The father of NASCAR legend Denny Hamlin died and the driver's mother was critically injured when flames consumed their North Carolina home over the weekend, officials said Monday.
Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, "both suffered catastrophic injuries while escaping" the fire at 1137 Blacksnake Road in Stanley, according to a statement by Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services.
Dennis died at CaroMont Regional Medical Center and his wife was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, officials said.
When firefighters arrived at the Hamlin home at 6:27 p.m. ET, they could see flames shooting out of the attic, officials said, though there wasn't an immediate ruling on what caused this blaze.
"Due to the extent of fire and resulting structural collapse, the cause is currently undetermined. However, the investigation is ongoing," Gaston County EMS said.
The three-time Daytona 500 winner Hamlin had long credited his father with getting behind his childhood dream of racing at the highest levels.
“NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family," NASCAR said in a statement on Tuesday.
"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.”
Denny Hamlin, 45, has won 60 NASCAR Cup Series races and is considered one of sports greatest drivers.
The elder Hamlin had been battling illness in recent and months and could not travel to see his son race.
After capturing the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October with a dramatic comeback, Hamlin fought back tears talking about his father.
“I want to say 'hi' to my dad,” an emotional Hamlin told USA Network.
Hamlin later saw that Dennis Hamlin had texted him and the driver said he's eager to thank his dad one more time for all he's done to fuel his lifelong NASCAR ambition.
"Just thank him for sacrificing really his and my mom's life to chase around my dreams," Hamlin said. "My parents had no money."
And looking back, Hamlin couldn't recommend doing what his parents did to make the future NASCAR legend's dreams come true.
"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, 'OK we'll use it,'" Hamlin recalled.
"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.'"
Hamlin added: "It's great it's all paid off. Certainly they got the life now that they deserved before I decided to do this."
