DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The NASCAR community and people across Central Florida are mourning the death of 55-year-old Gregory Biffle after a plane crash in North Carolina took the lives of seven people, including Biffle and his family.
Biffle is considered one of NASCAR’s top 75 greatest drivers, named to that list during NASCAR’s diamond anniversary season in 2023.
What You Need To Know
A North Carolina plane crash took the lives of seven people, including retired NASCAR driver Gregory Biffle
Just like many other NASCAR drivers, Biffle was a licensed pilot for his helicopter and jet
Biffle spent more than two decades as a professional driver, 14 of which were with Jack Roush Racing
The racing community in Central Florida mourned Biffle’s life, sharing how he was heavily respected by his peers
RELATED coverage: Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family among 7 killed in Sarasota-bound plane crash
It is news that longtime NASCAR expert Buddy Pittman could not have imagined.
“I mean, it’s just such a tragic story because, I mean, he has been such a big part of the NASCAR community,” Pittman said. “I mean, he was a part of the NASCAR community since 1995.”
From there, “The Biff” spent about two decades in the sport, winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year in 1998 and the 2000 Series Championship. He ended up doing the same thing in the Xfinity Series as Rookie of the Year 2001 and a series championship in 2002.
This all led up to his first Cup series victory at the Daytona International Speedway in 2003 in the first of his 14 consecutive years with Jack Roush Racing.
“He has been a very tough driver, a very competitive guy on the track but probably one of the most respected guys in the garage from everyone that knew him and everyone that associated with him,” Pittman explained.
Like many other NASCAR drivers, Biffle piloted his own helicopter and jet, Pittman said.
He said Biffle used his pilot license to help people stranded during Hurricane Helene in 2024.
“He used his helicopter at his own expense to fly into remote areas of North Carolina to deliver supplies to people who were stranded and even helped the authorities find one person that was stranded and tried to single them for rescue,” Pittman shared. “So, that just shows the kind of guy Greg Biffle was and why he was well-liked and respected.”
And while he may not have been the most famous figure in the sport, “The Biff” will never be forgotten by the NASCAR fans who knew him.
“When you ask anyone in the sport about Greg Biffle, it is always praise, and there’s always people saying he’s the type of guy you want as a neighbor,” Pittman said.
Fans at the speedway for the Magic of Lights holiday event on Thursday evening echoed Pittman’s sadness over the loss of a NASCAR legend.