Plane Crash in North Carolina Claims Life of NASCAR Veteran Greg Biffle – Speedway Digest

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.