NASCAR Honors Late Greg Biffle, Beloved Driver, at Daytona Event

NASCAR recently honored the late Greg Biffle, a beloved driver, at the Daytona 500 following a tragic plane crash that took his life and the lives of his family members. Biffle, known for his remarkable career in NASCAR, was a celebrated figure in the sport and drove for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing for many years.

Tragic Plane Crash

On December 18, 2022, Greg Biffle lost his life in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. He was flying with his wife, Cristina, and their children, Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14. A total of seven individuals died in this tragic incident, including Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. The aircraft, a Cessna C550, crashed while attempting to return to Statesville Regional Airport and erupted into flames upon impact.

Investigation Findings

• The official report by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that Biffle was not piloting the jet at the time of the crash.
• The flight was being operated by an experienced pilot, but the co-pilot was deemed unqualified.
• The jet was en route to Florida when it encountered difficulties.

Remembering Greg Biffle at Daytona

During the Daytona 500, drivers from Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing honored Biffle by stylizing their car numbers in a jagged font, reminiscent of the design he often used. Chris Buescher, an RFK driver, expressed that this tribute was a meaningful way to show appreciation for Biffle’s impact on the team.

Additionally, Kaulig Racing joined in the tribute, styling their No. 16 car, which Biffle drove for much of his career, in a similar manner. Biffle’s contribution to NASCAR was profound, and his legacy will continue to resonate within the sport.

Greg Biffle’s NASCAR Career Highlights

Greg Biffle was a prominent name in NASCAR, recognized for his numerous achievements:

• 19 Cup Series victories in 515 races.
• Champion of the Craftsman Truck Series in 2000 with 17 wins.
• Busch Series Rookie of the Year in 2001, followed by a championship win the next season.
• Six top-10 finishes in the Daytona 500.
• Named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.

Biffle began his racing career in short tracks within the Pacific Northwest and marked his transition to the big leagues by winning races and accolades across different series. After retiring from NASCAR in 2016, he made a brief return in 2022 and continued to participate in various racing events, showcasing his dedication to the sport.

The loss of Greg Biffle is felt deeply within the NASCAR community, where his influence as both a driver and teammate will continue to be cherished.