"As a parent, I just cannot imagine" - When Denny Hamlin reflected on the tragic loss of his spotter Chris Lambert

October 16, 1999, is a day that Denny Hamlin's spotter Chris Lambert can never forget. It was the day when Lambert lost two of his closest people; his wife and son. Years later, Hamlin, also a parent, reflected on the tragic loss of his spotter.

Chris Lambert's wife Hailey Lambert and son Austin Riley Lambert died in a tragic accident in 1999. A total of four people died that day in a three-car collision on a rural road in Rowan County. Hailey and Austin were just 20 and one year old, respectively.

October 16, 2024, would be their 25th death anniversary, something Chris Lambert would find devastating to observe. However, on their 20th death anniversary, Denny Hamlin touched upon his spotter's tragic loss and revealed how he always tries to be the friend in need.

“As a parent, I just cannot imagine,” Hamlin had said (via NBC Sports). “It just puts into perspective, ‘You think you’ve got problems.’ Any small or big ask he has of me, I go above and beyond… for him.”

Denny Hamlin is married to Jordan Fish and they have two daughters — Taylor Hamlin and Molly Gold Hamlin.

On the other hand, Chris Lambert is now married to Angela Lambert, and according to their social media, they have two sons — Hunter Lambert and Cameron Lambert.

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Chris Lambert's NASCAR connection with Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin and Chris Lambert. (From Left). Credit: x.com/3widemiddle

Chris Lambert started spotting for Denny Hamlin in 2012, and the current Cup Series season makes it 13th on the trot. His longtime association with the #11 Toyota Camry driver has helped the latter claim multiple accolades, including numerous Cup Series victories in recent seasons.

In an interview with NASCAR in 2016, Lambert was asked about his association with the Joe Gibbs Racing driver. Here's what he said:

“I started with Denny in 2012 so this is year five (currently 13). It was Darian’s (Grubb, crew chief) first year. I’ve spotted for Erik this year; I did some with him last year because the 20 (XFINITY) car was split last year with him, Denny, Matt (Kenseth)."

"I was doing Jason Leffler when he drove the 18 Truck for Kyle Busch Motorsports (in 2012). When they let him go mid-year, (Tony) Hirschman, who spots for Kyle now, went to do that. He was spotting for Timothy so basically we just swapped. I’ve been with him ever since," he added.

Hamlin and Chris Lambert are competing for their first Cup Series championship together. Having qualified for the playoffs, they look set (+30 points) for the round of 8 after impressive performances at Kansas and Talladega.