“Time for me to move on”: When Greg Biffle explained his decision to part ways with Roush Fenway Racing

NASCAR legend Greg Biffle once explained his decision to leave Roush Fenway Racing (now known as Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing). For nearly two decades, the names Biffle and RFR were synonymous. From the dirt tracks of the Pacific Northwest to NASCAR’s top-tier series, Biffle was the backbone of Jack Roush’s team at that time.

After the 2016 NASCAR Cup Series season, the partnership officially ended. After 19 years, 19 Cup Series wins, a NASCAR Truck Series championship in 2000, and a NASCAR Busch (O’Reilly) Series championship in 2002, Greg Biffle announced he was mutually stepping away from the #16 Ford.

Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio late in 2016, Greg Biffle opened up about the difficult choice to move on. He revealed that the crossroads was one he had approached several times before.

“It's been a tough decision to make. I've kind of been faced with it several times throughout my career. … I felt like it had kind of run its course. I felt like it was time for me to move on and explore some other opportunities,” Biffle said. [via NASCAR.com]

The decision to part ways with RFR was not driven by frustration. Despite the professional split, Biffle admitted that he shares a deep bond with team owner Jack Roush, who gave him a big break in his racing career.

“I've enjoyed my time with Roush, and Jack (Roush) has meant a tremendous amount to me.” Biffle continued.

Driving the #16 Ford, Greg Biffle’s best season came in 2005, when he won six races, had a career-best 15 top-five finishes, and ended up finishing the season as runner-up in the championship standings.

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2016 with Roush Fenway Racing was Greg Biffle’s last season in NASCAR

After mutually parting ways with RFR in 2016, Greg Biffle did not sign on with a ride for the 2017 season; instead, he joined NBC Sports’ NASCAR America as an analyst that year. Then, he returned in 2022 to run five races, including the Daytona 500 with the NY Racing team.

In the aforementioned interview in 2016, speaking about why his deal with JTG Daugherty didn’t work out, Biffle said:

“It was probably my toughest decision to make, to not have another deal. I have talked to several teams, including the JTG (Daugherty) team. I met with those guys probably a month, month-and-a-half ago. They're a great organization, they've got competitive cars, but it just really didn't work with me.”

Biffle, 55, and his family, including wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder, lost their lives in a devastating airplane crash on Thursday (December 18) at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville.

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Edited by Yash Soni