Gregory Jack Biffle (1969–2025): NASCAR Champion and American Stock Car Racing Driver
Gregory Jack Biffle (December 23, 1969 – December 18, 2025), known by the nickname “the Biff,” was an American professional stock car racing driver. He competed at the highest levels of NASCAR over a career spanning more than two decades. In his final years, Biffle raced part-time in the ARCA Menards Series West, driving the No. 23/24 Chevrolet SS for Sigma Performance Services. He died in a plane crash in December 2025.
Early Life and Racing Beginnings
Biffle was born in Vancouver, Washington, and raised in Camas. He began racing on short tracks throughout the Pacific Northwest, quickly building a reputation for speed and consistency. His national breakthrough came during the 1995–1996 NASCAR Winter Heat Series, where he dominated the competition. His performance caught NASCAR champion and broadcaster Benny Parsons’ attention, leading him to recommend Biffle to team owner Jack Roush.
Entry into NASCAR
In 1996, Biffle made his first appearances in NASCAR-sanctioned events, competing in two Winston West Series races and later making his national-series debut in the Busch Series. In 1997, he competed in the NASCAR Northwest Series, winning the Most Popular Driver Award and strengthening his growing reputation.
Craftsman Truck Series Career
Roush Racing promoted Biffle to a full-time ride in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 1998. Although he did not win a race that season, he earned four pole positions—an unprecedented achievement for a rookie—and captured the Rookie of the Year award.
Biffle delivered a dominant performance in 1999, winning nine races, a single-season Truck Series record at the time. He narrowly finished second in the championship standings. In 2000, he returned even stronger, winning five races and securing the Truck Series championship, his first NASCAR national title.
Busch / Nationwide Series Success
In 2001, Biffle moved up to the Busch Series, where he once again won Rookie of the Year honors. The following season, he claimed the 2002 Busch Series championship, becoming one of the few drivers to win titles in both the Truck and Busch Series.
Between 2003 and 2009, Biffle competed part-time in the Busch (later Nationwide) Series while focusing primarily on the Cup Series. He returned to victory lane in 2009 with wins at Las Vegas and Phoenix and made additional starts in 2010.
NASCAR Cup Series Career
Biffle competed full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2003 to 2016, driving the No. 16 Ford for Roush Racing. Over his Cup career, he earned 19 race victories and was a consistent playoff contender, becoming one of the most recognizable drivers of his era.
Return from Retirement
After stepping away from full-time competition, Biffle made several high-profile returns. In 2019, he drove for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Truck Series and won at Texas Motor Speedway, marking his first Truck Series victory in nearly two decades. In 2020, he made a one-off Truck Series start for GMS Racing at Darlington Raceway.
Legacy and Achievements
Biffle was the first of only three drivers to win championships in both the Craftsman Truck Series and the Busch Series. He was among only 36 drivers to win races across all three NASCAR national series, cementing his motorsport legacy.
Death
In December 2025, Gregory Jack Biffle was killed in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, along with all other passengers and crew members on board, including members of his family. His death was widely mourned throughout the motorsports community.
