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Denny Hamlin's Father Dies in House Fire

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/01/denny-hamlin-s-father-dies-in-house-fire.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 0:56 GMT by NBC Chicago
      Locales: Virginia, North Carolina, UNITED STATES

SAN ANTONIO, Va. - February 1st, 2026 - The NASCAR community is reeling today following the devastating news that Denny Hamlin's father, Michael Hamlin, has died in a house fire. His mother, Mary Sue Hamlin, sustained critical injuries in the same incident and remains hospitalized. The fire occurred early Saturday morning at the family home in San Antonio, Virginia, a rural area within Campbell County.

Authorities were alerted to the blaze shortly after 3:00 AM EST. First responders arrived to find the home already heavily engulfed in flames. While details remain scarce as the investigation is ongoing, officials from the Campbell County Sheriff's Office confirmed Michael Hamlin, 62, did not survive. Mary Sue Hamlin, 60, was rescued from the residence and immediately transported to a regional trauma center, where she is currently listed in critical but stable condition. Sources close to the family indicate she suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation.

Denny Hamlin, a prominent figure in NASCAR and a multiple race winner, is currently in Daytona Beach, Florida, preparing for the upcoming Daytona 500, a race he has famously won twice (2019, 2020). He was immediately informed of the tragedy and has been navigating the unimaginable task of preparing for a high-stakes race while simultaneously dealing with profound personal loss.

"My family and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of my father and the serious injuries to my mother," Hamlin released in a brief statement Saturday. "I appreciate the outpouring of support we have received during this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we grieve and focus on my mother's recovery."

A Family Deeply Rooted in Racing & Community

The Hamlin family is well-known in the central Virginia area, not just for Denny's racing success, but for their involvement in local community initiatives. Michael Hamlin, prior to his retirement, worked as a dedicated mechanic and was a fixture at local short tracks, fostering a passion for motorsports in his son from a very young age. He often credited his father with instilling in him a love for tinkering with engines and a competitive spirit. Mary Sue Hamlin has been a constant presence at Denny's races throughout his career, offering unwavering support and serving as a grounding force.

This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit NASCAR family. Drivers, team owners, and fans alike have expressed their condolences and offered prayers for Mary Sue Hamlin's recovery. NASCAR President Steve Phelps issued a statement offering the organization's full support to the Hamlin family, promising resources to aid them during this incredibly challenging period. The focus is currently on supporting Denny and allowing him to make his own decisions regarding his participation in the Daytona 500. Several analysts speculate he may still choose to race, viewing it as a potential tribute to his father.

Investigation Underway; Cause of Fire Unknown The Campbell County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office, has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire. At this stage, authorities are not releasing specific details about potential ignition sources or whether foul play is suspected. The investigation is expected to take several weeks to complete, involving forensic analysis of the scene and interviews with neighbors and witnesses. Investigators will be meticulously combing through the wreckage to determine if faulty electrical wiring, a heating system malfunction, or another factor contributed to the devastating blaze.

Impact on the Daytona 500 The timing of this tragedy adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming Daytona 500. Denny Hamlin is considered a strong contender for the win, and his performance is crucial for Joe Gibbs Racing. The team is facing the difficult decision of how to support Hamlin while respecting his grief and allowing him to focus on his mother's condition. The Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15th, and the team will likely address Hamlin's participation in the coming days. It's widely expected that NASCAR will accommodate Hamlin's wishes, providing him with the flexibility to grieve and prioritize his family. Many are already suggesting a moment of silence will be held before the race to honor Michael Hamlin.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.