The Hendrick Motorsports Christmas message became a focal point of emotion for NASCAR this year after the tragic passing of Greg Biffle and his family just days before the holiday. The motorsports community, still reeling from the loss, found fresh poignancy in the words shared by legendary crew chief Ray Evernham, delivering a moment of reflection and heartbreak for fans and racers alike.
Heartbreak Casts a Shadow Over Holiday Celebrations
NASCAR anticipated a festive Christmas following the resolution of recent legal proceedings, but the sudden death of Greg Biffle, his family, and three others in a plane crash plunged the sport into mourning. The accident happened last Thursday, as the Biffle family was traveling to Florida to meet friends, including Garrett Mitchell, widely known as Cleetus McFarland. Tragically, just ten minutes after takeoff, their Cessna 550 encountered a critical malfunction and failed to return to the runway safely.
The shock of their loss weighed heavily on the NASCAR community. Mark Martin, a noted figure in the sport, has spent significant time delving into what might have caused the malfunction, while peers and fans alike have struggled to come to terms with the grief. The collective sadness underscored how quickly circumstances can shift from celebration to sorrow, and how the loss of cherished members leaves a void not easily filled.
Ray Evernham Breaks His Silence with a Stirring Message
Many within the Hendrick Motorsports team and the broader NASCAR world expressed their condolences in public forums, but Ray Evernham, known for his championship legacy with Jeff Gordon, initially chose to keep private. As Christmas approached, however, Evernham addressed the community with words that captured the mood of the moment. On X, he wrote,
It’s been a rough week or so, but today is a special day. It’s Christmas, and it’s about family, it’s about being together, it’s about great memories,
said Evernham, Crew Chief. He continued,
And we don’t know how many Christmases we’re going to get. Some of the Christmases, people who start the year with us won’t be here.
– Ray Evernham, Crew Chief.
Evernham’s statement resonated with many, not only as a reflection of shared grief but as a gentle reminder to value loved ones and memories. His public gratitude toward friends and family, along with his acknowledgement of how quickly circumstances can change, brought the broader NASCAR family closer together, if only for a somber moment.
Memories and Messages in the Wake of Tragedy
This year’s “Biffmas,” an event founded by Greg Biffle himself to spread holiday cheer through fan giveaways, took on a bittersweet tone. As the news spread, friends and fans remembered Biffle’s warmth and generosity, qualities that contributed to both the initiative and the beloved place he held within the community.
The weight of the loss was felt most deeply by those closest to the Biffle family. In one example, Ron Herbert of North Carolina received a Christmas card from the Biffles after their passing, a poignant and painful reminder of their absence and the unpredictability of life. Messages like the Hendrick Motorsports Christmas message and the tangible mementos left behind by the departed reinforced the importance of cherishing time with loved ones and carrying memories forward.
As the NASCAR world reflects on a somber holiday, the words of Ray Evernham and the spirit of unity serve as reminders of both community and the fragile nature of life. For Hendrick Motorsports, their Christmas message stands as a call to treasure every gathering and every season, no matter how bittersweet the times may be.
— ray evernham (@RayEvernham) December 25, 2025
