Tragedy in the World of Motorsports: Greg Biffle and Family Die in Plane Crash
A regrettable piece of news has shaken the world of motorsports. Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife, two children, and three other people, lost their lives in a plane crash that occurred on Thursday in Statesville, North Carolina. Biffle, 55, was a prominent figure in NASCAR, recognized for his 18-year career at the top of the sport. The accident also claimed the lives of his wife, Cristina; his daughter Emma, 14; and his son Ryder, 5. The other victims were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. The plane, registered to a company owned by Biffle, crashed shortly after taking off from Statesville Regional Airport, about 72 kilometers north of Charlotte. The plane was attempting to return to the airport amid drizzle and cloud cover.Federal authorities will launch an investigation to determine the causes of the accident. A team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is already in North Carolina, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to investigate what happened. Greg Biffle, recognized as one of the 75 best drivers in NASCAR history, was nominated for the series’ Hall of Fame. In addition to his successful career on the tracks, Biffle was known for his humanitarian work, especially as a helicopter pilot, providing aid after Hurricane Helene. Biffle achieved championships in the Truck and Xfinity series, being the first driver to do so. He spent most of his career competing for Roush Fenway Racing, a team that has expressed its regret for the loss. The world of motorsports mourns together. The community of drivers and team owners, like Chip Ganassi, have expressed their sadness. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein highlighted Biffle’s “courage and compassion,” as well as his help to hurricane victims. Biffle debuted in the Cup Series in 2002. In 2005, he achieved his best season by finishing second in the overall standings. In 2016, he partially retired, but returned in 2022 to compete in five races, including the Daytona 500. Biffle’s passion for flying was an important part of his life. In 2024, he received the Myers Brothers Award from the National Motorsports Press Association for his humanitarian work following Hurricane Helene. Biffle used his personal helicopter to deliver supplies and aid to the affected communities. The accident occurred when the Biffle family was heading to Florida to spend the afternoon with a friend. U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson of North Carolina also mourned the loss, highlighting the Biffles’ rescue work after Hurricane Helene. The legendary driver Richard Petty called Biffle “a fearless competitor.” In his retirement years, Biffle dedicated himself to manufacturing cars in his workshop, running a quarry in Virginia, and enjoying his family. Recently, he published a video of his family choosing a Christmas tree.This tragedy has left all our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives revolved around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter, Emma.
Joint statement from the families
