The NASCAR offseason has been marked by profound loss, including two devastating incidents in December 2023. On December 18, Greg Biffle, his wife, their two children, and three others perished in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport. Shortly after, on December 28, Denny Hamlin’s father, Dennis Hamlin, passed away due to injuries sustained in a house fire at his Winston-Salem residence. These events have deeply impacted many within the racing community.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a longtime figure in NASCAR, addressed these tragedies during his Dale Jr. Download podcast on Tuesday, reflecting on the sorrow affecting Hamlin, Biffle’s family, and their close circles. As the primary focus keyword, “Denny Hamlin family tragedy” highlights the personal challenges faced by Hamlin in this difficult time.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on Denny Hamlin’s Loss and Family Challenges
Earnhardt Jr. expressed his sorrow regarding the difficult circumstances surrounding Denny Hamlin’s family, emphasizing the emotional toll on Hamlin and his loved ones. He acknowledged the difficult aspects of Hamlin’s father’s health struggles prior to the tragic fire. Earnhardt added his hopes for Hamlin’s mother’s well-being, although he had no firsthand updates.
“Tragically losing a parent, I mean, Denny had been open and vocal about his dad had an illness that’s he’s been dealing with and things weren’t looking real good long-term in that situation. Then to tragically lose him like that in a house fire, just scary. That is super, super scary. Can’t imagine how terrifying that might have been and sad for Denny to have to go through this.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver and Broadcaster
Friendship Stories: Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Denny Hamlin and Greg Biffle
Earnhardt described his relationship with Hamlin as one that began over two decades ago. Before the 2004 Daytona 500, Hamlin was seeking a chance to compete in NASCAR and met with Joe Gibbs Racing. With no accommodations available, Earnhardt offered Hamlin a couch on his bus, a gesture that exemplified early camaraderie. That same year, Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona 500, and Hamlin proudly carried the trophy back to the bus, marking the beginning of a lasting bond.
“And then he would go on to become Denny Hamlin,”
acknowledged Earnhardt.
Earnhardt also shared insights about his connection with Greg Biffle, a former competitor on the track. Though they did not interact extensively during their racing careers, their friendship grew after both retired from full-time competition. Earnhardt credited Biffle’s involvement with animal hospitals and their shared leisure activities, such as boating at the lake, as opportunities to deepen their friendship.
“We never had a problem on the racetrack, we raced fine,”
said Earnhardt.
“When I retired and we both kind of started slowing down at the same time, I started seeing him more and Amy wanted to do some of the stuff with the animal hospitals that Greg was involved in. We would go and hang out and see Greg. We would run into each other at the lake with our boats.”
“… I got to know him — we all got to know him watching him do some YouTube, his dirt race on his farm, become friends with Cleetus [McFarland]… I think we all got to see the true individual that he is.”
Public Memorial Scheduled to Honor Victims of the Plane Crash
A special Gathering of Remembrance will be held on Friday at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte to honor Greg Biffle and the others who died in the plane crash. The service begins at 11 a.m. ET and is open to the public. Fans and friends who cannot attend will be able to watch the event via live streams on NASCAR.com, Facebook, YouTube, and The NASCAR Channel. This tribute offers a chance for the community to come together in mourning and celebration of those lost.
Understanding the Impact on the NASCAR Community and Beyond
The overlap of these tragic events—including the loss of Denny Hamlin’s father and the sudden deaths resulting from the plane crash—has created an emotionally intense offseason for NASCAR participants, fans, and families. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s public reflections underline the vulnerability experienced by these close-knit circles. Moving forward, the community’s support will likely play an important role in the healing process for Hamlin, Biffle’s family, and everyone affected.
This difficult period also highlights the need for continued awareness around the safety and personal challenges faced by those in the motorsports world, as well as the human side behind the sport’s competitive reputation. Memorials and conversations like those facilitated by Earnhardt Jr. help carry the legacies of Greg Biffle and Dennis Hamlin forward in the hearts of many.
