NASCAR Community Mourns Recent Losses

The NASCAR community faced significant tragedies recently with the heartbreaking passings of Greg Biffle and Dennis Hamlin, father of current NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.

Tragically, Biffle, along with his wife and two children, died in a plane crash near a North Carolina airport earlier in December, which claimed the lives of seven individuals. A mere two weeks later, Dennis Hamlin succumbed to injuries sustained in a house fire, leaving his wife hospitalized.

As the Daytona 500 approaches next month to mark the start of the 2026 NASCAR season, the event will undoubtedly be overshadowed by these somber events.

“NASCAR and motorsports, though extensive, feel like a close-knit family,” remarked Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the 2023 Daytona 500 champion, in a recent interview. “The losses we’ve experienced, particularly with Greg and Denny’s father, are overwhelmingly tragic. It’s been a tough offseason for everyone involved.”

Officials reported that Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were discovered outside their home with severe injuries, leading to Dennis’s eventual death in the hospital. His wife was subsequently moved to a specialized facility for her burns.

In a prior discussion, Denny Hamlin shared the sacrifices his father made to help him achieve his dream of becoming a top NASCAR driver. Despite battling a serious illness, Dennis Hamlin worked tirelessly, even risking financial stability, to support his son’s aspirations. Denny expressed hope that his father would see him secure a championship title, which unfortunately, he could not achieve this season.

Greg Biffle, who secured 19 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, was also known for his humanitarian efforts. In 2024, he utilized his flying skills to aid Hurricane Helene victims by delivering essential supplies and even rescuing a stranded family.