CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Every day, Gene Overcash walks around NASCAR history. 

“Oh, man, this is the best job in the world,” said Overcash, Curb Records and Motorsports manager.  

He describes it as an honor to see and touch cars with significant and unique history.

“We’ve got just like a Todd Gilliland’s car that won the championship in 2016. We got Dale Earnhardt’s first championship car. We got the Richard Pettis 199 win car,” Overcash said. 

Another special car is Greg Biffle’s Red Man-sponsored ride.

“They brought this car, and I cannot remember the day they brought it in here, but the way I understood it was that they took the backup products off of race cars. And this was one of the last cars on the track with tobacco products,” he said. 

Biffle and six others were killed in a plane crash Thursday morning.

Overcash and Biffle were also neighbors on Lake Norman. He spent three years working in the sport and says Biffle was one of the nicest people to him. Losing him is a blow for racing.

“It’s just not the sport. It’s all the contributions that he did,” Overcash said. 

Biffle was known for using his own helicopter to get supplies to western North Carolina residents after Hurricane Helene. He flew in supplies like water, food, and even medication for storm victims.

“He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet,” he said. 

RFK Racing co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski suffered a broken right leg during a family ski trip on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the team announced Friday. The injury comes amid a difficult time for the organization, as the NASCAR community mourns the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Roush driver Greg Biffle and six others, including his wife and two children.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

In a statement released by RFK Racing, the team expressed its condolences first: “First and foremost, our hearts remain heavy with the news of yesterday’s tragic events. The RFK Racing family, as well as the NASCAR community as a whole, continues to keep those close to the Biffle family and all those affected in our thoughts.”

The team then addressed Keselowski’s injury: “Albeit untimely, we feel that in the interest of transparency we share RFK Racing co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski suffered a broken leg while on a ski trip with his family Thursday. Keselowski has successfully completed routine surgery, and doctors expect a quick and full recovery.”

Keselowski, 41, shared an optimistic update on social media, posting photos from the hospital—including an X-ray showing surgical hardware in his leg—and a video of himself walking with a walker. “Life has a way of reminding you to slow down,” he wrote. “Grateful for my family by my side, an excellent medical team, and the ability to take a few steps forward today. Focused on Daytona. Bonus – I’m now bionic!”

He added a personal statement through the team: “I’m grateful for the medical team who took great care of me and for the support system around me. My attention now is fully on recovery. I’m motivated to get back to full strength as quickly as possible and will work relentlessly to be ready for Daytona.”

Keselowski’s determination aligns with his history of resilience. He famously competed with a broken ankle in 2011, winning at Pocono just days after a testing crash. The team has not specified the exact location of the ski trip or the precise nature of the break, but reports indicate the surgery was straightforward, and medical professionals are optimistic about his timeline.

With the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season opening at the Daytona 500 on February 15—less than two months away—Keselowski is targeting a return for the event. He could potentially skip the non-points Clash on February 1 if needed, but the team expects him to be ready for the “Great American Race.”

Keselowski enters his 17th full Cup Series season with a strong track record: the 2012 champion has 36 wins in the top tier, including his first victory with RFK Racing at Darlington in 2024. He finished 20th in the 2025 standings with six top-five finishes but no wins.

The NASCAR community has rallied around Keselowski, with well-wishes pouring in from drivers and fans. Comparisons have been drawn to Chase Elliott’s 2023 snowboarding injury, which sidelined him for six races—though Keselowski’s goal is to avoid missing any starts in what could be a pivotal year for RFK Racing.

RFK Racing will provide further updates on Keselowski’s progress as they become available. For now, the focus remains on recovery—and the road to Daytona.

Few partnerships have generated the level of engagement that followed Lewis Hamilton’s contract agreement with Ferrari. Understandably, this driver-team duo was one of the biggest talking points heading into last season.

Inevitably, this anticipation is a double-edged sword. For all the initial excitement surrounding this move, it did not take long before criticism began to emerge. This is particularly true for Hamilton’s side of the garage.

Several areas, including Hamilton’s communication with his race engineer Riccardo Adami, have been under the microscope.

Team principal Fred Vasseur believes all areas, including Hamilton’s race engineer, must be reviewed to ensure a smoother 2026.

Vasseur says Ferrari must understand Hamilton better

Overall, much like the previous fifteen seasons, Ferrari’s biggest limitation in 2025 was car performance – as opposed to their driver line-up.

This is not to say Hamilton was been anywhere near his best level. The 7-time Champion regularly found himself a few steps behind Charles Leclerc on both qualifying and race day.

Still, even at their best, neither Ferrari driver had the opportunity to fight for victory this season. The closest they came to a race win was Hungary, only for plank wear concerns to force Leclerc into lifting and coasting.

Speaking of lift and coast, it was Ferrari’s double-DSQ in China that forced the Scuderia to change their calculations and be more conservative with the SF-25. Among other factors, this was one of the team’s limitations in their search of lap-time.

Returning specifically to Hamilton, there were occasional highlights – most notably his Sprint Race win in Shanghai.

Still, as quoted by Corriere, Fred Vasseur says Ferrari underestimated how difficult the adaptation process would be:

“I underestimated the extent of the change. For 20 years, he was tied to the Mercedes world. For him, everything was different – culture, methods, software, components, people.

“And if you’re not always at the top in every area, you leave tenths on the table. The difference between a 5th and 15th place this year was minimal.”

“We need to improve our collaboration. He needs to try to get more out of the car he has. Every detail counts.

“It’s also about understanding each other better. We know each other better on the other side of the garage (Leclerc’s) about knowing what Lewis needs, what he wants. I also need to understand what he wants.”

When asked specifically about changing Hamilton’s race engineer, Vasseur replied – “We’re evaluating all options.”

A test for driver and team

Given that Ferrari rarely ever change race engineers, the fact Vasseur is even open to making an adjustment speaks volumes about the team’s willingness to adapt.

Of course, potentially replacing Adami is only one small consideration in a far bigger picture. On a more macro level, the Scuderia are working to ensure Hamilton properly integrates into the team for 2026.

Putting this to one side, the foundation for any meaningful Ferrari campaign will be next year’s package. It remains to be seen whether the team hit the ground running with the new regulations – or if they find themselves on the defensive.

Speculation is only intensifying as the winter break continues and the first tests of 2026 come closer. For Fred Vasseur, the preference will be to maintain a low profile and avoid the high expectations that typically accompany the team.

Until now, it is Mercedes – at least on the engine front – who are seen as favourites.

Still, regardless of who are designated as pre-season favourites, Ferrari must hit the mark on both their power unit and aerodynamic concept over the winter.

READ MORE: Pierre Gasly – “There was no support” when I was at Red Bull

Main photo: Ferrari Media Gallery

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
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Phone: +17372474936
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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