"NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle Died an American Hero" by Christopher Jacobs, the Federalist

The Federalist--NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle Died An American Hero:

“… Born in Vancouver, Washington — not exactly the center of the stock car racing universe — Biffle’s success in the Pacific Northwest eventually drew the attention of former NASCAR Cup Champion Benny Parsons. Parsons recommended Biffle to longtime owner Jack Roush, with whom he had the biggest successes of his career.

As he raced up through the ranks, Biffle won the 2000 NASCAR Truck Series Championship and the 2002 series championship in the feeder series just below the premier Cup ranks. He ran full-time in the Cup Series from the 2003 through 2016 seasons, finishing as high as second in the 2005 season.

While Biffle never claimed an elusive Cup championship, he won 19 Cup races during his career, including consecutive wins (2005 and 2006) in the Southern 500, a “crown jewel” race at the notoriously tough Darlington Raceway. Tenacious as ever, he jumped into a truck in June 2019 — after more than two years out of NASCAR racing and at age 49 — and promptly won his return race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Those accomplishments, while impressive, wouldn’t necessarily warrant much attention outside the world of motorsports. By contrast, his greater achievements came in the fall of 2024, when Biffle, a longtime helicopter pilot, helped airlift supplies to residents trapped by mudslides and downed trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Flying through the mountains of western North Carolina, Biffle and other pilots like him brought badly needed food, water, gasoline, medicines, and other essential equipment to residents facing the prospect of being without power for months. …

“For me, it’s people helping people. Our motto in this country is … we don’t leave an American behind. And I had the opportunity in front of me to help more people and bring awareness. And it kind of snowballed.”

Biffle concluded this interview with a real-life recitation of the Golden Rule: “I would expect someone to do that for me — that’s why I want to do that for these folks.” He pledged to continue his efforts: “I’m gonna keep going until we feel like everybody’s got what they need.”

In an ironic tragedy, Biffle, who helped save lives via helicopter in the fall of 2024, lost his life in the air on Dec. 18. Biffle, his daughter Emma, his wife Cristina, their son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth, pilot Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack Dutton were all killed in a crash while their plane attempted to land at Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte. …

While the tragedy ended seven lives early, it cannot diminish the important work Biffle did to help his western North Carolina neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene just over a year ago. Gone too soon, Greg Biffle remains a champion on the track and in life.” …….

People: Greg Biffle’s Friend Receives the Biffle Family Holiday Card 3 Days After Fatal Plane Crash

“We hope that you are able to slow down and enjoy the magic and joy that this season has to offer. We hope you have a great New Year! Sending love, Greg, Cristina, Emma & Ryder” …….

Gracious Lord, receive Your Children and grant their loved ones Your Peace, Lord Jesus, Amen.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.