While former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom on social media for his heroic actions after Hurricane Helene, Elon Musk has taken to X to explain how people aren’t allowed to transport essential supplies by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) anymore.
Biffle recently went a step ahead and used his own helicopter to deliver items of necessity, including the internet, to people stranded in remote areas. The 54-year-old driver collaborated with Musk’s SpaceX, which donated 3 pallets of Starlink systems. He also teamed up with Polaris and supplied generators to those affected by the disaster.
Musk has been involved in relief efforts as well. He shared a video of SpaceX engineers attempting to deliver Starlink devices to affected areas via helicopter, but noted that FEMA had restricted the helicopter from landing. Frustrated by the situation, he voiced his anger in a tweet, stating:
“SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals & supplies to devastated areas in North Carolina right now and @FEMA is both failing to help AND won’t let others help. This is unconscionable!!

SOUTH BOSTON, VIRGINIA – JUNE 25: Greg Biffle #69 stands on the grid during practice for the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at South Boston Speedway on June 25, 2022 in South Boston, Virginia. Greg helped people affected by Hurricane Helene in his own helicopter.
Jared Tilton/SRX/Getty Images
“They just took this video a few hours ago, where you can see the level of devastation: roads, houses, electricity, water supply and ground internet connections completely destroyed.
“@FEMA wouldn’t let them land to deliver critical supplies … my blood is boiling …”
SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals & supplies to devastated areas in North Carolina right now and @FEMA is both failing to help AND won’t let others help. This is unconscionable!!
They just took this video a few hours ago, where you can see the level of… pic.twitter.com/abpOsfNenF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024
Musk later clarified that it wasn’t just his SpaceX team facing obstacles. He explained that anyone attempting to assist in the area was being prevented from doing so.
Yeah, it’s not just SpaceX. They won’t let anyone help!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024
While there has been no update from Biffle on FEMA’s prohibition, Musk’s post could mean that the semi-retired NASCAR driver could be stopped from helping people in distress.
One standout post on X highlights the NASCAR man’s determination, where individuals stranded in the mountains caught his attention by reflecting sunlight with a mirror. Biffle mentioned that he made six landing attempts before finally succeeding, due to the challenging terrain. He wrote:
“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 stroke oil, and sandwiches premade from Harris Teeter before we left #hurricanehelene”
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
ESPN analyst Marty Smith has nominated Biffle on X for the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his heroic efforts. He stated:
“Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle should receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his ongoing and ceaseless heroic efforts in western North Carolina, using his helicopter & coordinating w/ others to save lives. Go to @gbiffle to see his amazing effort. Thank you Greg.”
Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle should receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his ongoing and ceaseless heroic efforts in western North Carolina, using his helicopter & coordinating w/ others to save lives.
Go to @gbiffle to see his amazing effort.
Thank you Greg.— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) October 3, 2024





