A young man and woman wearing life jackets pose together on a bright green and black Sea-Doo Spark personal watercraft on a calm lake.

Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair announces fleet expansion and service enhancements for Lake Austin and Lake Travis, including new Sea-Doo watercraft, extended hours, and professional captain services for Central Texas water sports.

Jet ski rental Lake Austin services have reached a new level with Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s announcement of significant enhancements to its watercraft rental operations. The company is positioning itself as a premier destination for water recreation on Lake Austin and Lake Travis. The expansion includes upgraded equipment, extended service hours, and enhanced customer accessibility, addressing the growing demand for Austin water sports rentals in the Central Texas region.

New Fleet Additions Transform Lake Austin Recreation Options

The company has introduced modern Sea-Doo watercraft to its rental lineup, featuring both the high-performance Trixx 2-seater model and the versatile Spark 3-seater option. These additions reflect Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s commitment to providing quality equipment for water recreation enthusiasts. The Sea-Doo Trixx caters to adrenaline seekers with trick-capable features, while the Spark model offers fuel efficiency and ease of handling for families and groups. Both watercraft models are now available for hourly, half-day, and full-day rental periods across both Lake Austin and Lake Travis locations.

Extended Hours Meet Rising Demand for Water Recreation

Responding to increased interest in Central Texas water activities, Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair now operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The extended schedule accommodates working professionals, weekend visitors, and tourists seeking flexible rental options. This availability positions the company competitively among Austin water sports rentals providers while serving customers who prefer early morning launches or evening lake excursions. The consistent daily schedule eliminates confusion about operational hours and allows for better trip planning.

Professional Captain Services Expand Group Activity Options

The company’s captained boat charter service has gained traction among groups seeking guided lake experiences. Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair operates a 21-foot Moomba ski boat that accommodates up to eight passengers, with professional captains handling navigation and safety protocols. This service appeals to bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and corporate team-building events. Activities include wakeboarding, tubing, swimming, and leisure cruising to popular Lake Austin and Lake Travis destinations. The captain’s option removes the barrier of boating experience, making water recreation accessible to a broader audience.

Strategic Location Serves Two Major Central Texas Lakes

Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s operational area covers both Lake Austin and Lake Travis, two of Central Texas’s most frequented water recreation destinations. Lake Austin offers a more intimate setting with calmer waters, ideal for those searching for boat rentals near me with less crowded conditions. Lake Travis provides expansive open water suitable for high-speed activities and larger gatherings. The company’s ability to serve both lakes gives customers flexibility in choosing their preferred environment. Popular destinations include Devil’s Cove and Party Cove, both accessible through the rental service.

No License Requirement Removes Barriers to Water Recreation

A significant advantage of Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s service model is the elimination of boating license requirements for watercraft rentals. This policy opens water sports access to visitors and residents without formal boating credentials. The company provides safety briefings and operational instructions before each rental, ensuring customers understand handling procedures and lake regulations. This approach has proven effective in attracting first-time riders and tourists unfamiliar with Texas waterway requirements. The ease of access contributes to the company’s growth among Austin water sports rental options.

Combination Packages and Flexible Booking Address Customer Preferences

Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair has implemented a booking system that displays real-time pricing and availability, streamlining the reservation process. Customers can combine watercraft options with captained boat charters for comprehensive lake day experiences. The flexibility in rental duration—from two-hour minimum periods to full-day adventures—accommodates various schedules and budgets. Pricing starts at $250 for two hours on the Sea-Doo Spark 3-seater, $260 for the Sea-Doo Trixx 2-seater, and $300-$330 for captained boat charters, depending on the lake. The transparent pricing structure and online booking capability reflect industry trends toward customer convenience and accessibility, making it easier for those searching for boat rentals near me to secure watercraft without lengthy phone negotiations.

The company’s expansion reflects broader trends in outdoor recreation as Central Texas residents and visitors increasingly seek water-based activities. Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s investment in modern equipment and service infrastructure positions the business to meet this demand while maintaining safety standards and customer satisfaction. The combination of quality watercraft, professional captain services, and accessible booking systems creates a comprehensive offering for water recreation enthusiasts in the Austin area.

Media Contact
Company Name: Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair
Contact Person: Mitchell
Email: Send Email
Phone: +17372474936
Country: United States
Website: https://epiclakerentals.com/

STATESVILLE, N.C. — Federal investigators are trying to figure out why a business jet carrying retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others tried to return to a North Carolina airport just after takeoff but plowed into light poles and a tree line short of the runway, killing everyone on board.

The Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground Thursday morning, about one-third of a mile from the airport’s runway. They also don’t know who the was the lead pilot. Biffle was one of three people on board with a pilot’s license.

The jet had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, 10 minutes earlier, but crashed while trying to return and land, authorities said.

Flight records indicate the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board began examining the wreckage Friday to help determine the cause of the crash and why the plane had returned to the airport in drizzle and cloudy conditions.

Investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder, which could provide important clues about what happened. They were not aware of any emergency calls from the jet, NTSB member Michael Graham said at a Friday news conference.

There were three pilots on board. Federal Aviation Administration records show Biffle was rated to fly helicopters, and single- and multi-engine planes. Also on board was pilot Dennis Dutton, Dutton’s son, Jack — who had a private pilot’s license for single-engine planes — and Biffle’s friend Craig Wadsworth.

NASCAR’s Greg Biffle remembered for humanitarian efforts: ‘His tireless work saved lives’

Biffle’s wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, were also killed in the crash, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.

Cristina Biffle’s mother told People magazine that her daughter sent her a text message saying, “We’re in trouble,” before she didn’t hear from her again.

Federal investigators on Friday didn’t have answers yet about the crew.

Dennis Dutton was licensed and rated to fly this model of plane, but even then, he was supposed to fly with a co-pilot. Even though Biffle was rated to fly a multi-engine plane, he wasn’t listed as qualified to fly this particular jet or be a second officer. Dutton’s son, Jack, also had a pilot’s license but was only rated for single-engine planes.

“There is nobody else that has a second-in-command type rating in the airplane. So there’s a question on the crew,” aviation safety expert John Cox said.

The plane’s speed and altitude fluctuated significantly during the brief flight, and its path was consistent with a flight crew that experienced an issue and needed to return quickly, former NTSB and FAA crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti said.

At one point, the plane quickly soared from 1,800 feet up to 4,000 feet before descending again. Just before the crash, it was only a couple of hundred feet off the ground.

“One thing is certain: They were low. They were too low to make a safe landing on that runway,” Guzzetti said.

It’s unclear why the pilots didn’t make an emergency call, but their top priorities are flying the plane and figuring out where to land — not radioing for help. It’s possible they were too busy trying to control the plane and dealing with the problem. But Cox said it’s also possible that the problem they encountered wasn’t considered an emergency. And the pilots may not have made it a priority to make a radio call with no tower or firefighters at the airport.

Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina.

A memorial with flowers sprouted up Friday by Biffle’s marble star in his hometown of Mooresville, honoring him as a member of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

Steve Miller dropped by to pay his respects. He met Biffle at a huge party after he was inducted in October. He told Biffle he hoped the racecar driver could help knock an item off his bucket list — taking a flight in a helicopter.

“Come knock on my door, I’ll take you up,” Miller recalled Biffle telling him. “Never happened.”

Cessna Citations like the one that crashed Thursday are known as reliable, easy-to-fly jets. While the plane is in flight, one pilot is at the controls while the other pilot is the monitoring pilot, Cox said.

Roughly 1,000 of these 550 series jets have been made, and they have a very good safety record. “What accidents have occurred in this type were mostly due to very poor pilot decisions,” Guzzetti said.

The Statesville airport will remain closed at least through Saturday as the NTSB performs its investigation, officials said.

Funk reported from Omaha, Neb. Associated Press writers Allen G. Breed; Jenna Fryer in Charlotte, N.C.; and Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, S.C., contributed.

• Dover Motor Speedway Vice President of Safety & Security Jim Hosfelt won the O. Bruton Smith Award
• Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell received the H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler Promoter of the Year award
• Las Vegas Motor Speedway earned Speedway of the Year honors
• Sonoma Raceway won the Acceleration Award for the second consecutive year

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 19, 2025) – Speedway Motorsports officials, in recognition of exemplary performance and exceptional service on behalf of and its world-class facilities, recognized the 2025 recipients for the company’s O. Bruton Smith Award, Promoter of the Year, Speedway of the Year and the Acceleration Award. Announcements were made during a company-wide town hall meeting this week as the industry-leading company wraps up a successful year hosting entertainment and motorsports events across the country.

Dover Motor Speedway’s Jim Hosfelt earned the 2025 O. Bruton Smith Award, while Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell received Promoter of the Year honors. Las Vegas Motor Speedway was named Speedway of the Year award and Sonoma Raceway earned the fourth annual Acceleration Award.

“At Speedway Motorsports, our goal is to exceed expectations in sports and entertainment by delivering unforgettable moments at every touchpoint,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. “That mission is only possible because of the passion, dedication and effort our teams across the country bring to their work each day. It’s a privilege to celebrate the leaders and teammates across our footprint whose commitment fuels our momentum and helps transform every event into a truly remarkable experience for our fans.”

Bruton Smith Award

Dover Motor Speedway Vice President of Safety and Security, Jim Hosfelt, received the 2025 O. Bruton Smith Award.

Established 13 years ago to recognize one employee annually across all of Speedway Motorsports and its subsidiaries, the recipient of this prestigious award is someone who exhibits Speedway Motorsports’ founder O. Bruton Smith’s traits: character, enthusiasm, drive, a heart for helping others, respect and appreciation for team members, vision and determination. It is the company’s highest honor.

Hosfelt joined Dover Motor Speedway in 2014 to oversee the day-to-day security and event-time public safety at the facility. Shortly after Speedway Motorsports acquired Dover in 2021, Hosfelt added the title of Director of Safety and Security for Speedway Motorsports, working as a liaison for NASCAR and federal agencies at events across the company’s portfolio of properties.

Prior to his speedway tenure, the Cumberland, Md. native spent 25 years in law enforcement with the Dover Police Department, where he retired as Chief of Police.

Away from the track, Hosfelt serves as a coordinator for food distribution events conducted by the speedway with the Food Bank of Delaware. An Air Force veteran and graduate of the FBI National Academy, he was elected to seats on Dover City Council (2015-2017) and Kent County Levy Court (2017-2019).

“The contributions Jim makes, the relationships he has across the sport, thankfully it’s a low profile thing, but (public safety) is one of the most important things we do,” said Speedway Motorsports Chief Operating Officer Mike Burch. “We talk about ‘safe, clean and comfortable.’ He’s invaluable to making sure our fans from across the nation are safe when they come to our race tracks.”

“When we finished the transaction to acquire Dover Motorsports, we had no idea what an amazing fit our teams would be,” Smith added. “Jim, specifically, is just remarkable – how he is able to be everywhere and always deliver so professionally. It’s really impressive and he’s made a tremendous impact on our company.”

H.A. Humpy Wheeler Promoter of the Year

Recognized for his team’s effort around the Speedway Classic partnership with Major League Baseball and continued success in NASCAR and other secondary events, Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell was named H.A. Humpy Wheeler Promoter of the Year for 2025. The annual award, named in honor of the legendary promoter who passed away in August, is chosen by the selection committee and given to the Speedway Motorsports general manager who best displayed the creativity, innovation, leadership and execution that are fundamental to Speedway Motorsports’ way of doing business.

A first-of-its-kind event in baseball, the Speedway Classic saw the highest ticket sales for a single event in the history of Major League Baseball with over 91,000 tickets sold.

“Humpy was known as the PT Barnum of motorsports,” Smith said. “He inspired a lot of people to think outside the box. To name Jerry as this year’s promoter is very fitting as he’s done a great job in leading the team to phenomenal success this year. Bristol has a reputation where people aren’t going to question if something like building a baseball stadium inside a race track can happen – they know it can.”

Speedway of the Year

Las Vegas Motor Speedway received Speedway of the Year recognition, edging out 10 state-of-the-art Speedway Motorsports entertainment complexes to earn top honors 11 of the last 14 years. The award was presented to LVMS President Patrick Lindsay, who replaced the facility’s longtime head Chris Powell upon his retirement earlier this year. The award recognizes the Speedway Motorsports facility with the best overall performance during 2025 in such aspects as fan friendliness, attendance, financial performance, sponsor relations and creativity.

“It’s not easy to grow on an already fantastic performance,” Smith said. “Patrick has carried the torch well and it’s great to have his leadership. It’s a huge effort because everything that happens — from corporate sales to operations and logistics — this team has done a great job and delivered every time.”

Acceleration Award

For the second year in a row, Sonoma Raceway was honored with the Acceleration Award, which recognizes a Speedway Motorsports subsidiary for significant year-over-year gains across multiple performance measures. The award was accepted by Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn.

Sonoma Raceway delivered a strong performance in 2025, driven by growing track rental activity in the raceway’s premium Turn 11 facility, along with strategic cost-efficiency initiatives that enhanced operations across the property while maintaining a high-quality fan experience.

“We had multiple speedways that made significant improvements, but we had one that really outdid themselves year-over-year,” Burch said. “They continue to bolster the fan experience, drive down expenses and find new ways to use the speedway to serve their clients.”

About Speedway Motorsports:

Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. Speedway Motorsports provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiaries; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary.

Source: Speedway Motorsports

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The recent plane crash on December 18, 2025, involving retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle has once again highlighted the risks associated with private aviation in the motorsports community.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their children Emma (14) and Ryder (5), and three others — Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Jack Dutton — were killed when their Cessna C550 crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The incident occurred amid adverse weather conditions, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating. The plane crashed just short of the runway. It is not known who was flying at this time.

Aviation tragedies have unfortunately claimed numerous lives across various motorsports series, from NASCAR to open-wheel racing like IndyCar/USAC and Formula 1. Private aircraft are commonly used for travel between events, contributing to these risks. Below is a factual list of notable motorsports personnel (drivers, officials, team members, family, and others) killed in plane crashes:

– Greg Biffle (retired NASCAR driver), Cristina Grossu Biffle (wife), Emma Biffle (daughter), Ryder Biffle (son), Craig Wadsworth (NASCAR community member), Dennis Dutton, and Jack Dutton — December 18, 2025, Statesville, North Carolina (7 fatalities).

– Alan Kulwicki (1992 NASCAR Cup Series champion) — April 1, 1993, near Bristol, Tennessee (plane crash attributed to pilot inexperience; 4 fatalities total).

– Davey Allison (NASCAR driver, son of Bobby Allison) — July 12, 1993, near Birmingham, Alabama (helicopter crash during landing; Allison died at age 32).

– Ricky Hendrick (NASCAR driver and son of team owner Rick Hendrick), John Hendrick (Hendrick Motorsports president), Kimberly and Jennifer Hendrick (nieces), Randy Dorton (engine builder), Jeff Turner (team executive), Joe Jackson (DuPont executive), Elizabeth Morrison and Richard Tracey (pilots), and Scott Latham (pilot for Tony Stewart) — October 24, 2004, near Martinsville, Virginia (Hendrick Motorsports plane crash in fog; 10 fatalities).

– Mike Stefanik (9-time NASCAR Modified champion) — September 16, 2017, Sterling, Connecticut (ultralight plane crash; Stefanik and pilot killed).

– Ted Christopher (NASCAR Whelen Modified champion) — September 16, 2017, near Riverhead Raceway, New York (plane crash en route to a race; Christopher and pilot killed).

– USAC officials and pilot — April 23, 1978, near Arlington, Indiana (Piper Navajo Chieftain crash in thunderstorm after Gabriel 200 race at Trenton Speedway, New Jersey; 9 fatalities): Frank DelRoy (USAC Technical Director), Ray Marquette (USAC VP of Public Affairs), Stan Worley (USAC Registrar), Shim Malone (Midget Supervisor and Flagman), Don Peabody (Sprint Car Supervisor), Judy Phillips (USAC Public Relations), Ross Teeguarden (USAC Deputy Technical Director), Dr. Bruce White (USAC Physician), and pilot Don Mullendore.

– Graham Hill (1962 and 1968 Formula 1 World Champion, Embassy Hill team owner) — November 29, 1975, near Arkley, England (Piper Aztec crash during approach to Elstree Airfield; 6 fatalities including driver Tony Brise and team members).

– David Purley (Formula 1 driver) — July 2, 1985, off Bognor Regis, England (aerobatic plane crash; Purley killed).

Near Misses

While these incidents represent the tragic losses, motorsports has also seen several high-profile near misses and survivable crashes:

– David Coulthard (Formula 1 driver) — May 2, 2000, near Lyon, France (Learjet 35 crash during emergency landing after engine failure; both pilots killed, but Coulthard and two passengers survived with minor injuries; he raced and finished second at the Spanish Grand Prix days later).

– Jack Roush (NASCAR team owner) — April 19, 2002, near Troy, Alabama (small plane hit power lines and crashed into a lake; Roush was rescued from underwater wreckage by a bystander and survived serious injuries; he was involved in another survivable crash in 2010).

– Dale Earnhardt Jr. (NASCAR driver) — August 15, 2019, near Elizabeth City, North Carolina (private plane crash-landed after engine failure; Earnhardt Jr., his wife, daughter, and two others escaped safely before the plane caught fire).

– Greg Biffle (NASCAR driver) — March 2011, Blue Grass Airport, Kentucky (plane incident; Biffle survived).

Other incidents include the 2008 crash that killed the husband of NASCAR executive Lesa France Kennedy (along with NASCAR pilot Michael Klemm and others) and various non-fatal close calls. In Formula 1, David Coulthard survived a 2000 plane crash that killed both pilots, and in IMSA, some figures have been involved in aviation incidents, though fewer high-profile fatalities are recorded compared to NASCAR and USAC.

These events underscore the dangers of private air travel, often used for quick trips between race venues. While investigations into causes vary — from weather and pilot error to mechanical issues — they have prompted ongoing safety discussions in the industry. The motorsports community continues to mourn these losses and honors those affected.

The NASCAR community is remembering Greg Biffle after he was among the seven people killed in a plane crash Thursday in Statesville, North Carolina.

Biffle, his wife and two kids, along with Craig Wadsworth and Jack and Dennis Dutton, died in the crash.

A former driver in the NASCAR Cup Series with 19 wins in 515 starts and seven playoff appearances in 14 seasons, including a runner-up points finish in 2005, Biffle not only went up against the best but beat the best

Biffle’s 19 Cup wins often relegated champions to finish second — most commonly Jimmie Johnson (5 second-place finishes to Biffle), Tony Stewart (2) and Jeff Gordon (2)

Johnson, Stewart and Gordon who combined for 14 championships in 22 season, from 1995 to 2016. They each paid tribute to Biffle after his passing:

Biffle’s spotter for his wins, Joel Edmonds, expressed his condolences and reflected on living life with Biffle and his family:

Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.

A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.

Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.

Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com