing connections that run deeper than competition.
The tragedy underscores the ongoing risks faced by families and first responders alike and is a reminder of the sacrifices and resilience that shape both athletes and those closest to them. The NASCAR community is expected to continue its support as the Hamlin family navigates the coming days and weeks.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family. It has really been a tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community.🙏🏻
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) December 30, 2025
