Joe Gibbs Racing Sues Former Competition Director Chris Gabehart

JGR alleges Gabehart attempted to take confidential team information to Spire Motorsports after leaving the organization.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal lawsuit filed by Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) against Chris Gabehart, the NASCAR team's former competition director, accuses Gabehart of attempting to steal the organization's sensitive information for a competitor, Spire Motorsports. JGR maintains that Gabehart breached his contract by meeting with Spire Motorsports and conducting research on the team while still employed at JGR.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the competitive nature of NASCAR and the importance of protecting trade secrets and confidential information within racing organizations. It raises questions about employee loyalty, non-compete agreements, and the lengths teams will go to safeguard their competitive advantages.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Gabehart became dissatisfied with his position at JGR during the 2025 season and requested 'carte blanche authority over all racing decisions.' When JGR owner Joe Gibbs declined, Gabehart said he preferred to leave the team. After Gabehart's departure, JGR's investigation of his company laptop revealed that he had conducted online research about Spire Motorsports, possessed photos of confidential JGR files, and planned to become Spire's chief motorsports officer, where he would be responsible for the team's racing strategy and operations.

  • On November 6, 2025, Gabehart met with Joe Gibbs and requested more authority over JGR's competition efforts.
  • On November 10, 2025, JGR presented Gabehart with a separation agreement that would have allowed him to work for another NASCAR team, provided he agreed not to solicit key employees and contractors and returned JGR equipment and information.
  • In the days following Gabehart's departure from JGR, the team learned that he had been meeting with Jeff Dickerson, the owner of Spire Motorsports.
  • On February 11, 2026, JGR learned that Gabehart planned to become the chief motorsports officer at Spire Motorsports.

The players

Joe Gibbs Racing

A NASCAR team that has filed a federal lawsuit against its former competition director, Chris Gabehart, for allegedly attempting to steal the organization's sensitive information for a competitor, Spire Motorsports.

Chris Gabehart

The former competition director of Joe Gibbs Racing who is accused of breaching his contract by meeting with Spire Motorsports and conducting research on the team while still employed at JGR.

Spire Motorsports

A NASCAR team that is alleged to have been the recipient of confidential information from Chris Gabehart, the former competition director of Joe Gibbs Racing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed and determine if Gabehart violated the terms of his separation agreement with JGR.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the high-stakes competition within NASCAR and the importance of protecting trade secrets and confidential information. It raises questions about employee loyalty, non-compete agreements, and the lengths teams will go to safeguard their competitive advantages in the sport.