Daytona 500 Honors Late NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle In Emotional Tribute
on Feb 18, 2026
NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle Dies In Plane Crash
On December 18, a Cessna C550 business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, north of Charlotte, North Carolina, according to local officials. The aircraft, identified by tail number N257BW, went down at the end of a runway.
FlightAware data shows the jet had taken off but soon turned back toward the airport and was attempting to land when the crash occurred.
The aircraft was operated by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Initial reports indicated six people were on board at the time of the crash; authorities later confirmed that seven individuals were aboard.
The FAA and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office reported “multiple fatalities” as a result of the crash. Among those individuals were later identified as Greg, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder.
The Life & Legacy Of Greg Biffle
Biffle had been married to his wife, Cristina Grossu, since 2023. The couple were described by family and friends as devoted parents and generous individuals who spent much of their time helping others.
They shared a 5-year-old son, Ryder, who was remembered as an active, curious, and joyful child. Biffle is also had a 14-year-old daughter, Emma, from his previous marriage to Nicole Lunders. Emma was remembered for her kind nature and was deeply loved by those who knew her.
Beyond his successful NASCAR career, Biffle and his family were especially passionate about their philanthropic efforts.
With his passion for animals, he created the Greg Biffle Foundation, providing grants to animal humane societies across the nation. Greg also served as a member of the board of Lake Norman Animal Shelter, helping to build their facilities in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Greg Biffle Remembered At Daytona 500
On Sunday (February 15), the 2026 Daytona 500 took place at Daytona International Speedway. The event is widely considered NASCAR’s biggest and most notable race.
Unlike most sports where the championship final is the largest event, the Daytona 500 kicks off the NASCAR Cup Series season every February at Daytona International Speedway.
During this year’s race, Biffle was honored in an emotional video tribute. In the video, the late driver’s friends and family reflected on Biffle and his extraordinary life.
“Greg Biffle was the most talented guy I’ve ever worked with,” Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines, said. “He had speed, he was fearless, he was smart … He never found himself in a situation that he didn’t think he could win.”
Jeff Bourton, Biffle’s Roush Racing teammate, reflected on his “supreme confidence in himself.”
Beyond his racing career, Biffle’s loved ones remembered the kind of person he was away from the track.
His niece, Jordyn Biffle, said her uncle, a licensed helicopter and small-plane pilot, immediately mobilized to help as Hurricane Helene tore through communities in 2024. During the crisis, Biffle was able to reach storm victims who had no other help.
“His instinct was we can get in the helicopter and we can go look — let’s try to see what the situation looks like and what we can do to help,” she shared.
The mirror that caught our attention well over a mile away 👀 only way we we were able to find someone stranded in the mountains at bottom of steep canyon. 6 attempts to land due to difficulty but we got there – got him a chainsaw, EpiPens, insulin, chicken food, formula, gas, 2… pic.twitter.com/Wdl4w7hMZM
— Greg Biffle (@gbiffle) October 3, 2024
You can watch NASCAR’s touching video tribute for Greg Biffle below.
Remembering Greg Biffle, with @mikejoy500. pic.twitter.com/4mk3zB2O5L
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2026
