Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder are believed to be among seven people killed in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The Cessna C550 corporate jet, reportedly owned by a private company associated with Biffle, crashed during its landing attempt around 10:20 local time (15:20 GMT). Officials confirmed the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the racing community and beyond.

The ill-fated aircraft, which had departed just minutes earlier at approximately 10:06 local time, was engulfed in flames upon impact on the east end of the runway. Statesville Airport director John Ferguson described the scene, noting the severity of the wreckage. Authorities have not yet released definitive information regarding the cause of the crash, with investigations immediately commencing.

Confirmation of the Biffle family’s presence on the flight came from professional baseball player Mitchell Garret, who shared his devastation on social media. Mr. Garret stated that Greg Biffle and his family were en route to spend the afternoon with him, a planned visit tragically cut short. This personal account underscored the profound loss felt by those close to the esteemed former racer.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the investigation into the fatal accident. A dedicated “go team” from the NTSB was dispatched to the scene, with their arrival expected on Thursday night, to meticulously examine the crash site and gather crucial evidence. Statesville Regional Airport will remain closed indefinitely as crews work to clear debris and facilitate the investigative process.

Greg Biffle, aged 55, was a highly decorated figure in American motorsports, celebrated for a career that spanned two decades and saw him named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. Known affectionately as “The Biff,” the Vancouver, Washington native achieved significant success across multiple series. His competitive spirit and talent earned him a formidable reputation on the track.

Biffle’s impressive record includes 19 victories in the Cup Series, NASCAR’s premier division, alongside numerous triumphs in the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series. He secured the 1998 Rookie of the Year award in the Craftsman Truck Series, followed by the series championship in 2000. This early success foreshadowed a distinguished career marked by consistent performance and a drive for excellence.

His ascent continued in the Xfinity Series, where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2001 and clinched the championship in 2002, making history as the first driver to win titles in both the Xfinity and Truck Series. Beyond his stock car achievements, Biffle also co-founded the Sand Outlaws Series, demonstrating his passion for diverse forms of racing and motorsport culture.

Although Biffle scaled back his racing commitments after 2016, his enduring love for the sport led him to a triumphant return in 2019 for a one-off race at Texas Motor Speedway, which he won. He once articulated his motivation to NASCAR.com in 2021, stating, “Racing is racing. It’s that adrenaline, you want to be better than the competition, you want to build a better piece and have a faster car. I just enjoy the competition.”

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed his condolences, describing the news from Statesville as “heartbreaking.” Governor Stein lauded Biffle’s character, noting, “Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.” This tribute highlighted Biffle’s humanitarian efforts alongside his sporting prowess.

Statesville Regional Airport (KSVH), owned by the City of Statesville, is located approximately 45 minutes north of Charlotte and serves as a vital aviation hub. It provides facilities for numerous Fortune 500 companies and several prominent NASCAR racing teams, underscoring its importance to both regional commerce and the racing industry. The ongoing investigation will seek to uncover all factors contributing to this tragic incident.

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Keywords: Greg Biffle, Statesville plane crash, NASCAR driver death, Cessna C550 crash, North Carolina airport accident, Greg Biffle family, NTSB investigation, Statesville Regional Airport