Hurricane Helene has proved to be devastating for families and communities across the North Carolina region. Helene has been one of the biggest hurricanes to hit the US mainland in the last 50 years. The emergency services and relief workers did their best to help out the stranded people, but former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle’s contribution caught the eyes of many.

A friend asked Biffle if he would be able to fly out his helicopter to assist a family rescue in western North Carolina on September 28, which he did. But witnessing the devastation and the people in dire need of help, he quickly understood his job wasn’t done with a single rescue. Next thing you know, he made multiple flights in his helicopter, which quickly turned into Operation Airdrop.

He soon gathered the support of others and carried out rescue operations. His team has flown food, water, insulin, generators, wifi, and other essentials to families stranded in rough parts across the region. The NASCAR racing community has taken notice of the selfless work and effort Gregg Biffle has put into helping people. As a token of appreciation, Biffle has been announced as the honorary starter of the playoff race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“Greg Biffle will be the honorary starter for the Cup race Sunday at Charlotte in recognition of his hurricane relief efforts in flying his helicopter with supplies and communication services to help those in Western North Carolina.” Bob Pockrass shared this update on X. This news was well received by the fans, as they started pouring in with their heartfelt messages for Biffle over his relief efforts.

Gregg Biffle’s legacy stretches beyond NASCAR

Biffle’s efforts weren’t limited to rescue operations; he even gathered more support through his documentation of the rescue by posting it online. He helped people with supplies such as fuel, internet connections, and even construction equipment. Reacting to his act of humanity in such adverse times, a fan wrote, “That’s Great, and so deserving. He’s been going in there for almost two weeks. Now having so many people contributing free gas, chain saws, water, food…What a Hero!👍.”

With over 500 Cup starts to his name, Gregg Biffle has dedicated good years of his life to racing in NASCAR. He has 19 wins and a runner-up championship finish, but for some reason, he has never received recognition for his efforts until now. “I was never a huge beautiful fan when he was a driver but he has definitely earned my respect and admiration for the work he is done for the effective people of hurricane Helene. The man deserves a presidential medal for all the hard work and lies he has saved over the last month.”

The honorary starter generally waves the green flag to get the race going. However, a few fans wanted him to give the command and also drive the pace car. “It would be awesome if Biffle gave the command to start their engines. Then, jumped in the Pace Car and brought the field to the green!”

NASCAR teams and the racing community have been proactive in helping the people affected by Hurricane Helene. 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan funded $1 million to the relief fund, and Talladega winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. mentioned he was going to contribute to helping people affected by the storm. But this race fan was angry at how the celebrities chose to ignore the suffering of the people affected in the region.

“Good, Greg Biffle actually used his resources for good, which 99% of celebrities/well of people couldn’t be bothered to do. I know it’s not a thank you worth what he did but at least Nascar themselves are doing something to honor him and his actions.” A fan shared this via X.

Another user also came forward with a brilliant suggestion on how Biffle’s efforts and his selfless act could be further celebrated. NASCAR did recognize Dr. Dean Sicking for his invention of the SAFER Barrier with the Landmark award. However, this fan suggested the HOF can do something along the lines for Biffle too: “I hope they do some sort of recognition award for him at the end of the year, or HOF ceremony. They guy deserves it.”

What are your thoughts on Gregg Biffle’s work, and does NASCAR need to bring more light to his contribution and efforts outside of racing?