More than a racer: At his marker, community remembers Greg Biffle for his heart
The last stop on the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame in Mooresville sits covered in poinsettias, Christmas wreaths and several bouquets of flowers. They surround a shadowed portrait of Greg Biffle and his racing number, 16.
Kevin O’Reilly of Mooresville slowly unraveled a grocery bag and added another poinsettia to the mix on Friday. O’Reilly wasn’t a NASCAR fan, but came to know Biffle from Biffle’s work to help people after Hurricane Helene.
O’Reilly’s brother lives in Western North Carolina and O’Reilly was struck by Biffle’s desire — despite his status and resources — to help others during his time of need.
“There’s a lot of people that have a lot of notoriety and fame and don’t do anything with it,” he said. “It’s kind of nice to see someone with a little bit of power giving back to their community.”
On Friday, community members slowly walked by Biffle’s marker to pay respect to the NASCAR legend, who died in a plane crash Thursday in Statesville. But while he was a marvel to watch as a racer, admirers say he should also be remembered for his heart and selfless personality.
An all-around person
Chris Minich had the privilege of watching Biffle work up close.
They both worked on cars together in Livonia, Michigan, under motorsports icon Jack Roush. Even after making a name for himself, Biffle came in ready to work, Minich said. He wasn’t put on a pedestal.
“He was absolutely an all-around person,” Minich said. “I mean, he knew how to work, he knew how to drive, and he knew how to win.”
Minich said he was shocked and saddened to hear that Biffle, his wife, two children and three others were killed in the crash. He hopes people remember his career in NASCAR, but also remember the work he did outside of the sport too.
“I can’t even begin to tell you about how he handled (helping) people in the hurricane last year. I mean, he just gave from the heart,” he said. “ He was never pretentious, always grateful, and just an all-around good guy, seriously.”
Longtime Biffle fans
Chris Grash has watched Biffle for years.
As a longtime Tony Stewart fan, he’s seen his skills on the track many times. Grash even recalls a 2005 championship race where Biffle placed just barely behind Stewart. Biffle was a great racer, Grash said at Biffle’s marker on Friday.
“When you’re a fan of NASCAR, you’re a fan of all the drivers in some form,” Grash said. “(Biffle) was a good guy, so I’m super sad that he’s gone and that his family is gone as well.”
This story was originally published December 19, 2025 at 2:57 PM with the headline "More than a racer: At his marker, community remembers Greg Biffle for his heart."