Dennis Hamlin, father of three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, has died from injuries sustained in a house fire Sunday evening in Gaston County, North Carolina. He was 75 years old.
The elder Hamlin’s wife, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, remains in critical condition at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she is being treated for injuries suffered in the same blaze.
Firefighters responding to the scene in Stanley, a town approximately 20 miles northwest of Charlotte, found the two-story residence largely consumed by flames. The structure ultimately collapsed. Both Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin had managed to escape the burning home and were discovered outside by first responders before being transported to medical facilities.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. The property is owned by Won One Real Estate, a company listing Denny Hamlin as its manager, according to local property tax records and business filings with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.
The tragedy comes at a particularly poignant time for the 45-year-old NASCAR champion. Just this past October, Denny Hamlin secured his 60th career victory, a milestone he dedicated specifically to his father. At the time, the younger Hamlin acknowledged that his father’s health had been deteriorating and spoke openly about the significance of achieving the milestone while his father could still witness it.
“He’s the one who got me into racing, took me to the track when I was five, sold everything they had, you know, we almost lost our house a couple times, and just tried to keep it all going,” Hamlin said following that October victory. “I’m just glad he was able to see 60.”
The NASCAR driver has consistently credited his father’s unwavering support and considerable sacrifices as the foundation of his racing career. Dennis Hamlin’s dedication to his son’s dreams included significant financial commitments that at times threatened the family’s own home, investments that ultimately helped propel Denny Hamlin to the highest levels of professional stock car racing.
In October, Hamlin had spoken candidly about his father’s serious illness, expressing his awareness that time was limited and his determination to reach the 60-win milestone while his father could still appreciate the achievement.
The loss represents not only a personal tragedy for the Hamlin family but also marks the passing of a man whose sacrifices and vision helped shape one of NASCAR’s most successful contemporary drivers. As Mary Lou Hamlin continues her recovery, the racing community and fans nationwide have extended their sympathies to the family during this difficult time.
The investigation into the fire’s origin continues, with officials working to determine what caused the blaze that claimed Dennis Hamlin’s life and left his wife fighting for her own.
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