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Kyle Busch Thinking Of Denny Hamlin's Family Following Tragedy

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 11:10 AM ET

Kyle Busch joined the NASCAR world in mourning the loss of Denny Hamlin's father.

Dennis Hamlin died from injuries sustained in a fire at his North Carolina home over the weekend. He was 75. His wife, Mary Lou Hamlin, was taken to a burn unit for treatment of critical injuries on Monday.

Busch sent his condolences to the Hamlin family on social media after the tragedy. The devastating news followed a plane crash that killed NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family earlier this month.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family," Busch wrote. "It has really been a tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community."

Denny Hamlin dedicated October win to father

LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Mavis Tire Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.com at Pocono Raceway on July 14, 2024 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)James Gilbert/Getty Images

In October, an emotional Denny Hamlin dedicated his 60th career Cup Series win to Dennis. He credited his father for making his NASCAR career possible.

"He’s the one that got me into racing … took me to a racetrack when I was five," Hamlin said in a press conference after the Oct. 12 win in Las Vegas. "Then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going. He sold everything we had … We almost lost our house a couple times, just trying to keep it all going. So, you know, I’m glad he was able to see 60 … That was super important to me."

Denny Hamlin hoped that his father, who was battling serious illnesses, could see him win a long-eluded championship in November. The 45-year-old finished second to Kyle Larson, who captured his second title with an overtime finish at Phoenix Raceway.

"I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don't want him going and never getting to see the moment," Hamlin said weeks before the championship race.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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