By David Morgan, NASCAR Contributor
After 19 seasons driving for Roush-Fenway Racing, the longest tenured driver for the organization, Greg Biffle, announced his departure from the team on Monday.
Biffle, who finished the 2016 season ranked 23rd in points, drove in all three national NASCAR series for the team, starting in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 1998 before moving to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time in 2001 and finally climbing behind the wheel of the No. 16 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2002, where he has remained ever since.
During his time in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series, Biffle brought Roush-Fenway their first championships in 2000 and 2002, respectively, and came within 35 points of becoming the first driver to win a championship in all three NASCAR divisions after winning six races in 2005.
“We’ve had an incredible run and I am so appreciative for the opportunity to be a part of Roush Fenway. For a kid that grew up Washington, I’m extremely proud of everything we have been able to accomplish over the last 19 years – both on and off the track. I’ve enjoyed every minute. I’m excited about the next chapter of my life, and I look forward to exploring other opportunities – particularly in radio and television – both inside and outside of NASCAR,” said Biffle.
“I’m thankful to Jack Roush for the opportunity to have driven his race cars for all these years. It’s very rare in this sport to have been able to stay with one team this many years, and to have been as successful as we have been.”
“As much as the trophies and championships, I will cherish the memories and the relationships forged during our run. We had some great teams, fast race cars and some really outstanding partners over the past two decades. I’ll always be thankful to everyone that gave us the opportunity to go out and accomplish the milestones that we have been able to.”
During his 15 years in the Sprint Cup Series, Biffle won 19 times, with his last win coming in 2013. In addition to his Cup wins, Biffle also amassed 20 wins in the Xfinity Series over 12 seasons, and 16 wins in the Truck Series in a five year span. He is also one of only 17 drivers to make 500 consecutive starts in the Cup Series.
“I don’t have the words to say what Greg has meant to this organization. He is a true racer who has always exhibited a will to win and an intense passion for speed. For almost two decades Greg has given us an opportunity to run up front and compete for wins,” said team owner, Jack Roush.
“Greg exemplifies what every owner hopes for in a driver and I’m extremely thankful for having him as part of our organization. I know that Greg and I will maintain a strong friendship and I look forward to leaning on him on occasion as we continue to work on improving our performance.”
