After Hurricane Helene destroyed the town of Black Mountain, Western North Carolina, the sound of a helicopter whirring overhead felt like some sort of a warning, something used to help rescue a town still trying to rebuild. However, seven months later, the same sound became a reason to smile for the locals. Piloting a helicopter over the town was Greg Biffle, dropping easter eggs for kids as they ran across the area, trying to find hidden treats.

For most of his life, Greg Biffle has brought smiles to everyone’s faces. So, now, after his untimely demise due to a plane crash on Thursday, December 18, his NASCAR fans are pushing for something to further enlighten his legacy beyond what his racing resume and humanitarian efforts already hold.

“In ruminating on today’s tragedy, I was thinking about ways to honor Greg Biffle’s legacy. It seems to me that an appropriate way to do so could be the establishment of a top-tier award for the Cup driver who best exemplifies Biffle’s humanitarian and charitable legacy,” former NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace’s son, Greg, shared an idea to honor Biffle.

No doubt, fans were down to continue Biffle’s legacy.

Some even named the award The Biff after the legend’s nickname during his racing tenure. Apart from his unique gift-giving ideas, multiple stories prove how Biffle was an even better person.

When Hurricane Helene destroyed parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, Biffle got a message that his family friend was waiting to be rescued. Since he already had a license to pilot a helicopter from 2001, he did not wait for any official requests and went straight to be a helping hand in need.

“I got a message that somebody needed help… If I don’t go, who’s going to?” he had said back then.

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While his friend was already rescued, he found a family of tourists stuck in an Airbnb who needed resources. Since then, he and his team flew for days in the area, rescuing people and helping them with food, water, medicine, and whatever resources they needed to survive.

He also founded the Greg Biffle Foundation, which focuses on animal rescue, welfare, and support. It provides resources to animal shelters and also veterinary care. Moreover, he actively engaged in community service and support along with his wife, Cristina.

He was a true hero of the people. Unfortunately, the good die young. Just five days before his 56th birthday, as he, his family, and a couple of friends set out for some early celebration, the tragic news made headlines.

After some technical issues, his plane had to be returned to  Statesville Regional Airport (SVH), where they took off just a few minutes ago. While landing, the plane crashed at 10.15 am on Thursday. According to YouTuber, part-time NASCAR driver, and friend, Garrett Mitchell (aka Cleetus McFarland), they were all flying to his place. Investigation into the cause is ongoing right now.

According to the latest reports, Biffle, along with his wife Cristina, 5-year-old son Ryder, Biffle’s daughter from another marriage, Emma (14), Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, a member of the NASCAR community. Following his departure, fans have come forward to support Greg Wallace’s idea.

Fans react to the idea of an award after Greg Biffle’s efforts

“I agree. this is an amazing idea to honor his legacy and humanitarian work to WNC during Hurricane Helene,” a fan agreed with the idea of having an award named after Biffle, highlighting his efforts during the Hurricane Helen tragedy last year. Many NASCAR drivers also take initiatives to help those in need, and this award could help put their efforts in the spotlight.

NASCAR has many memorial trophies for late drivers, and the sport is expected to do something similar after Biffle’s untimely death. However, fans also had other suggestions: “Yes. This is a great idea. If NASCAR doesn’t do it. The drivers and owners should do it collectively on their own.”

But some were quite direct with their approach to the sport, like a user mentioned, “@NASCAR make this a thing.”

However, some felt like this wasn’t enough. So, one suggested that he should be given a Presidential Medal for his efforts. “He also needs to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his humanitarian work.  Such a sad, sad day.” Another supported by giving example from another sport that America loves: “Great idea like the Walter Payton award for NASCAR, it’s accurate”

WPMOY is an annual award in the NFL given to a player who made an impact in his community, along with his on-field performance. The award was established in 1970 and was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton. Now, every team votes for a player from their squad who is then chosen for the award.

While we await NASCAR’s order on the same, it is not too late to realize that, award or not, we can already begin helping people in need as Biffle did. Rest in peace, legend.