Fans Are Calling On NASCAR To Establish The ‘Greg Biffle Humanitarian Award’ In Honor Of Late Driver’s Heroic Work In His Community

Would be the perfect tribute.

Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was tragically killed this morning in a plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, along with seven others including his wife Cristina, 5-year old son Ryder and 14-year old daughter Emma.

Immediately after his death was confirmed, tributes began pouring in from the NASCAR community, recognizing Biffle for his contributions not only to the sport but even more importantly, to his community.

Biffle made headlines last fall after Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina when he and fellow racer and YouTube personality Cleetus McFarland helped organize hundreds of flights in his personal helicopter to deliver supplies to those in need, while providing updates and requests for help on his social media.

The avid pilot shared videos from his flights on social media, including one incredible effort to reach somebody who was stranded due to flooding and managed to get his attention using a mirror.

During an interview last year, Biffle shared that it all started when a friend asked him if he could help rescue a family member who was stranded. The request gave him the idea to put out the call for others in need of assistance, and before long he was spending all day flying rescue missions and delivering supplies including food, water, medical necessities and Starlink internet to those who weren’t able to leave their homes:

“The hardest thing was when I went home at night and landed in the dark because we just couldn’t fly anymore, my mind wouldn’t shut off. I’m sitting there at my counter looking through my phone just overwhelmed like what am I gonna do next.”

He was recognized for his efforts with the Myers Brothers Award from the National Motorsports Press Association, but his efforts in North Carolina only ignited his passion to help others in need. Just a couple of months ago, Biffle announced that he was helping to coordinate aid to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa:

To say that he was a hero is understating his incredible work for his community, at a time when nobody else was able – or willing – to step up. And in the wake of his tragic death, fans have come up with the perfect way for NASCAR to honor the racing legend.

Throughout the day, a ton of people have taken to social media calling for NASCAR to establish the “Greg Biffle Humanitarian Award” to recognize drivers for their off-track heroics.

Couldn’t think of a better way to honor a man who did so much for others. Make it happen, NASCAR.

What We Know About The Plane Crash

The private Cessna Citation II with tail number N257BW reportedly crashed while taking off from the airport. According to flight tracking data, the plane took off today from the Statesville Regional Airport at around 10:06 AM eastern time before immediately turning around and attempting to land before crash landing near the runway. It’s reported that the pilot had reported having engine trouble while attempting to return to the airport.

The plane was headed to Sarasota, Floridae to visit Cleetus McFarland, who was hosting his Christmas Tree Drags race at Bradenton Motorsports Park on December 20, before heading to the Bahamas later this evening. 

Officials confirmed that there were seven casualties in the crash, and this afternoon the families of the victims released a joint statement confirming their identities as Biffle; his wife Cristina Grossu; their son Ryder; Biffle’s daughter Emma, from his previous marriage to Nicole Lunders; pilot Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack Dutton; and longtime NASCAR crew member Craig Wadsworth.

According to Grossu’s mother, the family was headed out on a birthday trip to Biffle, who would have turned 56 this week, but her daughter texted her moments before the crash with a harrowing message:

“We’re in trouble.”

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.The post Fans Are Calling On NASCAR To Establish The ‘Greg Biffle Humanitarian Award’ In Honor Of Late Driver’s Heroic Work In His Community first appeared on Whiskey Riff.