The NASCAR world is coming together after a tragic fire claimed the life of Dennis Hamlin, father of Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin, in Stanely. Kyle Busch’s reaction to tragedy and the support from drivers across the sport have highlighted the closeness of the community as MaryLou Hamlin, Denny’s mother, recovers from significant injuries sustained in the incident.
NASCAR Community Conveys Support Following Hamlin Family Tragedy
On the evening of the incident, Dennis Hamlin lost his life when a fire tore through his home, destroying nearly half of the residence and leaving MaryLou Hamlin hospitalized with serious injuries. Teammates, rivals, and fans quickly responded, reflecting on the sadness felt throughout NASCAR and offering their condolences to Denny Hamlin and his family.
Kyle Busch, the Richard Childress Racing driver and former teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, responded publicly with a heartfelt message. The tragedy is not isolated—Busch also mentioned that the previous weeks had been difficult for the sport, referencing the recent plane crash that took the lives of Greg Biffle and his family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family. It has really been a tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community.🙏🏻”
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
Barely a day following Busch’s post, Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson also expressed his sympathy for the Hamlin family. As the reigning champion, Larson acknowledged the depth of loss felt by a competitor and friend, especially following their dramatic battle for the 2025 Bill France Cup.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hamlin family and their loved ones.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hamlin family and their loved ones 🙏”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Industry Figures Lend Encouragement Amid Difficult Times
Members of the wider NASCAR network–from media personalities to drivers–extended messages of hope and support. Kenny Wallace, a respected former racer, used his platform to comfort Denny and recognize the pain he must be experiencing.
“Sigh 😔. I am so sorry @dennyhamlin … May the lord be with you.”
— Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver
“Sigh 😔. I am so sorry @dennyhamlin .. May the lord be with you ❤️ https://t.co/oMCuLNPpXM”
— Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver
Former crew chief Larry McReynolds, who recently had public disagreements with Hamlin, set any disputes aside in favor of solidarity after the fire. McReynolds’ post also made mention of those affected by the Biffle family tragedy, reflecting the widespread sorrow encompassing the NASCAR community this month.
“It has been such a tough month for the #NASCAR Community! Our prayers continue to go out to all the families of the plane crash, especially Nicole and our thoughts & prayers go out to @dennyhamlin and his family! We pray for his Mom especially, Mary Lou!”
— Larry McReynolds, Former Crew Chief
“It has been such a tough month for the #NASCAR Community! Our prayers continue to go out to all the families of the plane crash, especially Nicole and our thoughts & prayers go out to @dennyhamlin and his family! We pray for his Mom especially, Mary Lou!🙏🙏🙏🙏”
— Larry McReynolds, Former Crew Chief
Young driver Rajah Kirby Caruth of Spire Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports also joined in, sharing his compassion on social media and letting the Hamlin family know they are in his thoughts.
“We’re all thinking about and praying for the Hamlin family tonight.”
— Rajah Kirby Caruth, NASCAR Driver
“We’re all thinking about and praying for the Hamlin family tonight.”
— Rajah Kirby Caruth, NASCAR Driver
Signs of Solidarity and What Lies Ahead
The wave of public mourning and messages of encouragement from across NASCAR illustrates how, even in times of competition, the sport’s members unite after tragedy. The circumstances surrounding Dennis Hamlin’s passing and MaryLou Hamlin’s injury have deeply touched the lives of drivers, crews, and fans alike. Familiar figures such as Kyle Busch, Greg Biffle, Kenny Wallace, and Larry McReynolds have all played a part in expressing this collective grief and support.
As MaryLou Hamlin continues her recovery at the hospital, many within and beyond racing circles will continue to follow the family’s situation. The tragedy has cast a somber tone over NASCAR’s usual off-season, but it has also revealed a powerful sense of togetherness and care within the community. The hope remains that Denny Hamlin’s mother will recover, while the community continues to mourn the loss of Dennis Hamlin and reflect on recent hardships. The response underscores the unbreakable bonds among racing families, both on and off the track.
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
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hamlin family and their loved ones 🙏
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) December 29, 2025
Sigh 😔. I am so sorry @dennyhamlin .. May the lord be with you ❤️ https://t.co/oMCuLNPpXM
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) December 30, 2025
It has been such a tough month for the #NASCAR Community! Our prayers continue to go out to all the families of the plane crash, especially Nicole and our thoughts & prayers go out to @dennyhamlin and his family! We pray for his Mom especially, Mary Lou!
🙏🙏🙏🙏— Larry McReynolds (@LarryMac28) December 30, 2025
We’re all thinking about and praying for the Hamlin family tonight.
— Rajah Kirby Caruth (@rajahcaruth_) December 29, 2025
