STANLEY, N.C. — A house owned by NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin burned to the ground on Sunday, killing his father and badly injuring his mother.
Dennis Hamlin, 75, succumbed to injuries suffered in the fire in Gaston County, near Charlotte, while Mary Lou Hamlin is listed in critical condition in a hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C.
NASCAR issued a statement on Tuesday in response to the tragedy.
“NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”
Officials are investigating the fire, but have yet to determine the cause.
Dennis Hamlin played a vital role in the development of his son, who has won three Daytona 500s, into one of the most successful racers in NASCAR history.
Dennis Hamlin owned his son’s first race team, operating it from a garage within his family business — Chesterfield Trailer and Hitch. The elder Hamlin later played a role in helping Denny climb the stock car racing ladder.
Denny Hamlin is 10th on the all-time Cup Series winners list with 60 victories on NASCAR’s senior circuit.
