Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family die in plane crash
Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were also killed when a business jet crashed and burst into flames in North Carolina.
The stock car racing world is reeling from the news that former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were also killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday, December 18th.
Biffle, his wife Christina Biffle, their son Ryder and Gregg’s daughter Emma were among the seven people killed in the crash involving a Cessna C550 at the end of the runway at Statesville Regional Airport at 10:20 a.m. local time.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved one. The entire family is heartbroken beyond words by this tragedy,” the family said in a statement.
Biffle has raced in multiple NASCAR series for nearly 20 years. The 19-time Cup Series winner was a champion in NASCAR’s third and second division series before making the jump to the top level in 2003.
The former Roosh Racing driver was one of the most popular drivers in the paddock. He won Driver of the Year awards in the Regional Series in 1997, the current Craftsman Truck Series in 2000 and the current Cup Series in 2002.
NASCAR drivers and others who worked with Biffle paid tribute to him on social media.
NASCAR legend driver pays tribute to Greg Biffle
Biffle competed on the track with many more champions during his 16 years in the Cup Series and at the lower levels. Four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon said what happened was “devastating.”
Gordon wrote in X: “I have great respect for Greg as a driver and shared countless tough battles with him on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief efforts during Hurricane Helen. My heart goes out to Mr. Biffle’s family and everyone who was hurt.”
Former Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, known to new fans for his work as a broadcaster, made his debut at the top level the year Biffle challenged Tony Stewart for the championship.
“I am devastated by the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family,” Bowyer wrote in X. “An incredible talent behind controlling literally everything. He checked all the boxes… He was a great guy, he helped people in need, and most importantly, he was a great family man.”
Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch spent his first 10 years at Biffle, the top level of sports racing, writing about Biffle, Biffle’s family and Biffle’s impact on the community.
“It was a very tragic and heartbreaking day,” Bush wrote in X. “Greg and Christina were truly special friends to us and we loved them dearly, as did Emma and Ryder. Greg’s compassion and humanitarian spirit touched many lives, especially in times of crisis, and was an inspiration to all who knew him.”
“The memories we shared on and off the racetrack will forever remain in our hearts. They mean so much to us and will never be forgotten.”
Denny Hamlin’s illustrious Cup Series career began immediately after Biffle’s rookie season. The three-time Daytona 500 winner echoed Busch in a post for X discussing Biffle’s off-track influence.
“Today, the world of motorsports lost its fiercest competitor and its kindest soul,” Hamlin wrote. “Greg Biffle was a champion on the track and a humanitarian off the track, and his influence extended far beyond racing.
“We also mourn the loss of his wife Christina and children Emma and Ryder, as well as Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and son Jack. My thoughts are with all their families and loved ones.”
The NASCAR team’s longtime owner, Jack Roush, gave Biffle a break and helped Biffle realize his NASCAR dream when he signed with the Vancouver, Wash., native’s NASCAR third-tier team. Biffle would go on to win all 19 Cup Series races under Roush or Roush Fenway Racing.
“The entire Charlotte sports community has suffered a tremendous loss,” Rausch said in a statement. “Today’s tragic accident involving Greg Biffle and his family is extremely heartbreaking. We have lost a dear friend and partner in the NASCAR program. His contributions to our race team over the years are immeasurable. My condolences go out to everyone who loved and knew Greg and his family.”
Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion and co-owner of the RFK Racing team with Roush, shared his thoughts on Biffle.
“I am heartbroken by the news regarding the Biffle family,” Keselowski said in a statement. “I have had the privilege of racing alongside Greg over the years, and like many in this sport, I have come to deeply respect him not only as a champion on the track, but as a competitor who helped define an era in NASCAR.
“His influence on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing was profound, and his legacy helped lay the foundation that we continue to build on today. My thoughts and the thoughts of the entire organization are with the Biffle family and those close to them as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”
