Legendary NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle Killed in Plane Crash with Family Members

Greg Biffle, a legendary NASCAR driver who earned recognition as one of the sport's 75 greatest drivers, has died in a plane crash along with seven other people including his wife and two of his children. Biffle, 55, was piloting a Cessna C550 business jet that crashed at the end of a runway while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 10:20 a.m. local time.

The crash killed Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their 5-year-old son Ryder, and Biffle's 14-year-old daughter Emma from his previous marriage to Nicole Lunders. Also killed in the crash were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. The families of those killed released a joint statement expressing their devastation at the loss, stating that the tragedy had left all families heartbroken beyond words.

Biffle's racing career spanned nearly three decades, establishing him as one of motorsports' most accomplished and respected competitors. Born on December 23, 1969, in Vancouver, Washington, Biffle began his racing career on short tracks throughout the Pacific Northwest before making his NASCAR Northwest Series debut in 1989. His professional NASCAR career advanced through multiple series, with Biffle competing in the NASCAR Truck Series from 1998 to 2000, finishing as runner-up in 1999 before winning his first NASCAR championship in 2000.

Biffle made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 1996 and became a full-time driver in 2001, finishing fourth in his rookie season. The following year in 2002, Biffle captured the NASCAR Busch Series championship, demonstrating his ability to compete and succeed at the highest levels of professional racing. His NASCAR Cup Series debut came in 2002, with his first Cup Series victory occurring at NASCAR's most famous venue, Daytona International Speedway, on July 5, 2003. Biffle went on to become a highly successful Cup Series driver, earning 19 wins, 92 top-five finishes, and 175 top-10 finishes during his career.

In his third full-time Cup Series season in 2005, Biffle led the entire series with six victories and finished runner-up in the season championship behind Tony Stewart. Biffle finished third in the 2008 Cup Series standings and fifth in the 2012 standings, consistently demonstrating his competitive ability throughout his racing career. His final two NASCAR Cup Series victories both came at Michigan International Speedway, with wins in 2012 and 2013.

Beyond his on-track accomplishments, Biffle was recognized by NASCAR as one of the organization's 75 greatest drivers in 2023 as part of the sport's 75th anniversary celebration. The honor reflected his significant contributions to professional motorsports and his lasting impact on the NASCAR community and the sport's history. Biffle remained active in racing competition on a part-time basis in 2025, competing in two ARCA Menards Series races in August in the Pacific Northwest region of Washington and Oregon, finishing in the top five in both races.

Security Cam footage showing the moment the plane crashed / CNN

Biffle gained additional recognition for his humanitarian efforts beyond racing. At NASCAR's 2024 season-ending awards ceremony, Biffle received the National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers award for his service to Hurricane Helene disaster victims. Following Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the southeastern United States, Biffle used his personal helicopter to conduct rescue and relief operations, flying into hard-to-reach areas in east Tennessee and western North Carolina to deliver supplies and resources to affected communities. His tireless helicopter rescue efforts saved numerous lives and provided critical assistance to people impacted by the hurricane disaster.

NASCAR released an official statement mourning Biffle's death, characterizing him as more than a champion driver and describing him as a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to many. The statement acknowledged his passion for racing, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to fans and fellow competitors. NASCAR noted that beyond his racing accomplishments, Biffle demonstrated his character through his tireless work assisting North Carolina residents during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, describing his humanitarian efforts as having saved lives and demonstrated his commitment to the betterment of the broader community.

The crash marks a tragic loss for the NASCAR community and professional motorsports, removing one of the sport's most respected and accomplished figures during the height of what had been a legacy-building period for Biffle following his recognition as one of NASCAR's 75 greatest drivers.