Denny Hamlin Responds to Joe Gibbs Racing Lawsuit Against Chris Gabehart

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin reacts to his former crew chief being sued by his team

Mar. 1, 2026 at 3:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Joe Gibbs Racing has filed a lawsuit against former crew chief and competition director Chris Gabehart, alleging he attempted to steal setup information, financial details, and other trade secrets to give to rival team Spire Motorsports. Denny Hamlin, who worked closely with Gabehart for years, responded to the news with a humorous reaction GIF featuring former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the competitive and often contentious nature of the NASCAR industry, where teams fiercely guard their intellectual property and technical advantages. The outcome could have significant implications for Gabehart's future in the sport, as well as the ongoing rivalry between the top teams.

The details

Joe Gibbs Racing has accused Gabehart of trying to gain greater control over the team's Cup Series program and, after failing to reach an agreement, leaving to potentially join Spire Motorsports. The lawsuit alleges Gabehart sought to take valuable setup information, financial data including driver salaries, and other trade secrets with him.

  • On Thursday, February 20, 2026, Joe Gibbs Racing filed the lawsuit against Chris Gabehart.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A NASCAR driver who worked closely with Chris Gabehart for years as his crew chief.

Chris Gabehart

The former crew chief and competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing who is being sued by the organization.

Joe Gibbs Racing

The NASCAR team that has filed a lawsuit against Chris Gabehart, alleging he attempted to steal trade secrets.

Spire Motorsports

The NASCAR Cup Series rival team that Gabehart is rumored to be joining after leaving Joe Gibbs Racing.

Kenny Wallace

A former NASCAR driver who has become a social media personality, with one of his reactions being used by Denny Hamlin to respond to the lawsuit news.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Look, no one in NASCAR is as funny and charismatic as Kenny Wallace. So, it's not a surprise Herm has been made into a reaction GIF already.”

— Denny Hamlin

What’s next

The outcome of the lawsuit between Joe Gibbs Racing and Chris Gabehart could have significant implications for Gabehart's future in NASCAR, as well as the ongoing rivalry between the top teams in the sport.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the highly competitive and sometimes contentious nature of the NASCAR industry, where teams fiercely protect their intellectual property and technical advantages. The resolution of this case could set an important precedent for how teams handle employee departures and the transfer of sensitive information.