NASCAR is mourning the loss of Greg Biffle, a celebrated former driver, along with his wife Cristina, their young son Ryder, and Greg's daughter Emma, who were among seven people killed in a small jet crash at the Statesville airport in North Carolina on Thursday. Biffle, 55, was a highly respected figure in NASCAR, recognized as one of the top 75 drivers in history and a Hall of Fame nominee. He achieved significant success in his racing career, winning championships in the Truck and Xfinity Series and accumulating 54 wins across NASCAR's national circuits.
Beyond his racing accomplishments, Biffle was deeply admired for his humanitarian work, particularly his selfless efforts as a helicopter pilot providing aid after Hurricane Helene. He utilized his passion for flying to deliver supplies to devastated communities, an endeavor that earned him the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brothers Award in 2024. His philanthropic spirit extended to his family, with a statement from the victims' families highlighting their devotion as parents and their active involvement in charitable causes. The joint statement also identified Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth as the other individuals on board, all described as being "beloved by many in the NASCAR community."
The tragedy has sent waves of grief through the NASCAR community, with tributes pouring in from team owners, drivers, and officials, who remembered Biffle not only as a fierce competitor but also as a compassionate individual who gave generously of himself. His former team owner, Jack Roush, expressed profound sadness, noting Biffle's immeasurable contributions to their racing program. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and NASCAR itself commended Biffle's courage and compassion in assisting hurricane victims, emphasizing that his actions saved lives. Biffle had recently transitioned into semi-retirement but made a return to racing in 2022. His passion for flying was evident in his social media presence, often showcasing joyful moments with his family, including a recent Christmas tree outing just days before the fatal crash.