The motorsports community is grappling with the tragic news as Kevin Harvick honors Greg Biffle, a revered NASCAR figure, following Biffle’s untimely death in a plane crash on Thursday morning in Statesville, North Carolina. The accident has prompted heartfelt tributes and expressions of grief from across the world of racing, with Harvick’s words echoing the deep respect so many held for Biffle.
A Loss That Shook the Racing Community
At approximately 10:15 a.m. at the Statesville Regional Airport, tragedy struck when a small jet crashed while attempting to return to the runway. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the Cessna Citation, identified by FAA records as belonging to Biffle, had seven people onboard. This sudden event cut short the life of a champion both on and off the track and deeply affected those closest to him, including his family—Cristina, Emma, and Ryder—and others such as Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton.
Kevin Harvick’s Emotional Tribute to Greg Biffle
In the aftermath of the crash, Kevin Harvick, celebrated for his role in NASCAR, turned to social media to pay homage to Greg Biffle. Sharing personal memories and admiration, Harvick illuminated Biffle’s impact within the racing world and beyond.
“I first raced against Greg Biffle in late models back in the mid-90s,”
Harvick wrote, recalling their foundation as competitors on the track.
“Even then, Biffle was a fierce competitor who never gave an inch. If you beat him, you earned it, and I have great respect for him.”
– Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver
This deep respect highlights not only Biffle’s determination behind the wheel but also the genuine sportsmanship that defined their relationship over the years.
Beyond Racing: The Biffle Family’s Commitment to Community
Harvick also underscored Greg Biffle’s enduring legacy away from motorsports. Pointing to their volunteer efforts, he emphasized the tireless work that Biffle and his wife Cristina put in to support relief efforts after Hurricane Helene, touching on the far-reaching impact the Biffle family had through their charitable actions. Harvick’s words suggest that Biffle’s influence spanned far beyond the racetrack, resonating with those who benefited from their generosity.
Memorable Moments and a Lifelong Bond
The connection between Harvick and Biffle was built on both on-track rivalry and mutual respect. One memorable encounter between the two occurred at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2002, a moment Harvick recalled during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview:
“I was going to hurdle a car. I’m pissed I’m sitting up on that t pit box, and I don’t know why, but when you’re 25, you feel like you have to make a scene out of everything, and at that particular point.”
– Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver
Harvick continued his recollection of that heated moment:
“I felt like I needed to make a scene out of everything and and the just the first instinct was to LEAP from the wall over the deck lid and off the top rope and I had Biffle by the collar, and I didn’t really know what to do from that particular point because it was like a big mosh pit.”
– Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver
Such moments testified to the intense competitive spirit they both shared, forming a connection that extended far beyond racing incidents.
Mourning Together and Looking Ahead
The devastating loss resonates deeply with Harvick and the many who considered Greg Biffle not only a strong competitor but also a generous individual. As Harvick expressed in his tribute, his sympathies extend to Biffle’s family—Cristina, Emma, and Ryder—as well as to Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton, all impacted by the tragedy. The memory of Biffle persists in stories told and the lasting influence he had within NASCAR and the communities he helped.
In honoring Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick reminds the world of the importance of compassion, resilience, and camaraderie, ensuring that Biffle’s dedication and spirit live on with everyone who knew him and followed his career. The legacy left behind is one that will continue to inspire NASCAR fans, racing colleagues, and those touched by his acts of kindness in difficult times.
I first raced against Greg Biffle in late models back in the mid-90s. Even then, he was a fierce competitor who never gave an inch. If you beat him, you earned it, and I have great respect for him.
I saw that same determination in the tireless commitment Greg and Cristina showed… pic.twitter.com/7mV0eiApNc
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) December 19, 2025
