The stock car racing world’s been rocked by the news that former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were among those killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday, Dec. 18.
Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma were among the seven people who died in the crash involving a Cessna C550 jet at the end of a runway at Statesville Regional Airport at 10:20 a.m. local time.
‘We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,’ the families said in a statement.
Biffle spent nearly two decades racing in multiple NASCAR series. The 19-time Cup Series winner was a champion in NASCAR’s third- and second-tier series before making the jump to the top level in 2003.
The former Roush Racing driver was one of the more well-liked drivers in the paddock. He earned Most Popular Driver Honors in 1997 in a regional series, 2000 in the now-Craftsman Truck Series and 2002 in the now-Cup Series.
NASCAR drivers and those who worked with Biffle were among the many to pay their respects to him on social media:
NASCAR legends, drivers honor Greg Biffle
Biffle competed with many champions on the track during his 16 years in the Cup Series and even more in the lower levels. Four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon said what happened was ‘devastating.’
‘I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track,’ Gordon wrote on X. ‘Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting.’
Former Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, known by newer fans for his work as a broadcaster, debuted at the top level the year Biffle challenged Tony Stewart for the championship.
‘Absolutely crushed about the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family,’ Bowyer wrote on X. ‘An unbelievable talent behind the controls of literally anything. Checked all the boxes…Great guy, helped people in need, and most importantly was a great family man.’
Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch spent his first decade in the top level of the sport racing Biffle and wrote about Biffle, Biffle’s family and Biffle’s impact on communities.
‘Such a tragic and heartbreaking day,’ Busch wrote on X. ‘Greg and Cristina were truly special friends to us, we loved them as well as Emma and Ryder dearly. Greg’s compassion and humanitarian spirit—especially in times of crisis—touched so many lives and inspired everyone who knew him.
‘The memories we shared, both on and off the racetrack, will stay in our hearts forever. They meant so much to us, and they will never be forgotten.’
Denny Hamlin’s decorated Cup Series career began shortly after Biffle’s rookie season. The three-time Daytona 500 winner echoed Busch by discussing Biffle’s impact off-track in a post to X.
‘Today the motorsports world lost one of its fiercest competitors and kindest souls,’ Hamlin wrote. ‘Greg Biffle was a champion on the track and a humanitarian off it, whose impact reached far beyond racing.
‘We also mourn the loss of his wife Cristina and children Emma & Ryder, along with Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack. My heart is with all their families and loved ones.’
Longtime NASCAR team owner Jack Roush gave Biffle his break and helped Biffle realize his NASCAR dreams when he signed the Vancouver, Washington, native to his team in NASCAR’s third tier. Biffle would go on to win all 19 of his Cup Series races under Roush or Roush Fenway Racing.
“The entire Charlotte sports community has suffered a tremendous loss,” Roush said in a statement. ‘The tragic accident involving Greg Biffle and his family today is incredibly heartbreaking. I have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program. His contributions to our race team over the years are immeasurable. My condolences are with all those who loved and knew Greg and his family.’
Brad Keselowski, 2012 Cup Series champion and RFK Racing team co-owner with Roush, shared his thoughts about Biffle.
“I am heartbroken by the news involving the Biffle family,” Keselowski said in a statement. “I had the privilege of racing alongside Greg for many years, and like so many in our sport, I gained deep respect for him not only as a champion on the racetrack, but as a competitor who helped define an era of NASCAR.
‘His impact on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing runs deep, and his accomplishments helped lay a foundation we continue to build upon today. My thoughts, and that of the entire organization, are with the Biffle family and everyone close to them as they navigate this tremendously difficult time.’