Updated: January 22, 2026
Greg Biffle, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion known for his grit on the track and 19 career wins, had a personal life that often made headlines for all the wrong reasons. His first marriage to Nicole Lunders drew significant attention due to a high-profile divorce filled with allegations, lawsuits, and heartbreak. While Biffle’s racing legacy remains strong, many fans still search for details about his ex-wife amid the tragedies that later struck his family.
In this post, we’ll explore who Nicole Lunders is, the timeline of their relationship, the messy split, and where things stand today.
Table of Contents
Who Is Nicole Lunders?
Nicole Lunders (now often referred to as Nicole Lunders Biffle in older reports) was Greg Biffle’s first wife and the mother of his daughter, Emma Elizabeth Biffle. Born and raised in a relatively private life before meeting Greg, Nicole became part of the NASCAR spotlight during their marriage.
The couple dated for several years before tying the knot in a ceremony on October 17, 2007. Their union seemed picture-perfect at first—a NASCAR star and his supportive partner building a life together in North Carolina. They welcomed their only child, daughter Emma, in July 2011. Emma was the center of their world, and Nicole focused much of her energy on motherhood while Greg pursued his racing career.
Despite the public facade, cracks began to appear, leading to one of the more dramatic celebrity divorces in motorsports history.
The Marriage and Bitter Divorce
Greg and Nicole’s marriage lasted nearly a decade but ended in separation in March 2015. The divorce was finalized in early 2016 after a year of legal proceedings.
What made their split so public and contentious? Mutual accusations of infidelity surfaced during the proceedings. Court filings revealed Greg had installed security cameras in private areas of their home, which Nicole claimed violated her privacy. In a 2018 civil trial, a North Carolina jury ruled in Nicole’s favor on the privacy invasion claim, ordering Greg to pay her $250,001 in damages (including punitive elements).
- Key events in the divorce saga:
- Alleged affair by Nicole with a tennis instructor (discovered via cameras, per filings).
- Greg’s separate lawsuit against the instructor for “alienation of affection.”
- Nicole initially sought millions in damages for herself and her mother (related to the cameras), though the jury awarded far less.
- Post-divorce, Greg gained primary custody of Emma, though co-parenting continued.
The case highlighted privacy issues in high-profile marriages and left both parties dealing with lasting public scrutiny.
Life After Divorce for Nicole Lunders
Following the divorce, Nicole stepped back from the spotlight to focus on raising Emma and rebuilding her life. She maintained a low profile compared to Greg’s continued NASCAR involvement and his later remarriage.
Tragically, Emma—Nicole’s only child—passed away at age 14 in a devastating plane crash on December 18, 2025, alongside Greg, his second wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their son Ryder. The Cessna C550 crash at Statesville Regional Airport claimed seven lives total, including the Biffle family members.
Nicole attended Emma’s funeral, where she shared a gut-wrenching admission about her profound loss as a mother. Reports described her grief as overwhelming, marking an unimaginably painful chapter after years of family challenges.
Key Facts at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the most searched details related to Greg Biffle’s ex-wife:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicole Lunders (ex-Nicole Biffle) |
| Marriage Date | October 17, 2007 |
| Separation Date | March 2015 |
| Divorce Finalized | Early 2016 |
| Child Together | Emma Elizabeth Biffle (born July 2011, died December 2025 at age 14) |
| Major Legal Outcome | $250,001 awarded to Nicole in 2018 privacy lawsuit |
| Current Status (2026) | Surviving ex-spouse; grieving mother |
This table captures the core timeline and facts that often come up in searches.
Conclusion
Greg Biffle’s ex-wife, Nicole Lunders, was more than just a footnote in a NASCAR star’s story—she was a devoted mother whose life intertwined with fame, legal battles, and profound tragedy. Their marriage started with promise but ended in bitterness, yet both tried to prioritize their daughter Emma amid the chaos.
In the wake of the 2025 plane crash that took Emma, Greg, Cristina, and Ryder, Nicole’s loss stands out as especially heartbreaking. She now carries the memories of her daughter alone, a reminder of life’s fragility even after the checkered flag falls.
Fans continue to remember Greg’s racing achievements, but his personal chapters—including his time with Nicole—add layers to the man behind the helmet. Rest in peace to Emma and the entire family lost too soon.