'We are devastated.' NASCAR, NC leaders on Greg Biffle plane crash that killed 7.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The tight-knit world of NASCAR and its fans was quick to react Thursday to word that former star driver Greg Biffle, his wife, two kids and one other person were killed in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport.

State and local leaders, and other N.C. officials, also were quick to express their sympathies, including Gov. Josh Stein and the Rev. Franklin Graham.

On X, NASCAR wrote that Biffle “was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many.”

Cleetus McFarland, a part-time driver and full-time Youtube star, posted his condolences on Facebook for his friend. McFarland said Biffle and his family were heading to Florida, to spend the day with him.

“We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this,” McFarland wrote in his Facebook post.

McFarland also posted a video of him and Biffle performing a wheelie side by side. “This is the worst day ever,” McFarland said.

McFarland, who’s real name is Garrett Mitchell, became fast friends with Biffle, bonding over their love for racing. At an alumni gatherings at Darlington Raceway in September, Biffle told media he planned to race McFarland one day.

The pair also flew helicopters together to help survivors of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina last year. Biffle and McFarland used their own helicopters to get supplies to the affected area, including multiple generators.

In February, Lake Norman issued a proclamation honoring Biffle as a 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee and a 20-year helicopter pilot who delivered critical supplies to families in distress after Hurricane Helene.

‘Heartbreaking day’

Fans of the pair posted to McFarland’s videos that they were devastated to hear the news of Biffle’s death. “Had to come watch his smile after hearing the news, rest easy to him and his family,” one fan wrote on an October video.

McFarland was planning his 6th Annual Christmas Tree Drags event on Dec. 20 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. It was not known whether the Biffles had planned to be in attendance.

Many current and former drivers also weighed in.

NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace expressed his condolences on X, posting of a photo of the Biffles with halos above their heads.

Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Hall of Famer, reminisced on X about the “tough battles” he and Biffle shared on the track. “I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting,” Gordon wrote.

Former driver and NASCAR reporter Kenny Wallace posted a more than 11-minute tribute video to Biffle and Craig Wadsworth, a beloved member of the NASCAR community. A statement from the Biffle family confirmed that Wadsworth was one of the seven victims of the plane crash.

Wallace said Biffle was a “champion, winning driver, husband, father... and a humanitarian.” Wallace added that Wadsworth drove his motor coach for about six years and later worked for the Biffles. He said Wadsworth was like family.

Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson, both of whom were also named NASCAR’s 75 all-time best drivers, added their condolences to social media. Busch said Biffle and his wife were “truly special friends.”

“Greg’s compassion and humanitarian spirit — especially in times of crisis — touched so many lives and inspired everyone who knew him,” Busch wrote on X.

Driver Carson Hocevar took to X to post about Greg Biffle.

He shared a photo on X of him and Biffle celebrating at an event hosted at McFarland’s racetrack, Freedom Factory. “This moment means so much more,” Hocevar posted on X. “Something I will remember forever. Heartbreaking day. RIP.”

Charlotte driving community mourns

Local leaders of the driving world also expressed their grief on social media.

In Concord, Hendrick Motorsports said Biffle was a “fierce, respected competitor whose heart and generosity reached far beyond the racetrack. “

Biffle was nominated this year for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. The organization released a statement noting all of Biffle’s accomplishments, including winning the 2002 NASCAR Busch (now O’Reilly Auto Parts) series and the 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck series. He was the first driver to win the championship in both of those series.

“Greg’s accomplishments are extensive, as represented by his nomination to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, but eclipsed by the quality person he was,” the organization wrote.

The Biffles were always looking to help

Outside the NASCAR world, Republican Congressman Richard Hudson released a statement on Biffle’s passing. Hudson’s district covers south-central North Carolina, including Alamance County. He’s also chair of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus.

“The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene,” Hudson wrote. “The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were. ... I am devastated by the loss.”

Stein echoed Hudson’s sentiment on Biffle assistance during Helene. So too did Graham, the president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Stein wrote on X that Biffle had “lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. “

Graham asked the community to pray for Biffle’s family.

The Biffles were also founding board members of Lake Norman Humane, according to the animal rescue nonprofit.

The organization said Greg Biffle “was instrumental in shaping our organization” and “his compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to animals and our community will forever be part of Lake Norman Humane’s foundation.

“His legacy lives on in every life saved and every act of kindness inspired by his vision.”