Kyle Larson supports Denny Hamlin as the NASCAR community rallies around Hamlin following a devastating house fire in Stanley, North Carolina on Sunday night. The incident resulted in the passing of Hamlin’s father, Dennis Hamlin, and left his mother, Mary Lou Hamlin, hospitalized as the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Fire Claims Life of Dennis Hamlin, Family and Community Respond
Late on Sunday, a serious fire consumed a significant part of Denny Hamlin’s residence. Gaston County EMS confirmed on Monday that Dennis Hamlin succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident, while Mary Lou Hamlin continues her recovery at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem. Officials have not disclosed additional details, as the investigation into how the fire began is ongoing.
Kyle Larson publicly expressed his support and compassion, reaching out to the Hamlin family during this exceptionally difficult period. The NASCAR community, including drivers and crew, also shared their condolences and support for the family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hamlin family and their loved ones,”
Kyle Larson wrote on X (formerly Twitter), using a prayer hands emoji in his message. — Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
Kaden Honeycutt, a fellow NASCAR competitor, added his sympathy and well-wishes as well.
“We love you @dennyhamlin. Prayers to you and your family tonight and everyday after.”
— Kaden Honeycutt, NASCAR driver
Rodney Childers, a crew chief for JR Motorsports, also commented:
“Many thoughts and prayers for Denny Hamlin and his family tonight.”
— Rodney Childers, Crew Chief, JR Motorsports
Large-Scale Emergency Response to the Stanley Blaze
The fire at the Hamlin residence was described as extensive, requiring the resources of nearly a dozen different fire departments. Because of the lack of fire hydrants nearby, emergency crews had to transport water to the site by truck, complicating containment efforts and escalating the extent of the damage.
By the time authorities gained control of the situation, between 40 and 45 percent of the home had been engulfed. The house was ultimately determined to be a total loss due to the level of destruction. However, according to Fire Department chief David Toomey, some valuable possessions were preserved despite the devastation.
“They had some really expensive cars in the garage and some racing memorabilia and stuff, so all that was saved,”
Toomey reported to The Athletic.
“We were able to save all that and get it out so it wasn’t damaged.”
— David Toomey, Fire Department Chief
Investigation Underway and Recent NASCAR Context
Officials are still determining the cause of the fire, with the investigation remaining active. Denny Hamlin, a celebrated NASCAR figure and recent legal collaborator with Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing, has not commented publicly regarding the tragedy.
This heartbreaking event follows closely after Hamlin, Michael Jordan, and 23XI Racing reached a legal agreement with NASCAR, granting teams permanent evergreen charters on Day 9 of their lawsuit settlement. Still, the immediate focus for Hamlin and his supporters remains on the family’s well-being and recovery in the wake of such a significant loss.
Impact on the NASCAR Community and Next Steps
The loss has prompted an outpouring of support and solidarity among NASCAR drivers, crews, and fans. As Mary Lou Hamlin continues to receive care at the hospital and the cause of the fire remains undetermined, community members and racing colleagues will likely continue to offer assistance and messages of hope. The investigation’s findings and any updates on Hamlin’s family are expected to emerge as officials share further information.
Sad news: Gaston County EMS confirms that Denny Hamlin's father, Dennis, died from his injuries at the hospital from the Sunday night fire. His mother, Mary Lou, was transferred to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she is actively being treated
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 29, 2025
