Hundreds Honor NASCAR’s Greg Biffle at Memorial Service

Hundreds of people from the NASCAR world came together Friday in Statesville, North Carolina, for a memorial service to honor former driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Emma and Ryder, and three others killed in a plane crash on December 18, 2025. The gathering took place at a local community center near Statesville Regional Airport, where the crash happened, as fans and fellow racers paid tribute to Biffle’s life and the sudden loss of seven lives.

Background

Greg Biffle raced in NASCAR for over 20 years, winning 19 Cup Series events and earning a spot as a fan favorite with his aggressive style on the oval tracks. He stepped away from full-time driving in 2016 but stayed connected to the sport through business ventures, including owning GB Aviation Leasing LLC, which operated the plane involved in the crash. Biffle lived in the Statesville area, making the local airport his go-to spot for flights.

The crash shook the tight-knit racing community just before the holidays. On that morning, fog hung low over the region as the Cessna 550 Citation II, a 1981 model with tail number N257BW, took off from runway 10 at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:06 a.m. Flight data showed it climbed to about 4,300 feet, flew roughly 11 miles south toward Florida, then made a sharp left turn back to the airport. The plane was bound for Sarasota, Florida, with plans to continue to the Bahamas for Christmas.

Witnesses near the airport heard the engines strain before seeing the jet crash on the east side of the runway during an attempted landing. The wreckage burst into flames, scattering debris across the runway and forcing the airport to close for hours. All seven aboard died at the scene. Officials identified the victims as Biffle, 55; his wife Cristina, 48; daughter Emma, 15; son Ryder, 12; pilot Dennis Dutton, 62; Dutton’s son Jack, 28; and family friend Craig Wadsworth, 45.

Biffle was known not just for his wins at tracks like Daytona and Michigan but also for his help after hurricanes. He flew supplies to victims in hard-hit areas, using his plane for relief efforts. Friends said he often talked about family time during the off-season, planning trips like the one that ended in tragedy.

Key Details

The service lasted three hours, with speakers from NASCAR teams, track officials, and Biffle’s inner circle taking the stage. Fans filled seats and stood along the walls, many wearing Biffle’s old race team gear. A large screen showed clips of his career highlights, from his early Truck Series days to his best season in 2005, when he finished second in points.

Tributes from the Pits

Several drivers shared stories. One recounted how Biffle mentored young racers after retiring, offering tips on car setup and mental focus during long races. Crew chiefs praised his precision in the garage, saying he could spot tire wear from across the pit lane. The crowd chanted “Be like Biff” at one point, a nod to his nickname and drive to push limits.

“Greg lived full throttle, on the track and off. He’d give you the shirt off his back, then race you for it back.” – Mike Skinner, former NASCAR driver

Family members spoke briefly, thanking the community for support. Biffle’s brother read a note from a charity Biffle supported, highlighting his quiet donations to children’s hospitals. Music from country artists who raced with him filled quiet moments, and a video montage ended with his last interview, where he spoke about balancing racing with fatherhood.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board arrived days after the crash. Cockpit audio captured tense exchanges, with the pilot reporting a right engine fire and calling for runway clearance. The plane turned back quickly, but experts note it approached with a tailwind, flying low at 1,700 feet before stalling short of the runway. Fog reduced visibility to under a mile, though it’s unclear if that played a direct role. The jet’s age and maintenance history are under review, along with who was at the controls—Dutton held the type rating, but Biffle had logged many hours flying it.

The airport director, John Ferguson, said debris cleanup took most of the day. Weeks later, reports surfaced of a break-in at Biffle’s home, adding to the family’s grief.

What This Means

The loss leaves a gap in NASCAR’s elder statesmen group. Younger drivers looked to Biffle for advice on sponsorships and media handling, skills he honed over decades. Teams have set up funds for the victims’ families, with donations pouring in from fans across the country. NASCAR plans a moment of silence at the next big race, expected to draw widespread attention.

For aviation safety, the crash renews focus on small jets in bad weather. Similar incidents have led to tighter rules on engine checks and pilot training for emergencies. The NTSB’s final report, due in months, could push changes for planes like the Citation II still in service.

In Statesville, the airport has reopened, but locals leave flowers near the crash site. Biffle’s racing gear and plane hangar sit quiet, reminders of a man who raced at 200 miles per hour but cherished slow family flights. The community rallies around shared memories, ensuring his story speeds on in NASCAR lore. Racing schedules resume soon, but the pits feel emptier without him.

Biffle’s humanitarian side continues through his foundation, now run by board members. They vow to keep flying aid to disaster zones in his name. Friends say that drive—to help and compete—defined him, from victory lane to his final moments.