Tragedy struck the NASCAR community on Thursday as former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were among seven people killed in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The crash involved a Cessna C550 corporate jet, which went down while attempting to land around 10:20 a.m. local time (15:20 GMT).

Details of the Crash

According to local authorities, the jet took off at approximately 10:06 a.m. and was in the air only briefly before crashing at the east end of the runway. Statesville Airport Director John Ferguson reported that the aircraft was already engulfed in flames when crews arrived at the scene.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched an investigative team to determine the cause of the accident. Statesville Regional Airport remains closed until further notice while crews clear debris.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were aboard the aircraft. Three additional passengers also perished in the crash, though their identities have not yet been released.

NASCAR Community Reacts

NASCAR released a statement mourning 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, integrity, and commitment to fans and fellow competitors made a lasting impact on the sport.”

Tributes poured in from across the motorsports world. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein wrote on social media:

“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.”

Motorsport YouTuber Garrett Mitchell confirmed the Biffle family was on their way to visit him before the crash, describing the incident as devastating.

Greg Biffle’s Racing Legacy

Greg Biffle, known as “The Biff”, had a distinguished racing career spanning over two decades. He was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023 and amassed 19 Cup Series wins across the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series.

Biffle gained national recognition in 1995 during the NASCAR Winter Heat Series. He won the 1998 Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year award and the 2000 Truck Series championship, followed by the 2001 Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year award and the 2002 Xfinity championship, becoming the first driver to win championships in both series.

He also co-founded NASCAR’s Sand Outlaws Series and occasionally returned from retirement for special races, including a victorious one-off event at Texas Motor Speedway in 2019.

Reflecting on his career in 2021, Biffle told NASCAR.com:

“Racing is racing. It’s that adrenaline, you want to be better than the competition, you want to build a better piece and have a faster car. I just enjoy the competition.”

Humanitarian Contributions

Beyond the racetrack, Biffle was recognized for his humanitarian work. After Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, he used his personal helicopter to rescue stranded residents and deliver essential supplies, demonstrating his commitment to helping the community.