NASCAR Community Donates To Denny Hamlin’s Foundation After His Father’s Tragic Death
House Fire Takes The Life Of NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin’s Father
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 fire, facing challenges due to a lack of water in the area.
Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey later confirmed the residence belonged to NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s parents.
The fire department said the home was deemed a “complete loss,” although firefighters managed to recover some collectibles and racing memorabilia from 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.
Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR Career
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.
Hamlin spoke about his father, who has been battling some health issues, after scoring his 60th NASCAR Cup Series win a few months ago.
“Yeah, [he’s] just not doing well, not feeling well. He’s the one that got me into racing. Just took me to a racetrack when I was five,” Hamlin said. Then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going. Sold everything they had. We almost lost our house a couple times. Just tried to keep it all going. So, I’m glad he was able to see 60.”
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On Wednesday (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. “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 transferred to a burn specialist in Winston-Salem to treat her injuries.
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
NASCAR Fans Come Together To Support Hamlin & His Family
Now, NASCAR fans are showing their support and rallying around Hamlin following the tragedy.
On the NASCAR subreddit, r/NASCAR, fans have been sharing screenshots of donations made to the Denny Hamlin Foundation. Many contributors are choosing symbolic amounts, such as $23.11 in reference to Hamlin’s 23XI Racing team, while others are donating figures meant to honor his father.
The Denny Hamlin Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for children and families in need, with a strong focus on supporting children affected by cystic fibrosis and other serious illnesses.
Since its founding in 2008, the foundation has donated millions of dollars to charities and hospitals that help kids and families, including research, treatment advancements, and quality-of-life care programs.
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If you are interested in donating to Denny Hamlin’s foundation, you can check out the website here.
