Denny Hamlin‘s father, Dennis Hamlin, lost his life on December 28, 2025, after a fire swept through the family’s residence in North Carolina. According to Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services, the incident left his mother, Mary Lou, critically injured but able to escape the burning home.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville announced Dennis Hamlin’s passing in its official obituary. The obituary noted where memorial contributions could be made as the family mourns the tragedy. NASCAR journalist Kelly Crandall confirmed this, stating,
“James Funeral Home has an obituary listed for Dennis Hamlin (Denny Hamlin’s father), including information such as where memorials can be made.”
– Kelly Crandall, NASCAR journalist
Family Grieves Major Loss as Investigation Continues
Dennis Hamlin leaves behind his wife, Mary Lou Clark Hamlin; sons Denny Hamlin and David Hamlin; daughters Lisa Chapman and Kim Porter; brother Daryl Hamlin; sister Sharon Hamlin; as well as grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Family members are now supporting Mary Lou as she receives care for her injuries. A memorial service celebrating Dennis’s life is planned for a later date.
As the Hamlin family copes with heartbreak, Denny Hamlin publicly thanked fans for their words of support during this challenging time.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing,”
Hamlin wrote.
“My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
The Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office is actively investigating the cause of the fire. Authorities have not yet released details regarding what may have started the blaze at the Hamlin family home.
NASCAR Community Responds to Sudden Tragedy
The off-season has brought significant sorrow to the NASCAR community. Just days prior to this fire, the sport mourned the untimely death of former champion Greg Biffle, who died in a plane crash. Denny Hamlin’s loss came less than two weeks after that event, intensifying the grief among fans, friends, and fellow drivers.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a close friend of Denny Hamlin and fellow NASCAR figure, reflected on the emotional toll of recent events. “That was really tough,” Earnhardt said on his podcast.
“It was hard, and I can’t imagine what it must be like for his family, his friends, his close friends, his family members, and I’m sure they all feel absolutely devastated. We’re thinking about them.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR analyst
Earnhardt also expressed concern and hope for Hamlin’s mother in the aftermath, saying,
“Also want to give a minute to mention Denny Hamlin and what he had to experience and go through with his father, the house fire, and his mom. I don’t have any first-hand knowledge or information but I’m hoping that his mom is doing well,”
he added. – Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR analyst
The collective grief felt by the wider community, including drivers, team members, and supporters, has underscored the tight-knit nature of NASCAR, as tributes and messages of sympathy have been shared across multiple platforms.
Denny Hamlin Continues Racing Preparations Amid Heartbreak
Despite personal tragedy, Denny Hamlin is moving forward with preparations for the upcoming NASCAR season. The 68th running of the Daytona 500, considered a crown jewel of stock car racing, is set for February 15. Hamlin will compete as drivers and fans alike pay respect to his family’s loss while looking ahead to the legendary race.
Crowds will tune in as the annual Daytona tradition unfolds. The event, which has marked the beginning of each NASCAR season since 1982, is scheduled to air live on FOX at 2:30 pm ET, with coverage also available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Significance for Hamlin Family and NASCAR Supporters
The Denny Hamlin father’s house fire has sent powerful waves through both the Hamlin family and the NASCAR community, highlighting the unpredictability of life beyond the track. While the investigation seeks to determine what caused the fatal blaze, fans continue to express their support for Hamlin’s mother and for the grieving siblings, including David Hamlin, Lisa Chapman, Kim Porter, and extended family members like Sharon and Daryl Hamlin.
As Denny Hamlin returns to racing following such loss, the motorsports world stands behind him, united in remembrance and hope for his mother’s recovery. The outpouring of solidarity among drivers and fans reaffirms the enduring bonds within the sport during even its darkest times.
James Funeral Home has an obituary listed for Dennis Hamlin (Denny Hamlin's father), including information such as where memorials can be made:https://t.co/wSjg8KZgnb
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) January 16, 2026
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing. My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) December 31, 2025
