SAD NEWS: Denny Hamlin Shares Heartbreaking Update About His Mother, Leaving NASCAR Fans Stunned. Just 10 minutes ago in the U.S., NASCAR star Denny Hamlin publicly opened up about the condition of his mother, Mary Lou Hamlin, delivering an emotional update that has left millions of fans shocked and concerned.The brief but powerful message spread rapidly, prompting an outpouring of support across the racing world.