Nov 26, 2025
Nov 19, 2025
Late NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle’s 112-Foot Yacht “Checkered Past” Still Docked in Daytona
- BoatBlurb Contributor
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
The 112-foot yacht Checkered Past, formerly owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, remains tied up at Daytona Marina and Boat Works months after the racer's death, drawing attention from boaters and race fans alike.
Biffle was tragically killed on December 18, 2025, when his Cessna 550 jet crashed shortly after taking off from Statesville Airport in North Carolina. Biffle, his wife Cristina and their two children - Emma and Ryder - were all killed, as well as the pilot and his son.
The vessel has been docked along the Halifax River near the Chart House Restaurant since shortly after Biffle's death, where it continues to draw visitors due to both its size and connection to the longtime NASCAR racer. The yacht was listed earlier this year for approximately $4.39 million USD through Fraser Yachts, but the listing has since been deactivated without confirmation of a sale. Since the boat remains in the slip, it's likely still unsold.
Built in 1999 by Westport in Washington State and refit in 2014, Checkered Past was custom-designed to balance short-range cruising with long-range adventuring to make it the perfect "Bahamas cruiser." With an LOA of 112' (34.1 m), a beam of 24' (7.3 m), and just a 6' (1.82 m) draught, the hull is considered 'semi-displacement' for better overall stability and higher cruising speeds.
Her interior boasts a spacious floorplan that accommodates up to eight guests, along with quarters for a four-person crew. The main deck features a large salon and dining area, plus an enormous country-style kitchen with an adjacent dining banquette. Her interior was designed as a collaboration between Sheryl Guyan and Pacific Custom Interiors.
Below deck is a full-beam master suite with “his and hers” ensuite, crew quarters, and a storage area with laundry. Up top is a complete flybridge with a second helm, salon and social area, and a hot tub. Power comes via twin MTU diesel engines each producing 1800hp, allowing her to reach an impressive top speed of 24 knots and cruise at 18 knots.
Biffle’s love for boating was well-known in the racing community, with the 55-year-old driver regularly posting from the vessel on social media. Biffle retired from racing in 2016, although he never made a formal announcement, and instead switched his attention to his family and several business ventures. During his career, he won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship in 2000 and the Busch Series championship in 2002, but surprisingly never claimed the top title in the NASCAR Cup Series despite winning 19 races between 2003 and 2016. He finished second in points in 2005. Driving primarily for Roush Fenway Racing, he made more than 500 starts at NASCAR’s top level. He was also voted one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers.
In recent years, he became a close friend with fellow racer and YouTuber Cletus McFarland, aka Garret Mitchell, who has since broken into NASCAR himself. Biffle raced in several of McFarland's events at his Freedom Factory raceway in Bradenton, Florida.
Both dabbled in boat racing, too. At last summer's Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, Biffle and Mitchell paired up to run a 50' Mystic jet-powered turbine catamaran. Sadly, Biffle and his family were en route to visit Mitchell for the weekend when his plane crashed.
Despite the listing and public attention, Checkered Past remains in its berth at Daytona Marina and Boat Works. The marina is just four miles from NASCAR's most popular track, Daytona International Speedway, meaning the boat will keep attracting boaters and race fans until it's sold.
Keep an eye out for the new listing.
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