Retired NASCAR star Greg Biffle alongside wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, daughter Emma, son Ryder and three others were killed in an aviation crash on Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport north of Charlotte, North Carolina.
First Sergeant Chris Knox of the North Carolina Highway Patrol first confirmed the death of the Biffle family and added it was ‘one of the worst crashes’ he had ever seen.
“We can tell you at this point that seven confirmed occupants on the aircraft are deceased,” Knox said “… The only person we can confirm is a Mr. Greg Biffle was one of those seven deceased occupants.”
However, he also later said the victims ‘include Mr. Greg Biffle and his immediate family,’ which would be confirmed shortly thereafter.
Garrett Mitchell, better known as YouTuber Cleetus McFarland, first stated on his social media channels that the Biffle family was on board the plane and died in the incident.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”
Biffle and Mitchell had become close friends over the past five years, bonding over natural disaster relief efforts, and the latter’s efforts to become a NASCAR driver himself with sporadic ARCA starts at Daytona, Talladega and Bristol.
A joint statement was issued by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families confirming those lost in the incident:
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.
“Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him. Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.
“We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are gratefyl or the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
NASCAR also released a statement on Thursday.
“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.
“Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”
Biffle spent the entirety of his full-time NASCAR career with Roush Racing, now known as RFK Racing, which also issued a statement mourning the loss.
The incident occurred at 10:15 a.m. at the airport located 45 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the regional facilities used by a plurality of organizations and individuals within the industry.
Flight tracking data shows the jet departed Statesville at approximately 10:06 a.m. and reached a maximum altitude of 4,300 feet by 10:08 a.m. but began to descend a mile from where it departed.
By time it reached 11 miles from the airport, the plane turned around and made an attempt to return to Statesville Regional. The final data point, which came at 10:15 showed the plane less than a half mile from the airport, in line with its runway and near the Lakewood Golf Club at arout 800 feet and 95 knots (109 mph).
It crashed at the east end of the runway.
Immediately overseeing the incident was the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office but in the hours since the crash, they have been joined on-site by the Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina State Patrol. A brief press conference was held shortly after noon with airport manager John Ferguson sharing what little he could at the time.
“Like we said, at approximately 10:15 a.m., we got a report of a jet that crashed off the end of the runway on the east end. By time I came out, it was fully engulfed. We’ve had multiple agencies that have come. The FAA arrived at about 12 o’clock today.
“They are taking over the scene and the investigation. We have no information on the cause. The airport is closed until further notice. It will take time to get the debris off the runway.”
Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather Vice President of Forecasting Operations issued a statement about weather conditions at the time of the incident.
“Adverse weather conditions were reported in the vicinity of Statesville Regional Airport around the time of the plane crash,” DePodwin said. “Heavy drizzle and a cloud ceiling near 1,200 feet were reported at 10:15 a.m. The cloud ceiling had reportedly lowered to around 400 feet, with heavy rain reducing visibility to less than 2 miles at 10:30 a.m. Weather conditions are often a critical factor that investigators carefully review after a plane crash. It may take months to a year or longer for investigators to determine if the weather conditions contributed to the crash.”
The plane was quickly identified in the moments after the crash as a Cessna C550 with the tail number N257BW, which is owned by Biffle’s GB Aviation Leasing, LLC.
Biffle was the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series champion, the 2000 Craftsman Truck Series champion and was named as one of the sport’s 75 greatest drivers in 2023 due to his 19 wins at the highest level from 2002 through sporadic starts this decade.
In recent years, Biffle became known for philanthropy centering on animal welfare through his Greg Biffle Foundation and his relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024. Biffle is a registered pilot and used his helicopter to take supplies to Western North Carolina in the aftermath of the devastating storm.
New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) announces a 2026 event and entertainment schedule that includes something for everyone. From car and motorcycle races, both modern and vintage, to food truck festivals, obstacle runs, motocross, and the return of Monster Trucks on Father’s Day weekend, NJMP’s 500-acre complex is the premier entertainment and event destination in southern New Jersey.
On-Track Racing
Kicking off the 2026 on-track schedule is the SCCA U.S Majors, the pinnacle of amateur racing, on May 1 – 3. Then the return of the crowd-favorite, Real Hoopties of New Jersey 24 Hours of Lemons endurance weekend, June 6 – 7, promises a zany and outlandish weekend where cars bought and modified for $500 compete in an endurance race around Thunderbolt Raceway.
Later in the month, on June 26 – 28, the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association holds its Vintage Motorcycle Festival, featuring vintage racing on restored historic vehicles and epic sidecar racing! Then, keeping in line with the vintage racing, the Vintage Racer Group is new to the NJMP schedule in 2026 and will offer a weekend of vintage cars on track on July 10 – 12.
Formula cars with the ultra-fast F4 and Formula Americas championships are making their way back to South Jersey with the return of the New Jersey Lottery SpeedTour with SVRA on July 31 – August 2.
Two club racing events, while not new to NJMP, are making their first appearance on NJMP’s main event schedule this year! First is the Schattenbaum Showdown on August 7 – 9, and then the NASA NE & NASA Mid-Atlantic Summer Sizzle event on August 14 – 16.
Closing out the month of August will be the return of ASRA Racing on August 28 – 30 on Thunderbolt Raceway.
September 25 – 27 will excite bike enthusiasts with the MotoAmerica Superbikes at New Jersey season finale featuring our country’s top professional motorcycle racers, as well as the ever-popular King of The Baggers series.
That’s not all that September has to offer; there is one more event to be announced that is sure to excite NJMP fans.
To wrap up the on-track activity is the return of American Endurance Racing on November 13 – 14 with its 14-hour endurance race.
Off-Track Special Events
The thrills off-track begin with TOR Racing’s Thunderbolt GP on March 28 – 29 and end with their Hunter GP on November 21 – 22, both with their unique format combining trail-riding and motocross skills.
Those looking to stretch their legs can anticipate multiple fun runs with the MudGirl Run on June 20 and the Muddy Dash on August 8.
Monster Trucks at New Jersey will be returning to NJMP for Father’s Day weekend on June 20 and June 21. Various ticket options are available for this jaw-dropping spectacle involving stunt shows and head-to-head monster truck battles.
TD Bank’s Music & Food Truck Festival will take place on June 27, featuring a free concert by the 70s and 80s cover band, Arsenal, and plenty of food trucks to appease your appetite.
Go-Karting Events
NJMP’s Tempest Raceway karting facility will also have a full schedule of events in addition to their arrive-and-drive public go-karting and group events programs. Five rounds of the Northeast Karting Challenge will be held throughout the season. Endurance Karting has 2 events this year, May 8 – 10 & a 24-hour race on October 9 – 10.Cup Karts of North America on August 28 – 30, and Eastern Vintage Karting’s weekend, October 9-10, will round out the go-karting races in 2026.
The ever-popular NJ Mini GP camp will also be holding multiple schools and races at NJMP’s Tempest Raceway Liberator Track.
More NJMP Fun
Get behind the wheel this 2026 season with NJMP! These opportunities include the Xtreme Xperience exotic car experience, April 30 – May 3 and August 27 – 30, monthly NJMP Track Days for novice and intermediate drivers, Ciocca Dealerships’ Advanced Open Track Days, regular go-karting events and leagues, and exclusive membership programs providing access to 35+ private dates for NJMP’s Drivers Club and Riders Club.
Select event tickets are now on sale at www.njmp.com. All events and dates are preliminary and subject to change.
Stay up to speed with NJMP by calling (856) 327-8000, visiting www.njmp.com, or following on X: @NJMP, Instagram: @njmotorsportspark, and Facebook: @newjerseymotorsportspark.
In the high-octane world of motorsport, two giants dominate the landscape—but they rule over entirely different kingdoms. NASCAR reigns supreme in America, packing massive oval tracks with roaring crowds and delivering door-to-door racing that feels like homegrown thunder.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
Across the Atlantic and beyond, Formula 1 captivates the globe with its glamorous circuits, cutting-edge technology, and international allure. A stunning new survey from S&P Global Market Intelligence lays bare this divide: roughly 75% of U.S. racing fans tune into NASCAR, while an overwhelming 90% of motorsport enthusiasts outside America follow Formula 1.
The data, drawn from surveys of internet-using adults across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, reveals motorsport’s uneven global footprint. In countries like Italy and China, a full 25% of respondents reported watching races from NASCAR, F1, or MotoGP in the past year. India and the UK followed closely at 22%, with Germany at 19%. Yet in the U.S., only 10% of adults said the same—highlighting how NASCAR’s grip on domestic fans contrasts sharply with F1’s international dominance.
Motorsports Popularity by country
Demographics tell an even starker story. American motorsport viewers skew older, with most over 55, fueling long-standing concerns about NASCAR’s aging fanbase. Internationally, F1 draws younger crowds—especially in emerging markets like China and India—who are more digitally engaged and diverse.
This isn’t just about who watches what; it’s reflected in the numbers across the board. Globally, F1 dwarfs NASCAR in reach and revenue. Recent estimates peg F1’s annual earnings at around $3.6 billion, compared to NASCAR’s roughly $425 million. Attendance follows suit: F1 events draw over six million fans yearly across exotic locales like Monaco and Silverstone, with single races like the British Grand Prix hitting 480,000. NASCAR’s flagship Daytona 500 caps at around 182,000, with total seasonal attendance in the 3-4 million range despite having far more races per year (36 vs. 24 for F1).
On social media, F1’s glamour shines brightest—its official Instagram boasts nearly 37 million followers, against NASCAR’s 4 million. Global search interest tells a similar tale: Formula 1 racks up about 40 million monthly queries worldwide (with the U.S. contributing just 6%), while NASCAR hovers around 3 million, 84% from America.
In the U.S., however, NASCAR holds the edge in TV viewership. Cup Series races average 2.8-2.9 million viewers domestically, outpacing F1’s 1.1-1.3 million on ESPN platforms. Head-to-head clashes often favor NASCAR, though F1 has notched wins on high-profile weekends like Miami.
Yet trends point to change. Boosted by Netflix’s Drive to Survive, three U.S. races, and a younger demographic, F1 is surging stateside—some projections even suggest it could overtake NASCAR in American popularity by the mid-2030s. NASCAR, meanwhile, fights to rejuvenate its base amid declining viewership in recent years.
This divide isn’t a flaw—it’s what makes motorsport thrilling. NASCAR embodies raw, accessible American grit: pack racing, close finishes, and fan proximity. F1 offers pinnacle engineering, global prestige, and star power from drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. One thrives on home soil; the other conquers the world.
In the end, there’s room for both. Whether you’re tailgating at Daytona or sipping champagne in Monaco, the roar of engines unites fans across borders. But as data shows, the passion burns brightest in very different places.
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Noah Gragson, driver of the #4 Long John Silver’s Ford, and Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Body Guard Ford, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Hettinger Racing will enter the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full-time in 2026, marking the team’s first complete season at NASCAR’s national second-tier level. The Mooresville, North Carolina-based organization confirmed the move on December 23, 2025. Team owner Chris Hettinger said the timing aligned with the series’ growth and expanded national exposure.
The team will field the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, supported by Ford Performance, with engines supplied by Roush Yates Engines. Hettinger Racing secured owner points from Cope Family Racing’s No. 70 entry, guaranteeing a starting position in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2026. Driver and sponsorship announcements will come at a later date.
Hettinger Racing locks in a full-season NASCAR entry
The 2026 campaign represents a major step forward for Hettinger Racing, which has competed primarily in late model racing, the zMAX CARS Tour, the ARCA Menards Series, and select NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events. Moving to a full-season national schedule required long-term planning and stability.
“This is about putting our race team in the right place at the right time, Hettinger said in a team release.” “The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has incredible momentum. It features great racing, and the series gets significant exposure thanks to coverage from The CW.”
Hettinger stated that the new platform played a significant role in the decision. “Combining that platform with the support of Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines gives us the opportunity to grow our program into one that competes at a national level, he said.”
All races in 2026 will air live on The CW Network, with practice and qualifying streaming on the CW App. The season will be the first under the O’Reilly Auto Parts title sponsorship, following the end of Xfinity’s 11-year run as series sponsor.
Ford’s partnership and leadership structure take shape
Hettinger Racing’s alliance with Ford strengthens the manufacturer’s presence in the series after several teams moved to Chevrolet ahead of 2026. The No. 5 team will run Ford Mustang Dark Horse bodies paired with Roush Yates Engines.
Doug Yates, president and CEO of Roush Yates Engines, praised the approach Hettinger has taken. “I’ve been impressed by what Chris Hettinger has already built, and Roush Yates Engines is proud to be a part of Hettinger Racing’s future growth, Doug said.”
“Chris is a racer and a very good businessman who is taking a smart and methodical approach to 2026, Yates added.” “All of us at Roush Yates Engines are committed to him and his vision for Hettinger Racing.”
Veteran crew chief Joe Williams Jr. will lead the No. 5 program. Williams previously worked with Alpha Prime Racing and served as crew chief for Cole Custer during the 2022 season.
Team goals and early preparation for 2026
Hettinger said Williams’ experience will play a key role as the team builds through its first full season. “[Williams] brings a ton of experience, a ton of knowledge, and we’re looking forward to how he can grow this program going forward, Hettinger said.”
“Our goal for this year is to continue to build our program as the year goes on, finish races, run all the laps, and be prepared for every race that we go to and put ourselves in position to win, he added.”
Hettinger Racing has already made progress ahead of schedule. “I actually feel really, really good about our program right now, Hettinger said.” “Joe Williams and our guys have worked really, really hard. We basically have cars ready for the first four events. We feel like we’re way ahead of the game right now.”
The team plans to participate in the open preseason test at Rockingham Speedway in late January. Additional announcements are expected in the weeks leading up to the Daytona opener.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
Daniel Suarez’s 2025 season was not particularly one to write home about. The 33-year-old finished 29th in the standings, marking a rather underwhelming end to his tenure with the organization. The lone high point came when he won the Xfinity Series race on his home ground in Mexico City. His wife, Julia Piquet, spoke about the moment back in September.
Piquet, in a conversation with Samantha Busch, the spouse of two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, was asked what it was like to race in front of so many fans who were rooting for Suarez. She explained that it was not a case of them traveling to Mexico City on a whim and returning immediately after the win. The visit had been months in the making.
Suarez and Piquet traveled to the city multiple times before the race for promotional activities, fan engagements, sponsorship meetings, and more. When race day finally arrived, it was Piquet who felt and showed the most pressure. Suarez, staying true to his nature, remained as calm and collected as ever.
She said, “I felt a lot of pressure for him. I can’t speak for him. I mean, a lot of people always ask me, ‘Does Daniel get nervous before a race?’ And I’m like, ‘Honestly, if he does, he doesn’t show it.’ He’s always cool as a cucumber. He’s always in the right mindset. I’m sure there was extra pressure obviously for Mexico City, but he never, never shows it, you know?”
Piquet had been nervous enough for both of them, given how badly Suarez had wanted to race again in front of his home crowd. The sheer number of media personnel and documentary crews following them around only added to the pressure. Once Suarez reached Victory Lane, the atmosphere turned absolutely electric, and Piquet was still in awe of it even months later.
She continued, “I get goosebumps every time I think about it because it was so magical. You couldn’t have scripted it any better. To crash in qualifying and come back in a backup car. I mean, they were singing the national anthem for the Xfinity race when they were rolling the car onto the grid because it took them up to the last minute to get it fixed or to prepare the backup car. It was a storybook ending.”
In 2026, Suarez will leave Trackhouse Racing for Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series. Expectations are that he is able to fare a lot better with the team than he did with Trackhouse.
Northern Tool + Equipment is launching a TV series with RACER Network highlighting the next generation of tradespeople, following Tennessee’s LaVergne High School CTE juniors and seniors. (Photo courtesy Northern Tool + Equipment)
Minnesota-based Northern Tool + Equipment is partnering with RACER Network to launch a first-of-its-kind television series highlighting the next generation of tradespeople — namely, high school CTE (career and technical education) students. A new four-episode series will follow Tennessee’s LaVergne High School CTE juniors and seniors as they participate in the Legends Challenge: Student Build from Northern Tool — transforming a Harley-Davidson Nightster into an XR750-inspired flat-track racer with hands-on mentorship from racers and builders.
“The work these students are doing belongs on the big screen,” said Frank Crowson, chief marketing officer at Northern Tool + Equipment. “RACER Network fans—and motorsports diehards everywhere—are going to see real talent, determination and teamwork on display. This is a serious challenge; even seasoned pros would be pushed to finish a build like this in just 174 days.”
The series will highlight Northern Tool’s mission to put professional-grade tools in the hands of high school CTE students and invest in future tradespeople with unique learning experiences and industry mentorship, according to officials in a press release announcing the program. The retailer’s investment has already impacted more than 30 schools across the country, including two previous builds—the Monster Jam Mini Build and Rat Rod Kart Build Off.
“We greenlit the Northern Tool Legends Build because the students at La Vergne High School—and the skilled trades they’re learning—are the future of motorsports,” said Scott McLemore, RACER Network vice president of programming. “The craft, the grit, the teamwork—that’s the story RACER Network tells best. We’re proud to add Northern’s Legends Build to our new show lineup next fall, and we’re already eyeing Northern’s Build 4.”
Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trade professionals as a leading supplier of more than 100,000 high-quality tools and equipment.
The series is anticipated to air in 2026. Updates can be found on social media and Northern Tool’s YouTube channel.
With around two months to go until the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Series goes green, Big Machine Racing made the announcement of the exit of Nick Sanchez in early December, after recording the team’s first win since 2022 this past season. Regardless, the team has since moved on, announcing his replacement on Tuesday.
Sanchez’s exit came as a surprise, given that not only did he win at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Focused Health 250, but he recorded a further six top-five finishes as well as another five top 10s, coming home 12th in the driver’s standings.
News of the 24-year-old’s exit did not go down well with Hall of Fame driver and JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who labeled the decision “surprising” because of both his performances in 2025 and the late timing of it all.
Speaking on the ‘Dale Jr. Download’ podcast, the 51-year-old added, “It’s late. It’s a tough part of the year to find out that you don’t have a job for next season.”
He noted how the “talented” Sanchez could already have a new spot lined up, however, given that as of December 23 he has yet to make any announcements regarding a new home for 2026, this seems increasingly unlikely.
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“He’s decent, and he’s got some talent,” Earnhardt later added. “The other thing too I like is that he pisses some people off, right? I mean, I don’t love that cause sometimes he pisses me off or he pisses one of my guys off…But as a fan or as a broadcaster and as somebody who’s like wanting to fall in love with the sport. We need guys like that.”
With Sanchez no longer behind the wheel of the No. 48 BMR Chevrolet, it now falls upon Dr. Patrick Staropoli, who also happens to be a retina surgeon, to fill his shoes for the 2026 season.
The 36-year-old made his series debut in 2025, making four appearances for Sam Hunt Racing, finishing a season best of 16th at Martinsville Speedway in the US Marine Corps 250.
This will mark Staropoli’s first full-time season in any of NASCAR’s national series, while he also has yet to complete a full-time slate in the ARCA Menards feeder series.
“From the moment I buckled into a pure stock at Hialeah Speedway in 2003, my life’s goal has been to compete at the top levels of this sport. The path has taken many unexpected turns but after working every day for 23 years in pursuit of this dream, I now have the opportunity of a lifetime thanks to Scott Borchetta, Patrick Donahue, and Chevrolet. I am ready to do whatever it takes to put this SYFOVRE Chevy up front and raise awareness for Geographic Atrophy secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration by combining my passion for motorsports and medicine.”
BMR crew chief and team manager, Patrick Donahue, said the team was “pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Staropoli to the #48 Big Machine Racing team for the 2026 season.
“He brings a rare blend of professionalism, focus, and drive that will continue to strengthen our organization. This partnership reflects our commitment to surrounding the team with individuals who share our values and vision for building long-term success.”
