- - NASCAR icons honor Greg Biffle: 'Impact reached far beyond racing'

Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY December 19, 2025 at 7:57 AM

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NASCAR icons honor Greg Biffle: 'Impact reached far beyond racing'

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:

1 / 25See highlights from Greg Biffle's NASCAR careerGreg Biffle, driver of the #44 Grambling State University Chevrolet, waits in the garage area during practice for NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb 19, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Fla.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."

Devastating news. I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. 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. pic.twitter.com/TN9vbqjpZ4

— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) December 18, 2025

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."

Absolutely crushed about the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family. 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. Devastated for everyone! 😥

— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) December 18, 2025

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."

Such a tragic and heartbreaking day. 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… pic.twitter.com/UIKrwtUA8s

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) December 18, 2025

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