NASCAR’s Greg Biffle, Wife & 2 Kids Killed in Plane Crash

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The racing community is mourning a devastating loss. 

Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle died in a plane crash on December 18th in Statesville, North Carolina. He was 55 years old. Also on board were his wife, Cristina Gusso, their son Ryder, age 5, and daughter Emma, age 14, as well as two other people. Emma was Biffle’s daughter from a previous relationship with Nicole Lunders.

Congressman Richard Hudson announced the passing of Greg, describing him as a friend dedicated to helping others. Hudson noted Greg was a celebrated NASCAR champion who captivated fans, but will be equally remembered for his kindness and service to the community.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the plane crash to WCNC Charlotte, the local NBC station. The station also reported the aircraft, a Cessna C550, was owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC and was being used by Biffle under contract.

The Charlotte Observer reported that Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell stated his office, along with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration, were investigating the site of the crash.

Oh my gosh, I’ve been following this story so closely! Apparently, even though they’re still figuring out exactly what happened, Accuweather’s Dan DePodwin – seriously, that man is a weather genius – said the conditions at the Statesville airport were just terrible when it crashed. The Observer reported it, and honestly, it’s just awful to think about!

According to reports, light but consistent rain and low clouds – around 1,200 feet high – were observed at 10:15 a.m. By 10:30 a.m., the clouds had lowered to about 400 feet, and heavy rain reduced visibility to under two miles, according to DePodwin.

He explained that weather is usually a key part of plane crash investigations. It can take a significant amount of time – sometimes a year or more – to figure out if weather played a role in the accident.

TopMob News has attempted to locate reps for Biffle for comment. 

Greg Biffle, known as “The Biff,” started his racing career in 1995 with the Winter Heat Series. He then moved up to the Truck Series in 1998 and eventually reached the top-level Cup Series in the early 2000s.

A celebrated NASCAR driver, he distinguished himself as one of only three to win championships in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. He was a two-time Rookie of the Year and secured 19 wins in the Cup Series. In 2023, he was recognized as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, and in 2024, he received a nomination for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Beyond his success as a driver, his work helping others left a lasting impact just as significant as his achievements on the racetrack.

After Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across the southeastern US in September 2024, Biffle joined numerous other helicopter pilots in flying essential supplies and rescuing people trapped in the affected areas.

As Biffle explained, the thrill of winning a race is something only drivers truly understand. He compared that feeling to the satisfaction of being able to help others.

And his efforts weren’t lost on his community. 

Oh my gosh, I just heard Josh Harris, the President of Darlington Raceway, say it, and it’s SO true! Greg is seriously one of the most incredible, competitive drivers ever to race in NASCAR. But it’s not just about the track, you know? Last year, he was amazing off the track too, giving back so much to communities all over the Carolinas. He’s a total winner in every way!

And as Congressman Hudson noted, their efforts were ongoing.

In a recent message on X, he remembered that the last time he talked to Cristina, only a few weeks prior, she’d contacted him wanting to know how she could contribute to Jamaica’s disaster relief. He said that showed the kind of people the Biffles were.

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2025-12-18 23:19