Kyle Busch issued a poignant message to Denny Hamlin on social media after the tragic death of Hamlin’s father, Dennis Hamlin, who passed away Sunday night following a house fire in Stanley, North Carolina. The Kyle Busch message to Hamlin came as fellow NASCAR community members also offered condolences and support during a particularly difficult period.
Devastating Fire Claims Dennis Hamlin’s Life
The blaze broke out at a residence owned by Denny Hamlin’s real estate business, with Stanley’s fire department dispatched at 6:19 p.m. and arriving just minutes later. Fire crews battled the flames for two hours before they were able to extinguish the fire, but the home, constructed in 2015, was declared a total loss. Responders confirmed that by the time they reached the scene, between 40 to 45 percent of the house was already engulfed in flames, according to Chief David Toomey of the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department.
Both of Denny Hamlin’s parents, Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin, were transported from the scene to a local hospital. While Dennis succumbed to his injuries, Mary Lou remains in critical condition at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem. The incident has deeply affected not only the Hamlin family but also the broader NASCAR community, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and support from colleagues and fans alike.
Kyle Busch Offers Condolences and Reflects on Community Loss
Kyle Busch, a former teammate of Denny Hamlin at Joe Gibbs Racing, shared his grief and support through a public message on the social media platform X, recognizing the immense heartbreak suffered by the Hamlin family and the NASCAR community as a whole.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family,”
Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
“It has really been a tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community.”
Kyle Busch, NASCAR Driver
The loss of Dennis Hamlin comes at a time when the racing community has faced several recent challenges, amplifying the emotional toll on those involved in the sport.
Denny Hamlin’s Reflections on Family and Sacrifice
Dennis Hamlin had been struggling with serious health issues in the months leading up to his passing. Denny Hamlin, who recently turned 45 and has long been regarded as one of NASCAR’s most accomplished racers, frequently spoke about the significant sacrifices his parents made in order for him to pursue a career in racing.
“My parents had very normal jobs, but they found a way. That way is a path I would never recommend anybody taking. Every credit card that comes to the mail — okay, we’ll use it. Asking people to help. Second and third mortgaging the house. All these things. The arguments I had to listen to — I’m in my room, and my mom and dad are going at it. One is saying, ‘I can’t do it anymore.’ The other one saying, ‘Please, just one more week.’ It’s great it’s all paid off.”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
After his milestone 60th Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October, Hamlin took time to honor his parents’ unwavering dedication, revealing both the hardships and the triumphs that defined their journey together.
Community Stands Behind the Hamlin Family
In addition to racing accomplishments, Denny Hamlin continues to play a significant role as co-owner of 23XI Racing. He recently was involved in legal proceedings between 23XI and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, illustrating his ongoing commitment to the sport beyond just competition on the track.
The fire that claimed Dennis Hamlin’s life has left a marked emotional imprint on the NASCAR community. With Mary Lou Hamlin still in critical condition, support and well-wishes for the family persist, reflecting the collective solidarity within racing circles during times of hardship. As tributes continue to flow in, the significance of family, resilience, and the support from friends like Kyle Busch underscores the impact Dennis Hamlin had on his son’s legacy and on NASCAR as a whole.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family. It has really been a tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community.🙏🏻
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) December 30, 2025
