“Tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community”: Kyle Busch mourns as Denny Hamlin’s father succumb to tragic house fire

The NASCAR community is rallying around Denny Hamlin and his family after the heartbreaking loss of his father, Dennis Hamlin, who passed away on Sunday night from injuries sustained during a devastating house fire at his residence in Stanley, North Carolina. A devastating fire broke out Sunday evening (December 28) at a house of Hamlin’s.

As the news of elder Hamlin’s passing sent a wave of condolences across the motorsports world, with drivers, teams, and fans expressing their support for the three-time Daytona 500 winner during this difficult time. Kyle Busch is one of them to send thoughts and prayers to Hamlin's family.

Taking to X, a former teammate of Denny Hamlin’s at JGR offered condolences and wrote:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family. It has really been a tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community.🙏🏻”

The “tough couple of weeks” refers to a string of losses in the sport. Elder Hamlin’s death adds to a somber period for many in the NASCAR community, which recently mourned the loss of Greg Biffle and his family members two weeks ago.

The Gaston County EMS confirmed on Monday that Dennis, 75, had died from injuries. Denny’s mother, MaryLou, had been transferred to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she is in critical condition.

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Trackhouse Racing team owner sends a heartfelt message to Denny Hamlin and family on deadly house fire

Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks was among those who were devastated by Dennis’ untimely demise. Taking to X, Marks reacts to the loss of Denny Hamlin and family, writing:

“There are no words that can possible carry enough weight right now. All I can say is that I’m thinking about Denny Hamlin and his family tonight. Sometimes the grand design can feel so cruel and unfair. 🙏”

The blaze was first reported at around 6:00 pm ET at a Hamlin’s parents’ home on Blacksnake Road, northeast of Stanley. Multiple local fire departments, including the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department, responded to the scene, and the situation quickly escalated into a massive firefight.

Chief David Toomey of the Lucia Riverbend Fire Department told WSOC-TV that 40-45% of the house was burning when they arrived, and the rural location, which lacks nearby fire hydrants, forced responders to truck in water from neighboring districts.

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Edited by Yash Soni