Such a sad reminder of the life that was lost late last year.
It was back on December 18 that the world lost NASCAR legend Greg Biffle. The former NASCAR driver and six others – his wife, Cristina Grossu; their 5-year old son Ryder; his 14-year old daughter (from a previous marriage) Emma; Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack; and Craig Wadsworth – passed away after a private Cessna Citation II with tail number N257BW crashed just minutes after taking off from the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
According to flight tracking data, the plane took off at around 10:06 AM eastern time, and just minutes later, it turned back towards the airport to attempt an emergency landing. As to who was flying the plane, investigation has revealed that Dennis Dutton was most likely piloting the aircraft. He and two others onboard – including Biffle himself – were licensed pilots. Various mechanical issues were to blame in early reports, and a final report – which usually comes 12-18 months after the incident – should reach more definite conclusions.
Months after Biffle’s tragic passing, his yacht – named “Checkered Past” – is still parked at the Daytona Beach Marina and Boat Works. The boat, which was built in 1999 and runs 112-feet, is large enough to accommodate up to eight guests and four crew. The staff at the Daytona Beach marina say its still for sale, according to the Daytona Beach News Journal. But other brokers say that the 20-foot-wide vessel is no longer for sale.
Here’s a video of the boat from back in December, when it was rumored to be making its way north (potentially to Daytona Beach, where it has now stayed for months):
So sad to think that a yacht that used to provide the Biffle family so much joy now sits empty.
The yacht had previously been listed for $4.39 million. If it is still for sale, like marina workers say, it’s probably still asking for that price. If it is off the market, it could be for a number of reasons. There’s the possibility that the yacht that used to belong to the NASCAR driver was sold. There’s also the chance that the listing agreement for the boat expired, or that “Checkered Past” was pulled off the market for now, and could always land back on the market with an updated price.
All in all, it’s a heavy reminder that Biffle and his family are no longer here. And that reminder could continue next month when the NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class for 2027 is announced. Greg Biffle is one of 10 others considered to be “modern era” drivers that are on the list of nominees. There’s a good chance that Biffle’s career accomplishments will make him a 2027 inductee.
Prior to his retirement from NASCAR in 2016, Biffle racked up 19 career Cup Series wins. In total, the driver boasted over 50 wins (when you count victories in the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series). But the most important accomplishments of his life were being a husband and a father… and it’s still hard to fathom the tragic loss of the Biffle family.
Here’s a look inside the yacht… it’s a beauty:
