The NASCAR community is in mourning after veteran driver Denny Hamlin’s father Dennis died following a house fire in North Carolina.

Hamlin’s mother Mary Lou remains critical in hospital.

Dennis, 75 and already terminally ill, and Mary Lou, 69, both suffered what were described as “catastrophic injuries” while escaping the fire at their home, which began around 6pm local time.

The local fire department said it took two hours to put out the fire because of a lack of water in the area, with the two-storey home collapsing.

Hamlin, who has said he owes his career to his parents, has yet to issue a statement.

The 45-year-old had only recently spoken of his father’s health troubles, saying in October “I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see” a NASCAR championship win.

Hamlin, one of the most popular drivers on the grid and a team owner with NBA legend Michael Jordan, missed out in the season-deciding finale and remains the best driver without a title to his name.

The three-time Daytona 500 winner claimed an emotional 60th career race victory in October, moving into the top 10 all-time, without his dad in attendance.

“He was just so happy and he always tells me I’m the best, no matter if I win or not, he always says I’m the best,” Hamlin said at the time.

The death of Hamlin’s father comes less than two weeks after former NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family died in a plane crash.

“This has been a horror month for the NASCAR community after the plane crash, and now this extremely upsetting news,” prominent journalist Jeff Gluck wrote.

“Hoping the Hamlin family is surrounded with support right now, because this is just beyond awful.”

Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace said: “Sigh. I am so sorry Denny Hamlin… May the lord be with you.”

Hamlin’s NASCAR teammate Chase Briscoe wrote: “Thoughts and prayers for my buddy Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family.”

Trackhouse owner Justin Marks said: “There are no words that can possible carry enough weight right now. All I can say is that I’m thinking about Denny Hamlin and his family tonight. Sometimes the grand design can feel so cruel and unfair.”

NASCAR star Kyle Busch said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family. It has really been a tough couple weeks on the NASCAR community.”

Rising star Connor Zilisch wrote: “Man… praying for the Hamlin family tonight. What a horrible few weeks it has been for our community.”