The motorsport world is in shock and mourning following the tragic deaths of NASCAR champion Greg Biffle and his family in a devastating private jet crash in North Carolina.
A Tragic Accident Near the Runway
The accident occurred at approximately 10:15am on Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte. Shocking footage circulated online showing the Cessna Citation aircraft, capable of carrying eight to ten passengers, engulfed in flames just to the right of the runway. Thick black smoke blanketed the area as emergency services rushed to the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land. Preliminary flight tracking data indicates the aircraft departed from the same airport around 10 am, travelled roughly five miles, then turned back. It never flew higher than 2,000 feet above ground level. Witnesses at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club reported the plane was flying "way too low" before it came down. Weather conditions at the time included low clouds, visibility under three miles, and light drizzle turning to heavy rain.
Motorsport Community Pays Emotional Tribute
Racing driver and YouTuber Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, was the first to publicly announce the heartbreaking news. Mitchell, a close friend of Biffle, confirmed the 55-year-old driver, his wife Cristina, their five-year-old son Ryder, and Biffle's 14-year-old daughter Emma from a previous marriage were all on board.
Mitchell later shared an emotional video of the pair riding dune buggies, calling it "the worst day ever." Tributes from across the racing world flooded social media, highlighting not only Biffle's legendary career but his character and charitable work.
Nick Hoffman posted on X: "Damn. It’s always the good guys. Greg did so much for the hurricane relief and helping all those in need in NC and TN." Chevrolet Racing's Kyle Weatherman wrote: "RIP BIFF… you and your family will be missed. You did so much for North Carolina and the NASCAR Community."
Other notable tributes included:
- Jeremy Clements: "Life can be so tragically unfair. Greg was not only a great racer, but an even better person."
- Carson Hocevar: Shared a photo with Biffle, stating the moment "means so much more... something I will remember forever."
- The CARS Racing Tour: Issued a statement extending "deepest condolences on behalf of the CARS Tour community."
The Legacy of a Racing Icon
Greg Biffle began his storied NASCAR career in 1995 and achieved a rare distinction, becoming one of only three drivers to win a championship in both the Busch Series (now Xfinity Series) and the Craftsman Truck Series. He was named the 2001 Rookie of the Year in the Busch Series before clinching the championship the following year in 2002.
He married Cristina Grossu in 2023. The aircraft involved in the crash is owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company linked to Biffle. The Iredell County Sheriff's Office confirmed multiple fatalities, though the exact total number of victims remains unknown. The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and North Carolina Highway Patrol have launched a full investigation into the causes of the harrowing incident.
