NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin Plans To Return To Racing After Father’s Death
on Jan 23, 2026
Denny Hamlin Loses His Father In A House Fire
On December 28, a fire broke out at a home located in Gaston County, North Carolina. Firefighters worked for nearly two hours to extinguish the blaze, facing challenges due to a lack of water in the area.
Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey later confirmed that the residence belonged to the parents of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. The fire department said the home was a “complete loss,” though crews were able to recover some belongings and racing memorabilia from inside the house.
Local media initially reported that two people were “hurt” and hospitalized following the fire. One of the victims was later reported to have passed away.
That victim was later identified as Hamlin’s father, Dennis. He was 75.
The NASCAR Driver Issues First Statement Following His Father’s Death
Hamlin is a professional NASCAR driver who competes in the NASCAR Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, driving the No. 11 Toyota Camry. He has won multiple races, including several Daytona 500s, and is recognized as one of the sport’s top drivers.
On December 31, Hamlin issued his first public statement since his father’s passing.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing,” he wrote at the time. “My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time.”
Hamlin’s mother, Mary-Lou, was injured in the fire and was initially transferred to a burn specialist in Winston-Salem to treat her injuries. She has since been released.
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Hamlin Thanks The NASCAR Community For Their Support, Shares Update On Racing Plans
One month following the tragedy, Hamlin said he is not yet fully prepared to return to competition. However, he plans to drive his Joe Gibbs Racing car next week in the preseason-opening Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
“The NASCAR family has always been a very tight group, and I appreciate the condolences and the well-wishes and everything from everyone,” Hamlin said during a FOX Sports preseason photo shoot Thursday (January 22). “It certainly does mean a lot.”
When asked how he was doing at the moment, Hamlin responded, “I’m OK, as to be expected.” The 45-year-old said he still intends to fulfill his obligations as a driver this year.
“I’ve considered all options, I made a promise to Joe and the Gibbs family,” Hamlin said. “I’ll be obviously a little bit behind, but I feel like I can catch up pretty quickly.”
Despite the unthinkable happening in his personal life, Hamlin said getting back into racing will be a good thing for him.
“I don’t think [it will be difficult]. I think once I get in the swing of it, it’ll actually be good to get back to it,” he explained. “I just haven’t locked in for the season, necessarily, quite yet.”
