The motorsports community is reeling today after news broke that a plane registered to NASCAR legend Greg Biffle crashed in North Carolina on Thursday morning, killing all on board — including the beloved driver and the most precious people in his life: his wife and children.

A Cessna Citation II business jet, believed to be owned through Biffle’s aviation company, went down just after attempting to return to Statesville Regional Airport shortly after takeoff. Investigators with the FAA and NTSB are now combing the wreckage.

What was supposed to be a routine flight turned into one of the darkest days in NASCAR history.

A Tragedy That Shocks a Sport — and a Family

According to official statements and family sources, the crash claimed seven lives. In addition to Biffle, his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their two children, Emma and Ryder, were aboard the aircraft. Two pilots, Dennis and his son Jack Dutton, and longtime NASCAR community member Craig Wadsworth also perished.

The news was confirmed in a joint statement from the victims’ families, describing the friends and loved ones lost in the crash as “beloved by many in the NASCAR community” and saying their absence will leave an “immeasurable void.”

Friends close to the driver also confirmed on social media that the Biffle family had been en route to spend the day together, underscoring the heartbreaking reality that this was not a flight for work, but a family journey that ended in devastation.

Who Was Greg Biffle? More Than Just a Racer

Gregory Jack Biffle, 55, was one of NASCAR’s most respected figures, known as much for his humble roots as his success behind the wheel. Born in Vancouver, Washington, he began racing on short tracks in the Pacific Northwest before breaking into NASCAR’s national spotlight. Wikipedia

Over a career spanning more than two decades, Biffle became the first driver to win championships in both the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the Busch/Xfinity Series — a rare feat that cemented his place among the sport’s elite. He also claimed 19 NASCAR Cup Series victories, thrilling fans with his gutsy performances and earning a reputation as a fierce competitor and beloved team player. Wikipedia

Retired from full-time competition but active in motorsports and charity, Biffle remained a well-known figure long after his last checkered flag. Just months before the crash, he was celebrated with induction into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame — an honor that should have been a joyful family milestone.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

A Family Cut Tragically Short

At the heart of this tragedy is not just a racing icon, but a devoted family man.

Greg and Cristina Grossu Biffle married on December 31, 2022, building a life together that blended their shared passions — from travel to community work and raising their young son. Cristina, a successful realtor and entrepreneur with degrees from USC and Purdue University, balanced her professional life with motherhood and was often by Greg’s side at racing events and family celebrations.

Together they had one son, Ryder Jack, born in September 2020. Greg also had a teenage daughter, Emma Elizabeth, from his previous marriage to Nicole Lunders, born in July 2011.

In social media posts and interviews over the years, Biffle frequently expressed his pride as a father, sharing snapshots of Emma cheering from the stands and Ryder marking his early birthdays with joy. The family’s presence at races, milestone celebrations, and quiet moments off the track painted a picture of a life full of love, laughter, and togetherness — now gone in an instant.

A Community in Mourning

Tributes poured in from across the racing world and beyond as the magnitude of the loss became clear. Fellow drivers, crews, fans, and officials acknowledged not only Biffle’s accomplishments on the track but his impact off of it — particularly his humanitarian efforts. Just last year, he flew his aircraft to support relief efforts after Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, helping deliver aid where it was most needed.

“Greg was more than a champion driver,” recalled a NASCAR spokesperson. “He was a friend to so many, a supporter of his community, and a loving father and husband. His loss is immeasurable.”

Congressman and family friend Richard Hudson echoed that sentiment, offering condolences and calling the crash a devastating blow to everyone who knew the Biffles.

Ongoing Investigation and Final Farewell

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are actively investigating what caused the jet to break apart on approach to Statesville Regional Airport amid reportedly foggy conditions. At this time, the exact cause of the crash is unknown.

No matter what investigators uncover, one truth has already been etched into the hearts of fans everywhere: a beloved champion and his beautiful family were taken far too soon.

Greg Biffle’s name will be remembered not just for his wins and records, but for the joy he shared with those closest to him — his children, his wife, and the countless fans who cheered him on through every lap.