In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, drivers often find their most meaningful moments away from the racetrack. The NASCAR circus is a 36-week-long, grueling action with few breaks. Fortunately, the Easter weekend brought them much-needed relief, and Denny Hamlin made the most of this time by spending time with his family. Plametto Bluff, a classic southern escape for the entire Hamlin family, was the theme for the Easter weekend.
Now, Hamlin’s father hasn’t been well with a decline in health, and the veteran JGR driver was looking for an avenue to cheer up his old man. After all, Dennis sacrificed everything so that his son could live his dream of being a professional race car driver. Apart from mortgaging his house, Dennis even sold his 1932 Ford, and apparently, he’s a hard man to please. “My dad doesn’t like to do anything but work on cars,” but surprisingly, he turned into a professional fisherman on the family vacation.
A Simple Fishing Trip Becomes An Unforgettable Memory
What started as a casual visit to “this tiny little pond” near their rental property turned into a highlight of their vacation. The recreation staff provided fishing poles and suggested that they take pictures of any good catches. One throw of a line led to another, and next thing you know, Dennis had hit the jackpot.
“He threw his line in. It must have been 10 minutes. He caught a major bass,” Hamlin recalled while speaking on Action Detrimental. “I don’t feel like I’m underselling it when I say it’s four and a half, five pounds. It was big. It was legit a big bass.” The impressive catch led them to spend the next day trying to match that success, even encountering some baby alligators along the way. And unlike the bass, the baby alligators kept on trolling with the father-son duo.
The story took an even more interesting turn when one of the small alligators grabbed their fishing hook. “Dad said, I’ll grab them,” Hamlin explained, showing his father’s boldness despite his health issues. “He grabbed them. He says, ‘All right, get the hook out.’ I say, ‘All right.’ So I grabbed a pair of pliers, got it out.” This teamwork between father and son created what Hamlin called “a great moment for him,” noting how his father happily shared photos with all his friends afterwards.
This fishing story reveals more than just a fun day by the water—it shows the deep respect Denny still has for his father, a man whose opinion continues to shape the 43-year-old NASCAR star both on and off the track. Earlier this year, NASCAR fans noticed that Hamlin stopped using his famous victory phrase: “I beat your favorite driver.” The reason? His father didn’t approve. “He did call me numerous times,” Hamlin told former NASCAR star Kenny Wallace. “My dad’s one of those guys you don’t pick up the first time, he’s going to just gonna keep calling you.”
The conversation was straightforward: “‘Denny, I got a problem.’ I’m like ‘What’s the problem, Dad?’” Hamlin shared. “He’s like, ‘You gotta stop that s—-.’ He’s like ‘That’s just too co—-.’” Though Hamlin at first defended the catchphrase, saying “it gets a rise out of the fans,” he ultimately respected his father’s wishes: “I’m gonna listen to you on this one.”
As Hamlin continues racing at a high level with three victories already this season, the Easter fishing story reminds us of what matters most to the racing star. Behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota Camry is a son still eager to make his father proud, whether by landing a five-pound bass or chasing that elusive Cup Series championship his father awaits. When that day comes, Dennis will finally smoke the special framed cigar given to him by Michael Jordan, Denny’s friend and business partner in 23XI Racing.
“Denny Time” Shows His Work Ethic Extends Beyond the Track
The Hamlin family’s Easter weekend adventures didn’t stop with just fishing. Denny’s wife, Jordan Fish, shared several Instagram stories showing their jam-packed weekend activities. From their daughter Molly enjoying ice cream to Jordan’s beautifully prepared Easter baskets, the family made the most of their time together. These moments are especially precious as the Hamlins are expecting their third child, announced in a Christmas post last December with the caption, “The more, the Merrier. Merry Christmas.”
Family has always been central to Denny’s life and success. Growing up with financial challenges, his parents were his strongest supporters. His father, Dennis, worked at Great Dane Trailers before opening Chesterfield Trailer & Hitch in 1996, while his mother, Mary Lou, worked at AAA Travel for 33 years. Despite modest incomes, they backed Denny’s racing dreams completely. It’s largely thanks to their sacrifices that Hamlin now stands as a future NASCAR Hall of Famer with 56 Cup Series victories.
Balancing family time with racing demands isn’t easy, especially with growing responsibilities at home. “I work so freaking hard I do feel bad,” Hamlin admitted recently, showing his awareness of how his demanding career affects family time. Yet the Easter weekend demonstrates that when given the chance, Hamlin prioritizes quality time with loved ones. This work-life balance is likely why the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran continues to excel on the track while maintaining strong family bonds, proving his exceptional work ethic extends well beyond NASCAR.
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