Denny Hamlin Remembers His Parents’ Sacrifice for NASCAR Career

Denny Hamlin is one of those who climbed the ladder of NASCAR without much in the pocket save for raw talent behind the wheel. After 18 full time seasons in the Cup Series, his place at the highest of racing orders can be denied by none. But what was the cost of this incredible achievement? Advertisement In an interview with Kyle Petty the star talked about how his parents, Dennis and Mary Lou, were the ones behind his success story.

Expressing deep gratitude for all the sacrifices that they made to put him into a race car he said, Advertisement Selling and repairing trailers to support his family, Dennis Hamlin was someone who lived paycheck to paycheck. Despite the menial income he never hesitated to get rid of material possessions, including a beloved collection of antique cars, to make way for his son’s career.

Mary Lou Hamlin the sacrifices, Dennis once about how he’d been told that his son making it into the Joe Gibbs Racing diversity program had a ‘1 in 10 million’ chance. How the tables turned then. Starting the engine of his go kart at age 7, Denny raced through mini stocks, stock cars, and late models before ending up at the front door of Joe Gibbs holding his father’s hand to justify all that had been lost.

The influence of Dennis Hamlin on Denny’s career Though Dennis knew early on that his son would be a great race car driver, he was aware that making it in the big leagues would be no easy job. To help the cause he instilled a strict sense of discipline and work ethic in the youngster. Talking about it, Denny said to Petty, For all that gave him and more, Denny has repaid them many times over with his winnings, love, and respect.

He stands as a man his father is proud of today. Dennis Hamlin and Mary Lou are retired and happy people fresh in the joy of their son’s . Advertisement.