NASCAR star Denny Hamlin’s dad dies in house fire, mother hospitalized: Heartbreaking to learn the cause of the fire

Dennis Hamlin, father to NASCAR star Denny, died on Sunday after sustaining injuries from a house fire, the association announced.

He was 75.

A fire broke out at a Stanley, N.C. home owned by NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin on Sunday, December 28, 2025.Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department
NASCAR Cup Series driver, Denny Hamlin speaks to the media during NASCAR Champions week at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on November 4, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
NASCAR Cup Series driver, Denny Hamlin speaks to the media during NASCAR Champions week at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on November 4, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.Getty Images

Dennis Hamlin and his wife, Mary Lou, lived in the house in Stanley, N.C.

Mary Lou, Denny Hamlin’s mother, was listed in critical condition and transferred to a hospital in Winston-Salem.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Denny Hamlin’s parents, Dennis and Mary Lou.Facebook/Mary Lou Clark Hamlin

Chief David Toomey of the Lucia Riverbend Fire Department Toomey told WCNC-TV that 40-45 percent of the home was already burning by the time fire crews arrived.

Denny Hamlin co-owns the 23XI Racing NASCAR team with NBA legend Michael Jordan.

His son Denny, is one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers. He is in a tie for 10th on the NASCAR Cup Series’ all-time win list with 60 and has one three Daytona 500s