NASCAR star Denny Hamlin has revealed that his father is dying, as the 44-year-old prepares for the final race of the 2025 season.
It's been common knowledge for some time that Hamlin's father Dennis is dealing with health issues, with the Joe Gibbs Racing star getting visibly emotional after winning at Las Vegas to lock himself into the Championship 4 earlier this month.
Hamlin was seen wiping away tears on his cool-down lap, being told on team radio 'we all know you won that one for your dad'. In a media day interview with the AP this week, he admitted he 'knows for a fact' that this is the last time his father will see him drive for a NASCAR title.
The 23XI Racing co-owner is known for his adversarial relationship with NASCAR fans, but speaking on the front stretch after winning in Vegas, he said: "It definitely means a lot. This is the point where I kind of give the fans some shit, but not today. I appreciate all of you so much."
Hamlin: I want my dad to see me win a title
After taking a moment to compose himself, he added: "Obviously want to say hi to my dad, family back at home. All the friends that came out here for Vegas, hoping we get 60."
Hamlin is the most successful Cup Series driver to have never won a championship, but comes into Phoenix this weekend as the bookies' favorite after a season which saw him lead the sport in wins.
Speaking ahead of the race, he said: “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."
He revealed that he headed back to North Carolina to celebrate with his father after that emotional Vegas win, saying: “He was just so happy and he always tells me I’m the best, no matter if I win or not, he always says I’m the best.
"He’s a big hype guy and I sat in his garage and talked with him, he’s got all my old memorabilia and it’s just good to reminisce. He’s a reminiscent guy and right now I am just cherishing those hours that I have with them each week.”
