Former JGR Employee Sues Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Chris Gabehart claims lawsuit is 'punishing a former employee for daring to leave'

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Chris Gabehart, the former competition director of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), has filed a declaration claiming that the NASCAR team is suing him for 'daring to leave' the organization when the situation surrounding team owner Joe Gibbs' grandson Ty Gibbs became untenable. Gabehart admits to taking photographs of JGR files, but maintains his own forensic audit showed no evidence that he shared the information with any other organization, including his new employer Spire Motorsports.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the tensions within JGR over the management of Ty Gibbs' team and the challenges faced by employees who may want to leave the organization. It also raises questions about the protection of trade secrets and the rights of employees to take new jobs.

The details

According to Gabehart's declaration, he was pressured to crew chief Ty Gibbs' team despite being promoted to competition director, and he expressed 'serious concerns' about how Ty's team was managed, claiming it was not held to the same standards as other JGR teams. Gabehart says he conceded to the pressure and crew chiefed Ty's team for nine consecutive races, but the situation eventually became untenable, leading him to begin negotiating a separation agreement with JGR.

  • In late June 2025, Gabehart called nine consecutive races on the pit box for Ty Gibbs.
  • Near the end of the 2025 season, Gabehart began working on a separation agreement with JGR and was told to say he was 'on vacation' if anyone asked why he was not working.
  • In November 2025, JGR stopped paying Gabehart as negotiations over his parting grew contentious and talks eventually ceased.

The players

Chris Gabehart

The former competition director of Joe Gibbs Racing who is challenging the team's lawsuit against him, claiming it is 'punishing a former employee for daring to leave'.

Joe Gibbs

The Pro Football Hall of Fame coach who co-owns Joe Gibbs Racing with his daughter-in-law, Heather Gibbs.

Ty Gibbs

Joe Gibbs' grandson, who is in his fourth full Cup season driving for his grandfather's team.

Spire Motorsports

The rival NASCAR team that Joe Gibbs Racing has added to its lawsuit against Gabehart, alleging he took proprietary information from JGR to bring with him to his new role at Spire.

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What they’re saying

“This lawsuit is not about protecting trade secrets, it is about punishing a former employee for daring to leave.”

— Chris Gabehart, Former Competition Director, Joe Gibbs Racing

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether or not to allow Gabehart to work for Spire Motorsports while the lawsuit is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions that can arise when a successful organization like Joe Gibbs Racing faces challenges in managing family members and retaining key employees. It raises questions about the balance between protecting trade secrets and respecting the rights of employees to pursue new opportunities.