Dennis Hamlin, the father of NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, passed away Sunday evening at his home in Stanley, North Carolina, which he shared with his wife, Mary Lou. He was 75 years old. When the Lucia Riverbend Fire Department and other emergency responders arrived, about 45% of the house was engulfed in flames, with Dennis and Mary Lou still outside. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital; sadly, Dennis was confirmed dead by Gaston County EMS, while Mary Lou, 69, remains critically injured and is receiving treatment at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center. EMS stated that both suffered fatal injuries while trying to escape the fire, which remains under investigation due to structural damage.
The property, a 3,724-square-foot home built in 2015, is owned by Denny Hamlin under his Wong Wan Real Estate business. Dennis and Denny had a close relationship, often expressing their love for one another, especially as Dennis battled a serious illness this season. Last year, Denny shared that 2025 would be the final season he would see his father compete in the Jim France Cup. Although Denny dominated the championship race last season, he lost the title in the closing laps but was comforted by his father telling him he was a champion in his eyes.
Dennis and Mary Lou played a huge role in Denny’s racing career, investing nearly all their savings into his early racing efforts. Dennis owned Chesterfield Trailer and Hitch in Virginia and was Denny’s primary sponsor before he joined Joe Gibbs Racing, a team connection sparked by an introduction to the late J.D. Gibbs. Denny honored his family ties by naming his son Jameson Drew after two important figures: Jason Dean Gibbs and James Dennis Hamlin Sr.
Fan Take: This heartbreaking news reminds NASCAR fans of the genuine family bonds behind the sport’s biggest names. The loss of Dennis Hamlin not only affects a beloved figure but could inspire Denny to race with even greater passion and dedication in honor of his father’s legacy.
