Hundreds gathered at Charlotte's Bojangles Coliseum on Friday for a memorial service honouring former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children Ryder and Emma, and three others who died in a plane crash last month. The service drew drivers, fans and friends who remembered Biffle as a hero and humanitarian.
Biffle, 55, was among seven killed when the Cessna C550 crashed shortly after departing Statesville Regional Airport, about an hour north of Charlotte. Authorities said the plane was attempting to return when it hit the ground and erupted in flames. The crash also claimed the lives of Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
YouTube influencer Garrett Mitchell, known as 'Cleetus McFarland', spoke at the service, urging attendees to 'Be like Biff'. 'It means taking opportunities when you see them... showing up for your friends and family, using your heart to make the world a better place,' Mitchell said. Biffle, a Hall of Fame nominee and one of NASCAR's top 75 drivers, had recently gained attention for flying helicopter relief missions after Hurricane Helene.
Biffle's niece, Jordyn, shared memories of the family, saying they 'lived fully, loved deeply and gave freely'. In a letter read on her behalf, Nicole Biffle, Greg's daughter's mother, expressed regret over allowing Emma to fly despite not feeling well, adding she had bought tickets to Italy for her the night before the crash.
Fans travelled from across the region to pay respects. Dylan Zirkle, who worked for Biffle at Roush Racing, said 'It still doesn't feel real'. Tanner Roberts made a four-hour journey with his family, recalling Biffle as a 'good racecar driver and a good person'.
The crash, which occurred a week before Christmas, left the NASCAR community shaken. Inside the coliseum, pictures of the seven victims were displayed on a videoboard, with seven wreaths on stage as former drivers Jeff Burton and Phil Parsons also addressed the crowd.
