The motorsport world is in mourning following the tragic death of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who was killed in a plane crash on the morning of Thursday.
The 55-year-old driver, widely known by his nickname “The Biff,” was a passenger on his private Cessna Citation business jet when it went down near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
According to officials from the FAA and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the aircraft took off shortly after 10:00 a.m. ET, bound for Florida. Minutes into the flight, the aircraft attempted to return to the airport, but crashed while attempting to land, erupting into a fireball near the end of the runway.
Tragically, there were no survivors. Seven people in total lost their lives, including Biffle’s wife, Cristina, and his two children, Emma (14) and Ryder (5).
Greg Biffle left a Champion’s Legacy
Biffle was one of the most versatile and respected drivers in NASCAR history. Over a career spanning more than two decades.
He was the first driver to win championships in both the NASCAR Truck Series (2000) and the NASCAR Xfinity Series (2002).
In the elite Cup Series, he earned 19 victories and 175 top-ten finishes. His most dominant year came in 2005, when he won six races and finished as the runner-up for the series championship.
In 2023, Biffle was officially named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time elite.
A Hero Off the Track
In his later years, Biffle became as well-known for his humanitarian heart as his driving skill. In 2024, he gained national attention for his tireless volunteer work following Hurricane Helene.
An experienced pilot himself, Biffle used his personal helicopter to fly hundreds of rescue missions into remote, cut-off communities in Western North Carolina, delivering food, water, and medicine to those stranded by the storm.
Tributes Pour In
The NASCAR community has responded with an outpouring of grief. In an official statement, NASCAR described Biffle as a “fierce competitor and a friend to so many,” noting that his “integrity and commitment to fans made a lasting impact on the sport.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein also paid tribute, stating, “Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion. He stepped up for his neighbors when they needed it most.”
Biffle would have celebrated his 56th birthday just five days after the accident.
