Racer Greg Biffle Was a Humanitarian ‘Hero’
In 2023, Greg Biffle was named one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers. During his 24-year racing career, the Washington-state native won 19 NASCAR Cup Series races, plus championships in the Xfinity and Truck series.
In 2024, Biffle received the Myers Brothers Award for his “extraordinary efforts” to aid Appalachian communities hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Reflecting on that work, Biffle said, “I had no idea at that point in time how devastating this storm was. What started out to be rescuing one family…turned into 4,000 messages [for help].”
During one of his flights, Biffle saw a trapped man signaling for help with a mirror. The retired racer was eventually able to get supplies to that community, and this year he returned to check in with the residents. “The feeling you get when you win that race, that’s the feeling you get when you’re able to help people in need,” said Biffle.
When NASCAR Hall of Fame voters discussed nominee Greg Biffle, the word “hero” often came up, according to ESPN’s Ryan McGee. “He plucked stranded victims off mountains, posted videos of those he couldn’t get to in the hopes that someone else could, and dropped supplies anywhere and everywhere they were needed,” McGee wrote. “Biffle did that for weeks.”
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Asked about the expense of his rescue flights, Biffle responded, “Do you realize how fortunate I have been?…My dream came true. I have more than I ever could have wanted. How much is this costing me? Think about how much this hurricane has cost those people up there.”
Biffle, who said he had worried about “being able to give back to the people who are the reason I have been able to have this life,” noted, “Maybe this is the answer I was looking for.”
Two weeks ago, when McGee last talked to Biffle, the reporter mentioned the gratitude of storm survivors. In response, Biffle said, “Use what you earned to help those who lost what they earned.” He added, “We only get one shot at this deal. Why waste it?”
