The world of motorsport is in mourning following the tragic deaths of retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle and his immediate family in a devastating plane crash in North Carolina.
A Fiery Crash at a Corporate Airport
The accident occurred shortly after 10am local time (3pm UK time) on Thursday, 18 December 2025. A Cessna C550 business jet, attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport, crashed and erupted into flames. The airport is located roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte.
Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft had taken off from the same airport, bound for Florida, but turned back within minutes of departure. The precise cause of the return and subsequent crash is under investigation.
Footage from local broadcaster WSOC-TV showed emergency crews racing onto the runway as fire consumed the wreckage. The intensity of the post-crash blaze initially hampered efforts to formally identify all victims.
NASCAR Community Mourns a Beloved Champion
In an emotional statement, NASCAR confirmed the devastating loss. The organisation named the victims as 55-year-old Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their daughter Emma, and son Ryder.
The three other individuals who lost their lives were identified as Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Jack Dutton, all described as "beloved by many in the NASCAR community."
NASCAR's tribute highlighted Biffle's extraordinary career and character. "Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many," the statement read. "His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport."
Biffle's racing record was formidable, with over 50 wins across NASCAR's three national series, including 19 victories at the elite Cup Series level.
A Legacy Beyond the Racetrack
The statement also paid tribute to Biffle's profound community work, most notably in the aftermath of 2024's Hurricane Helene. Biffle piloted his personal helicopter to deliver critical aid to hard-hit communities in North Carolina, an effort NASCAR said "saved lives."
"Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community... His tireless work saved lives," the organisation stated.
The crash has forced the immediate closure of Statesville Regional Airport. Airport director John Ferguson confirmed the facility would remain shut until further notice, noting "it will take some time to get the debris off the runway." The airport's website notes it provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NASCAR community, and the wider sporting world, are left to grieve an iconic figure whose legacy extends far beyond the finish line.
