Bradenton Drag Race to Proceed in Honor of Greg Biffle After Fatal Plane Crash
A Bradenton motorsports race scheduled for Saturday will move forward in honor of Greg Biffle, the retired NASCAR driver who was killed Thursday in a plane crash in North Carolina.
Authorities said Biffle was traveling to Sarasota to visit a close friend when the business jet he was aboard crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all seven people on board. Among the victims were Biffle, his wife, their 14-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son, as well as three others.
Despite the tragedy, a drag race hosted by the friend Biffle was traveling to visit will continue as planned Saturday in Bradenton. The event will be held in Biffle’s honor.
Federal investigators are examining the wreckage of the Cessna C550, which erupted into a large fire when it struck the ground. The jet departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, and crashed less than 10 minutes later while attempting to return to the airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the plane turned back roughly five minutes after takeoff and struck trees, airport lights and a fence before coming to rest on the runway. Investigators noted drizzle and cloud cover at the time of the crash.
Flight records show the aircraft was registered to a company operated by Biffle. Investigators said three people on board held pilot licenses, but it has not yet been determined who was flying the aircraft at the time of the crash. The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered and is being sent to Washington, D.C. for analysis.
NTSB officials said investigators are reviewing radar data, video footage, witness statements and audio recordings as part of the ongoing investigation. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while the full investigation could take 12 to 18 months.
Biffle had been traveling to visit Bradenton-based YouTuber and racer Garrett Mitchell, known online as Cleetus McFarland. Mitchell, who owns Bradenton Motorsports Park and the Freedom Factory, confirmed the deaths on social media and shared plans to honor his longtime friend.
Saturday’s Christmas Tree Drags at Freedom Factory will be held in remembrance of Biffle and the others who lost their lives. Mitchell said in a post that Biffle would have wanted the event to continue, encouraging racers and fans to celebrate life and the sport he loved.
