Racing world remembers former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle after deadly plane crash

Former NASCAR Cup Series operator Greg Biffle and his household were among the victims of Thursday's fatal level clang astatine Statesville Regional Airport successful North Carolina.

The craft was registered nether GB Aviation LLC, a institution owned by Biffle. The level departed the determination airdrome Thursday morning, but was diverted backmost to Statesville and crashed during a landing attempt, authorities confirmed.

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NASCAR Cup Series operator Greg Biffle (44) talks to the property during Daytona 500 media time astatine Daytona International Speedway successful Daytona, Florida, connected Feb. 16, 2022. (Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports)

Biffle's woman Cristina shared a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder — each of whom were connected committee on with Dennis and Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth during the deadly crash, a connection from the victims' families confirmed.

Greg Biffle was picked by NASCAR arsenic 1 of its apical 75 drivers successful history. He was a Hall of Fame nominee for the banal car series, and helium drove for 18 years astatine the apical of the sport.

WHO WAS GREG BIFFLE? FORMER NASCAR DRIVER WHO HELPED HURRICANE VICTIMS DIES IN PLANE CRASH WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

Yet for each the races and memorable wins, helium is possibly champion remembered for his selfless and tireless enactment helping others arsenic a chopper aviator who supplied assistance a twelvemonth agone successful the devastation near by Hurricane Helene.

NASCAR Cup Series operator Greg Biffle appears during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 astatine Atlanta Motor Speedway successful Hampton, Georgia, connected March 20, 2022. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

As quality of the fatal lawsuit surfaced connected Thursday, galore successful and astir the car racing assemblage began to grant and retrieve the erstwhile driver.

North Carolina governmental figures — including Gov. Josh Stein, Rep. Pat Harrigan and Rep. Richard Hudson — weighed successful aft learning Biffle and his household were among the 7 victims successful the level crash. Gov. Stein described the nonaccomplishment arsenic "heartbreaking" and recalled Biffle's selfless effect aft the authorities was devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Retired IndyCar Series operator Marco Andretti besides reacted.

Conor Daly remembered his chap operator for his warmth and generosity.

Brad Keselowski issued a connection saying successful portion that Biffle's "impact connected Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing runs deep, and his accomplishments helped laic a instauration we proceed to physique upon today."

NASCAR Xfinity Series operator Kyle Weatherman took to societal media connected Thursday, writing: "RIP BIFF… you and your household volition beryllium missed. You did truthful overmuch for North Carolina and the NASCAR Community."

Sports announcer Jake Wilson said helium was near "devastated and heartbroken" implicit Biffle’s passing.

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In a Thursday day property conference, North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed 7 lives were mislaid erstwhile a Cessna C550 crashed. 

A associated connection was released connected behalf of the victims.

"This calamity has near each of our families heartbroken beyond words," the connection read. "Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and progressive philanthropists whose lives were centered astir their young lad Ryder and Greg’s girl Emma. Emma was a fantastic quality being with a benignant psyche who was loved by galore people. Ryder was an active, funny and infinitely joyful child."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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