Denny Hamlin Celebrates 61st NASCAR Cup Series Win with Family

Hamlin reflects on embracing his mother and sharing the victory with his whole family after the race in Las Vegas.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:40pm

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After winning his 61st NASCAR Cup Series race in Las Vegas, Denny Hamlin was joined in victory lane by nearly his entire family, including his mother Mary Lou Clark, who warmly embraced him. Hamlin explained that it was a special moment, especially since he had lost his father Dennis Hamlin in a tragic house fire just a few months earlier. Hamlin noted that it's rare for his whole family to be able to attend his races, as the logistics of travel and school schedules often make it difficult, but he cherished having them there to create memories and celebrate the win together.

Why it matters

Hamlin's 61st career victory is a significant milestone, placing him 10th on the all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins list. The fact that he was able to share this special moment with his family, particularly after the recent loss of his father, makes the victory even more meaningful and poignant.

The details

Hamlin said his mother Mary Lou Clark quietly told him 'That's my boy' after embracing him in victory lane. He explained that while his family often celebrates his wins remotely by FaceTiming, having them physically present to experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of the moment is irreplaceable. Hamlin's daughters Molly and Taylor even got to ride around in his winning car after the race, creating lasting memories.

  • Hamlin lost his father Dennis Hamlin in a tragic house fire in late December 2025.
  • Hamlin's 61st career NASCAR Cup Series victory came on March 16, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A 10-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner who is currently ranked 10th on the all-time wins list.

Mary Lou Clark

Denny Hamlin's mother, who was present to embrace him in victory lane after his 61st career win.

Dennis Hamlin

Denny Hamlin's father, who tragically passed away in a house fire in late 2025.

Molly

Denny Hamlin's daughter, who got to ride in his winning car after the race.

Taylor

Denny Hamlin's other daughter, who also got to experience the victory celebration.

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What they’re saying

“That's my boy. That's my boy.”

— Mary Lou Clark, Denny Hamlin's mother

“Especially Molly, she hadn't got to do it before. But it was so cool, because like I didn't tell Molly to hold that flag out. She just naturally did it. So it was very cool. They got in, when they got in they were like, 'Oh my God it's hot in here.' I'm like, 'Damn right it is.'”

— Denny Hamlin

What’s next

Hamlin will look to continue his strong start to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at the upcoming race in Atlanta on March 23rd.

The takeaway

Denny Hamlin's 61st career victory was made all the more special by the presence of his family, especially his mother, as he was able to share the moment and create lasting memories with his loved ones after the recent loss of his father. This highlights the importance of family and the cherished moments that can be created through sports.