Ricky Stenhouse Jr reflects on recent NASCAR tragedies

The NASCAR world was hit by two tragedies just before the calendar opened with the shocking deaths of Greg Biffle and Dennis Hamlin, the father of current driver Denny Hamlin.

Biffle, along with his wife and two children, was among seven people killed when his plane crashed near a North Carolina airport in early December. Less than two weeks later, the elder Hamlin died in a house fire in the state that also left Hamlin’s mother injured.

The Daytona 500 will be held next month to kick off the 2026 NASCAR season, but it’s sure to be heartbreaking.

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“Yes, NASCAR and motorsports in general, you can say it’s big, but it’s a small family,” said 2023 Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. “It’s a big step, but everyone is really integrated, really close, and everyone feels that no matter what happens.

“You know, Greg and his family, they’re very sad, very sad, and then you have Denny, who’s publicly trying to win this championship for his dad, he didn’t think his dad would make it this long. But who knows, he might have won the championship this year and his dad would have. Crazy, devastating offseason.

“And I think we’re all just ready to get back on track, to get things like this and see if it eases up a little bit. It’s just a tough season, really. But I think everyone has come together, met those affected and the families, and we’re picking each other up.”

Dennis Hamlin and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were found outside their two-story home near Stanley suffering from what officials called catastrophic injuries. Dennis Hamlin later died of his injuries at the hospital, and his wife was transferred to a specialty hospital in Winston-Salem for treatment of her burns.

Denny Hamlin watches before the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Concord, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

NASCAR STAR GREG BIFFLE, FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED IN NORTH CAROLINA PLANE CRASH

Just last month, Denny Hamlin spoke about his father and the financial sacrifices he made to help him achieve his dream of becoming one of NASCAR’s marquee drivers. In an interview with the Associated Press, Hamlin revealed that his father is suffering from an illness.

“I know this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him to go and never see a moment,” Hamlin said of his father seeing him win the championship, a goal he fell short of after the season’s final race in Arizona.

According to the AP, Dennis Hamlin took out a lot of debt on his Virginia home, maxed out all his credit cards, and almost left himself in financial trouble to give his son a chance to become a NASCAR driver. His dedication paid off, as Hamlin went on to an illustrious career of 60 wins, including three Daytona 500s.

Biffle had 19 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, six of which came in 2005 when he finished second in the Cup championship. He won three consecutive Ford 400s from 2004 to 2006 at Homestead. He also earned 20 wins in the Xfinity Series, taking the title in 2002, and 17 victories in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he won the championship in 2000.

Greg Biffle celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, on Oct. 3, 2010. (Orlin Wagner, File/AP Photo)

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After his racing days, Biffle put his flying skills to good use. In 2024, he helped victims of Hurricane Helene by bringing supplies and internet service to those in need. He even found a family that was stranded while flying after using the a mirror against the sun.

Paulina Dedaj of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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