Greg Biffle, a 19-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner, was killed along with his wife and two children in a plane crash at the Statesville airport.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β NASCAR issued a statement memorializing Greg Biffle, a two-time champion in the sport,Β who was killed in a plane crash along with his family members and three other people.
Biffle, 55, won 19 NASCAR Cup Series races, and won the 2002 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series title and the 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title. He was the first driver to win the championship in both series.
“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,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”
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The plane crash happened at the Statesville Regional Airport around 10 a.m. on Thursday.Β
In addition to Biffle’s racing accomplishments, NASCAR honored his philanthropic efforts, particularly following Hurricane Helene.
“Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene,” the statement continued. “His tireless work saved lives.”
Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, the team Biffle drove for the majority of his NASCAR career, also commented on his death, saying the team is devastated.
“All of us at RFK Racing are devastated by the heartbreaking news involving the Biffle family,” the statement said. “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.”
Jack Roush, the longtime owner of RFK Racing, issued his own statement on the crash.
“The entire Charlotte sports community has suffered a tremendous loss,” Roush said in the statement. “I have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program.”
Owner-driver Brad Keselowski added that he had respect for Biffle as a competitor.
“His impact on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing runs deep, and his accomplishments helped lay a foundation we continue to build upon today,” Keselowski said.
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The families of the victims issued a joint statement, stating that Greg and his wife, Cristina, along with their son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma, were among the victims. Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth were also killed.Β
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the statement said, in part. “We ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time.”