Tragedy Strikes Motorsports Community: Greg Biffle and Family Confirmed Dead in Plane Crash
Veteran stock car racer Greg Biffle, 55, died Thursday in a private jet crash at Statesville Regional Airport, alongside his wife Cristina, his children Emma and Ryder, and passengers Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Jack Dutton.
Biffle, hailing from Vancouver, Washington, began his racing career in the Pacific Northwest before making his NASCAR debut in 1995. He stands out as one of only three drivers to win championships in both the Busch/Xfinity Series (2002) and Craftsman Truck Series (2000), and he secured victories across all three of NASCAR’s national series.
Over his 16-year tenure in the Cup Series, Biffle recorded 19 wins in 515 starts, with his last victory occurring in 2013 at Michigan International Speedway. His peak performance came in 2005, when he achieved six wins and finished second in the Chase, trailing champion Tony Stewart. After stepping back from full-time competition in 2017, he transitioned to NBC Sports as an analyst but returned for a limited number of races with NY Racing in 2022.
In recent years, Biffle focused on part-time racing in the ARCA Menards Series and had last participated in NASCAR’s Truck Series in 2019 and 2020. His versatility extended beyond stock cars, as he also competed in IROC, Stadium Super Trucks, and the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series.
A licensed pilot and aviation enthusiast, Biffle had previously volunteered his flying services for rescue operations following Hurricane Helene. In a poignant reflection, he noted, “The feeling you get when you win a race is akin to helping people in need.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein offered condolences and recognized Biffle’s contributions in a heartfelt tribute, stating, “Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion.” The motorsports community mourns the loss of a distinguished driver and a devoted family man.
