Kyle Busch Weighs In on JGR vs. Gabehart Legal Battle

Busch not surprised by lawsuit, takes subtle jab at former team

Mar. 2, 2026 at 10:07pm

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NASCAR driver Kyle Busch commented on the ongoing legal battle between his former team, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), and Chris Gabehart, the former JGR competition director who now works for Spire Motorsports. Busch, who drove for JGR from 2008-2022, said he was "not surprised" by the lawsuit and made a not-so-subtle dig at his former organization.

Why it matters

The lawsuit between JGR and Gabehart has drawn significant attention away from the current NASCAR season, which the Spire Motorsports executive said is unfortunate given the sport's recent positive momentum. Busch's comments provide insight into the lingering tensions between the driver and his former team.

The details

JGR filed a lawsuit against Gabehart, seeking over $8 million in damages and alleging that he misappropriated trade secrets before leaving the organization to join Spire Motorsports. The team is also pursuing a temporary restraining order to prevent Gabehart from performing similar duties for Spire for 18 months. A judge has not yet ruled on the restraining order, instead encouraging both sides to continue discussions.

  • On March 1, 2026, Kyle Busch commented on the legal battle between JGR and Gabehart.
  • On February 9, 2026, Gabehart departed JGR to join Spire Motorsports.

The players

Kyle Busch

A NASCAR driver who competed for Joe Gibbs Racing from 2008 to 2022.

Joe Gibbs Racing

A NASCAR team that filed a lawsuit against Chris Gabehart, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets.

Chris Gabehart

The former competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing who now serves as the chief motorsports officer for Spire Motorsports.

Spire Motorsports

A NASCAR team that hired Chris Gabehart after he departed Joe Gibbs Racing.

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What they’re saying

“Doesn't surprise me.”

— Kyle Busch

“Take a guess.”

— Kyle Busch

“I feel bad for all the publicity that this has drawn away from the sport of NASCAR.”

— Chris Gabehart, Chief Motorsports Officer, Spire Motorsports

What’s next

A judge is expected to rule on the temporary restraining order against Gabehart in the coming days if no agreement is reached between the two parties.

The takeaway

The legal battle between JGR and Gabehart has created a distraction from the current NASCAR season, with Kyle Busch's comments hinting at lingering tensions between the driver and his former team. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the sport's competitive landscape.