Two people hospitalized after fire breaks out at home owned by Michael Jordan’s NASCAR co-owner Denny Hamlin
Two people were hospitalized following a fire at a North Carolina home owned by NASCAR driver and Michael Jordan’s team co-owner, Denny Hamlin.
The fire was reported at 6:19pm local time and continued raging for several hours, according to Lucia Riverbend Fire Chief David Toomey, who said the home belongs to Hamlin’s parents.
As Toomey told The Athletic, nearly half the home was burning when first responders arrived from more than 10 fire departments in the area. The added personnel was required due to a lack of hydrants in the heavily wooded area surrounding the home.
One person was initially trapped in the house before being freed. Two victims were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and neither have been identified publicly. Hamlin has yet to comment on the fire.
The fire comes after Hamlin and Jordan’s emotional courtroom victory over NASCAR in Charlotte earlier this month.
Although the financial terms were not disclosed, the 23XI team co-owners reached a settlement in their lawsuit over NASCAR’s charter agreements and revenue sharing back on December 11. The plaintiffs, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, had framed the lawsuit as an imperative for the sport’s financial well-being.
The North Carolina home reportedly belonged to Hamlin’s parents, although he is the owner
Denny Hamlin (left) and Michael Jordan (right) launched the 23XI racing team in 2020
One person was initially trapped in the house before being freed. Two victims were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and neither have been identified publicly
Crews from 10 fire departments were rushed to the home due to a lack of a fire hydrant nearby
The two victims were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. They have not been identified
Today’s a good day,’ Jordan said as he waited in the gallery for attorneys to announce the deal outside the federal courthouse in Charlotte.
‘I’ve said this from Day 1: Only way this sport is going to grow is we have to find some synergy between the two entities, and I think we’ve gotten to that point,’ Jordan continued, as quoted by The Athletic.
‘Unfortunately, it took 16 months to get here, but I think, level heads got us to this point to where we can actually work together and grow this sport. I’m very proud about that. And I think [NASCAR chairman Jim France] feels the same.’
Born in Tampa, Hamlin was raised by his parents in central Virginia before getting his start on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004. The 45-year-old now has 60 career wins over 718 NASCAR Cup Series starts.
In 2020, Hamlin launched the 23XI racing team alongside his long-time friend, Jordan, although he continues to race for Joe Gibbs Racing.
