Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle has been selected as the honorary starter for this year’s Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Scheduled for Sunday, October 13, at 2 p.m., this race will also show a recognition of Biffle’s heroic disaster relief efforts following the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene. Biffle has taken been using his personal helicopter to deliver essential supplies to those stranded in isolated areas.
Biffle recounted on X how he was able to locate stranded individuals through the reflection of sunlight from a mirror, stating:
“The mirror that caught our attention well over a mile away. Only way we were able to find someone stranded in the mountains at bottom of steep canyon. 6 attempts to land due to difficulty but we got there – got him a chainsaw, EpiPens, insulin, chicken food, formula, gas, 2 stroke oil, and sandwiches premade from Harris Teeter before we left #hurricanehelene” [sic]
The mirror that caught our attention well over a mile away 👀 only way we we were able to find someone stranded in the mountains at bottom of steep canyon. 6 attempts to land due to difficulty but we got there – got him a chainsaw, EpiPens, insulin, chicken food, formula, gas, 2… pic.twitter.com/Wdl4w7hMZM — Greg Biffle (@gbiffle) October 3, 2024
Biffle’s missions involved partnering with technology companies like Starlink and vehicle manufacturer Polaris to restore communication services in disrupted areas. These collaborations enabled him to set up internet connectivity and mobile services. Moreover, by transporting generators, chainsaws, medical supplies like EpiPens and insulin, as well as basic necessities such as food and gasoline, Biffle played an essential role in the survival and recovery of many affected communities.
Tanner Gray, driver of the #15 Dead On Tools Toyota, leads the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2024 in Concord, North Carolina. Greg Biffle will be the honorary starter of the Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Logan Riely/Getty Images
His personal account of these missions reveals the depth of his involvement. He explained to NASCAR:
“It’s been busy — a lot of seat time in the helicopter, more than I ever would have imagined in my life. But it feels good to be able to get supplies and things in need into these people that need the help the most, that are still cut off. The mission now is, even though the roads are starting to open, the grocery stores aren’t. Some of the grocery stores are wiped out, gas stations still don’t have fuel, the power is not back on everywhere, so these folks still need supplies and food, and they can’t just hop in their car and go driving around looking, because they’ll ultimately end up out of gas somewhere and stranded. So the mission continues.”
The significance of Biffle’s role as an honorary starter is heightened by the participation of NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Ricky Rudd and Carl Edwards, who will serve as Grand Marshals for the race. Their roles in the event honor their impending induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
The pre-race ceremonies will also feature a heartfelt tribute, as ten helicopter pilots who played pivotal roles during the Hurricane Helene relief efforts join in a symbolic flyover.
