A house fire in North Carolina has left the father of NASCAR star Denny Hamlin dead and his mother with critical injuries, authorities said Monday. Gaston County Emergency Management officials said Dennis Hamlin, 75, died from injuries sustained in the Sunday evening fire at the family's home in Stanley, about 30 miles northwest of Charlotte, reports WCNC. His wife, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, is hospitalized.
"Both suffered catastrophic injuries while escaping the flames," said the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services in a statement, per the Athletic. The fire started about 6:20pm, but investigators have not yet determined the cause. Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey told local media that roughly 45% of the house was burning when crews arrived, and the residence was ultimately declared a total loss. Public records list the property owner as Won One Real Estate, a company operated by Denny Hamlin.
Toomey said firefighters were able to remove several high-end vehicles and racing memorabilia from the garage before they were damaged. Denny Hamlin, 45, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, has not publicly commented. He told the AP in October that his father had a terminal illness, and he had hoped to win the NASCAR Cup points championship in his honor. "I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don't want him going and never getting to see the moment," he said. Kyle Larson won the 2025 title.
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