Dennis Hamlin helped son Denny become one of NASCAR's all-time greats

In recent years, NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin has become one of the sport's most controversial figures. His line after a win in the 2023 Bristol night race — "I beat your favorite driver" — quickly became iconic and even earned a sequel after he won the 2024 Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum. 

The 45-year-old driver — a 60-time Cup Series winner — doesn't hide his confidence, especially after winning.

But there was something different about his celebration after he won the Oct. 12 Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

The win locked Hamlin into NASCAR's Championship 4, ensuring him an opportunity to fight for his first Cup Series title. But it also came at a time when his father, Dennis, was battling illness, and Hamlin made it clear that his father would only get to see him race for a championship one more time. 

In the wake of his father's death on Dec. 28, Denny Hamlin's victory at Las Vegas in October is even more special. 

Dennis Hamlin died at age 75 on Sunday after a fire at his home in Gaston County, North Carolina. Denny Hamlin's mother, Mary Lou, was transferred to a hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to receive treatment. 

Denny Hamlin's parents played a massive role in shaping his legendary career

After his emotional win at Las Vegas, Denny Hamlin discussed what his parents meant to his racing career. 

"He’s (Dennis) the one that got me into racing," Hamlin said. "Just took me to a racetrack when I was five. Then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going. Sold everything they had. We almost lost our house a couple times. (We) just tried to keep it all going. So I’m glad he was able to see 60 (wins). That was super important to me.

"My parents had no money. My parents had very normal jobs, but they found a way. That way is a path I would never recommend anybody taking. Asking people to help. Second and third (mortgages on) 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.'

It’s great it’s all paid off. Certainly they got the life now that they deserved before I decided to do this."

Hamlin's father got to see his son reach a mark only 10 other drivers in NASCAR history have achieved by winning 60 races. And while a championship may not have been the result for Hamlin at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 2, he's undoubtedly put together a NASCAR career that made their incredible sacrifices well worth it.