Former racing driver Greg Biffle and members of his family were among seven people who died in a plane crash on Thursday in North Carolina, state police said.
The business jet erupted into flames when it hit the ground while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport, about 72km (45 miles) north of Charlotte.
Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle.
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“Although the post-crash fire prevents us from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time, it is believed that Mr Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane,” state police said.
Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across Nascar’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Truck Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.
“Greg was more than a champion driver; he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” Nascar said.
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