ESPN analyst Marty Smith has nominated NASCAR driver Greg Biffle for the Presidential Medal of Freedom on social media after his heroic actions during Hurricane Helene where he used his private helicopter to deliver essential supplies and internet to help people affected by the disaster.
Last weekend, Hurricane Helene made landfall on the southern coast of the United States, striking Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. The hurricane has left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands and resulting in more than 100 fatalities, with many still unaccounted for. The storm has triggered unprecedented flooding, particularly in the mountainous regions of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, completely devastating entire communities.
The NASCAR community contributed to the rescue efforts. From drivers to teams and even racetracks, help was offered in the best possible way. However, what stood out the most was Biffle’s contribution. The 54-year-old driver received 500 Starlink kits to distribute to areas lacking cell service and internet connectivity, along with several generators from Polaris. Here’s a video of Biffle on X, thanking Polaris and SpaceX for the difference they’ve been making:
One particular post on X that reflects his efforts was when people stranded in the mountains attracted his attention by shining the mirror against the sun. Biffle stated that he made six attempts to land before being successful, considering the undulations on the terrain. He wrote:

DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – MAY 14: NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France (L) congratulates former NASCAR Series Cup driver Greg Biffle on selection to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 14, 2023 in Darlington, South Carolina. Greg Biffle was applauded on X for his contribution to help hurricane Helene victims.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
“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
The semi-retired NASCAR driver is being applauded for his contributions on X, including Smith, who advocates that Biffle be awarded with the highest honor for an American citizen. He said the following:
“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
Here’s another post from Biffle on X as he flies over to Asheville to drop off supplies, which looks devastated by the impact of the storm. The NASCAR hero mentions an unconfirmed “propane or fuel leak” in the area, urging people down there to stay safe.





