Greg Biffle was just days away from his 56th birthday when he died in a tragic plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, which occurred on Thursday morning. Among the passengers were Biffle’s wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder, as well Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack Dutton.

‘The Biff’ is being remembered by the NASCAR community in an outpouring of tributes, but his impact went far beyond the race track.

Following Hurricane Helene, Biffle, who was a registered pilot, flew daring helicopter missions into the mountains of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee to help those stranded and deliver aid to those cut off from the rest of the world by the historic floods. He has aided in other relief efforts as well, including recently in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa impacted the region.

In NASCAR, Biffle came from the Pacific Northwest, and his early achievements got the attention of NASCAR Hall of Famer Benny Parsons.

He arrived on the scene at the national level in the late 90s, and was named the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year in 1998. The following year, he won nine of 25 Truck races in a win record that stood until Corey Heim toppled it this past year. Biffle was one of the first to congratulate Heim on the achievement. 

In 2000, Biffle became a Truck Series champion with five wins, beating Kurt Busch to the crown. The following year, he moved up to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (then Busch) Series where he also earned Rookie of the Year honors, while also winning five races. Just one year later, he was a champion there as well, defeating Jason Keller.

He went on to win 20 NOAPS races and 18 NCTS races in his career, and while he never became a champion at the Cup level, he had plenty of success at the top level of the sport too.

Greg Biffle celebrates first Cup win

Photo by: Autostock

Biffle made his Cup debut in 2022, driving for Jack Roush. But 2003 was his first full-time season, and it didn’t take him long to find Victory Lane.

In the 2003 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, he started 30th, but was running second behind Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the closing laps of the summer classic. He fell back a few spots as he got put in the middle three-wide, but many of those around him still had to pit for fuel. This gave Biffle the lead with 20 laps to go, and he had a teammate in Matt Kenseth directly behind him. Kenseth eventually had to pit as well, while Biffle was able to join up with a group of cars at the back-end of the lead lap, and used the draft to save fuel and keep most of the field at bay. However, Bobby Labonte stayed with him until the final lap when he ran out of fuel as well. But not Biffle, who cruised to the finish line, over four seconds clear of his closest competition as he became a NASCAR Cup Series race winner.

Biffle quickly asserted himself as a top driver in the No. 16 machine, and in 2005, he nearly won the Cup Series title. After winning six races, he ended the year as the championship runner-up, just 35pts behind Tony Stewart. 

That year also featured Biffle’s most dominant Cup win when he led 219 of 334 laps to capture the checkered flag at Texas. There were a handful of tracks where Biffle really shined during his career, and Texas was just one of them. He had four wins at Michigan, three at Homestead, and two at Dover.

Victory lane: race winner Greg Biffle celebrates Southern 500 win

Photo by: Autostock

But none of those triumphs compare to winning one of NASCAR’s most grueling races in back-to-back years. Biffle won the 2005 Southern 500 at Darlington. He led 176 of 370 laps, but had to battle past Ryan Newman on a green-white-checkered restart with fresh tires to secure the victory.

The following year, he won the Southern 500 again in a similarly dominant showing, leading 170 of 367 laps. He held off a charging Jeff Gordon, and in doing so, he joined Gordon in exclusive club that also included Dale Earnhardt, Bobby Allison, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and Herb Thomas. They were the only drivers to have ever won the historic race in back-to-back years, and Biffle was the last driver to do it until Chase Briscoe went back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.

His career featured several iconic moments, including a famous duel with Mark Martin where he beat his teammate in a photo finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He also wasn’t afraid to get into it outside of the car. Just ask Jay Sauter, or Boris Said, or Jimmie Johnson, or Kevin Harvick…

Greg Biffle takes the checkered flag inches ahead of Mark Martin

Photo by: Kurt Dahlstrom

But while tempers flared often on the track, Biffle had everyone’s respect as one of the truest talents in the garage. He continued to be competitive into his 40s, winning his final race in the 2013 season at Michigan International Speedway. Biffle earned Ford its 1000th NASCAR win and at 43 years old, he earned his 19th and final Cup Series win by leading the final 31 laps of the race, crossing the finish line nearly three seconds clear of Kevin Harvick.

Later in his career, he returned to the Truck Series for his first start there in over 15 years. Despite that, he earned an impressive win while driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports in what would end up being his final win at any of the three national levels.

Greg Biffle

Photo by: Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Biffle briefly returned to the Cup Series in 2022, appearing in the Daytona 500 for the 15th time in his career. He ran five races that season, making his final start at Talladega for the NY Racing Team.

Biffle was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2022, and was named as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.

Watch: Greg Biffle ecstatic after earning 15th Daytona 500 start

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Article has been updated to include statements from NASCAR and the families involved.

Former NASCAR driver and humanitarian Greg Biffle died in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday morning. He was 55-years-old.

Biffle was a 19-time race winner in the NASCAR Cup Series, the top division in NASCAR. He also won the NASCAR Busch Series title in 2002 and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title in 2000. NASCAR released a statement following confirmation of Biffle’s death.

“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.” NASCAR wrote. “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.”

The families involved in the crash also released a statement Thursday night.

“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of 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 (Emma, whose mother is 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 grateful for 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.”

Greg Biffle had become even better known for his efforts after his racing career ended. He was among the leaders in flying relief efforts to the Appalachian Mountains after Hurricane Helene made many roads within North Carolina impassable.  

In November 2024, Biffle was awarded the Myers Brothers Award by the National Motorsports Press Association for his efforts helping mountain communities in Western North Carolina.  

He was also coordinating relief efforts for Jamaica after the country was severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane that impacted the island with sustained winds of 185 mph. 

Biffle and his family were flying down to Sarasota, Florida to meet friend and YouTuber Garrett Mitchell, also known as Cleetus McFarland. The duo had met while flying relief missions to the Carolinas after Hurricane Helene and had grown to be friends, with Biffle mentoring McFarland as he made his ARCA Menard’s Series debut. 

Mitchell was the first to confirm that the family was onboard the plane that had crashed. 

Congressman Richard Hudson, a politician from North Carolina who knew the family, also weighed in on the tragic accident.

Unfortunately, NASCAR has been rattled by another tragedy involving aircraft. On Thursday morning, Greg Biffle and his family were among those killed in an accident at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.

A champion in both the Craftsman Truck and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, achieving double-digit victories at all three national levels of the sport, Biffle was a true legend of NASCAR. 

A statement provided by the Sanctioning Body read as follows: “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.”

Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina also released a statement, saying: “Heartbreaking news out of Statesville. Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash.”

Every corner of the NASCAR community has been posting various tributes in remembrance of Biffle, who was just days away from his 56th birthday. There are too many posts to include them all here, but here’s a selection of comments from various individuals from inside the garage:

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A small jet owned by former NASCAR star Greg Biffle crashed during a landing attempt at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina, early Thursday morning, claiming the lives of all six people aboard. The Cessna Citation C550, registered to Biffle’s company GB Aviation Leasing, had taken off moments earlier but turned back and crashed near the runway at approximately 10:15 a.m., bursting into flames upon impact. Federal investigators from the FAA and NTSB are on-site, with a full investigation underway.

“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of 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).” Family Statement

“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.” Family Statement Continued

Greg Biffle, 55, was a celebrated figure in NASCAR history. His career began in the late 1990s in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1998 and capturing the series championship in 2000. He then moved to the Busch Series (now Xfinity Series), earning the championship in 2002 after a dominant season. These early successes paved the way for his full-time Cup Series debut in 2003 with Roush Racing.

Biffle went on to secure 19 victories in the Cup Series, with his best season coming in 2005 when he scored six wins and finished second in the championship standings. Known for his versatility and aggressive driving style, he became one of the few drivers to win titles in both the Truck and Busch Series, cementing his reputation as one of NASCAR’s most accomplished competitors.

After retiring from full-time racing in 2016, Biffle remained active in motorsports and aviation. He also gained attention for his humanitarian efforts, including using his piloting skills to deliver supplies to hurricane-stricken areas in 2024.

“All of us at RFK Racing are devastated by the heartbreaking news involving the Biffle family. Greg Biffle has long been a cherished member of our racing family. As a person, family man and driver, his accomplishments helped form a cornerstone of our organization. We extend our deepest condolences to the Biffle family and to all of their loved ones and friends during this incredibly difficult time.” RFK Statement

Local reports suggest Biffle’s wife and two children were among the victims, though official confirmation is pending.

NHRA has announced exciting enhancements to the 2025 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series schedule in the Top Alcohol Dragster and Funny Car categories. The addition of the NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will also mark the debut of the alcohol classes under the NHRA banner in Michigan, Sept. 18-20.

In the East Region, the addition of Gainesville Raceway’s iconic Baby Gators event, March 12-14, marks a major expansion of competitive opportunities for Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car teams, giving teams another high-profile stage to begin their championship campaigns to kick off NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season.

The event at U.S. 131 will fall under the Central Region banner, moving Summit Motorsports Park’s national event into the East Region.

The season launches in iconic fashion as teams converge in Gainesville, Fla., for one of drag racing’s crown jewels. The NHRA Gatornationals sets the tone for the year, offering early-season intensity and a massive fan turnout. Top Alcohol teams begin their regional campaigns on one of the sport’s quickest surfaces.

Just one week later, Gainesville Raceway becomes the center of attention again as the Baby Gators take on new significance. This back-to-back Gainesville stretch gives teams a rare early-season doubleheader and a chance to build momentum before the tour heads north.

The tour shifts to the unique spectacle of four-lane competition at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, followed by the NHRA Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway.

A fan favorite and one of the most polished facilities in the country, Summit Motorsports Park hosts a pivotal pair of events, kicking off with the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, followed by the track’s regional event, which will count as a home race for both the East and Central Regions.

The tour heads to the Northeast for a Fourth of July weekend classic at Lebanon Valley Raceway, followed by a trip to New England Dragway.

The schedule culminates on drag racing’s biggest stage, the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, which will serve as a home event for all regions, bringing together the best of the best for the most prestigious race of the year.
 

Greg Biffle’s plane caught fire after crash-landing at a regional airport, state authorities said. Other victims have not yet been identified.

A former NASCAR driver has been identified as one of seven people who died in a plane crash in the southern United States.

Authorities said Greg Biffle and members of his family died when a private jet crashed on Thursday while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport, north of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Flight records showed the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle.

“Although the post-crash fire prevents us from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time, it is believed that Mr Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane,” state police said.

Further details about the victims were not immediately available.

Throughout his 16-year career, Biffle won more than 50 races across the three racing-circuit types offered by NASCAR, a US-based association for car races.

He placed first in 19 races at the Cup Series, considered NASCAR’s top level. He also won the Craftsman Truck Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

Biffle’s plane had taken off from the airport shortly after 10am local time on Thursday (15:00 GMT), but it then returned to North Carolina and was attempting to land there, according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.

Video from WSOC-TV showed first responders rushing onto the runway as flames burned near scattered wreckage from the plane.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were investigating the crash.

All told, the NTSB has investigated 1,331 crashes in the US in 2025.