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Bristol Today
By the People, for the People
Gabehart Denies JGR's Bristol Accusation in New Filing
Former JGR employee Chris Gabehart refutes claims he took on competition director duties at Spire Motorsports.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:24pm
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The legal battle between Gabehart and JGR exposes the complex web of competition and strategy within NASCAR.Bristol TodayChris Gabehart, the former competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) who now works for Spire Motorsports, has filed a declaration refuting JGR's recent accusation that he engaged in 'competition director-related duties' while at Bristol Motor Speedway. Gabehart clarified that the radios he used did not have microphones and that he did not take on any crew chief or competition director role at Bristol.
Why it matters
The legal battle between Gabehart and JGR began in February when JGR filed a lawsuit alleging Gabehart was part of 'a brazen scheme to steal JGR's most sensitive information' for Spire's benefit. This latest development in the ongoing case provides Gabehart's perspective on the accusations against him.
The details
In his declaration, Gabehart stated that he 'do[es] not call races, serve as a crew chief, or make car-by-car Cup Series setup decisions, race engineering determinations, or Sunday race management calls.' He also noted that the radios he used at Bristol did not have microphones. This appears to contradict JGR's belief that Gabehart may have been performing competition director-related duties at the race.
- On April 14, 2026, Chris Gabehart filed a declaration in response to JGR's recent accusation.
- On April 13, 2026, JGR filed a declaration with the court alleging Gabehart had potentially engaged in 'competition director-related duties' while at Bristol.
The players
Chris Gabehart
The former competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing who now works for Spire Motorsports.
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR)
The NASCAR team that filed a lawsuit against Gabehart in February, alleging he was part of 'a brazen scheme to steal JGR's most sensitive information' for Spire's benefit.
Spire Motorsports
The NASCAR team that hired Gabehart, whose official title is chief motorsports officer.
Wally Brown
The current competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing who filed the declaration accusing Gabehart of potentially engaging in competition director-related duties.
Matt McCall
Spire Motorsports' competition director.
What they’re saying
“I do not call races, serve as a crew chief, or make car-by-car Cup Series setup decisions, race engineering determinations, or Sunday race management calls.”
— Chris Gabehart
What’s next
U.S. District Judge Susan C. Rodriguez is expected to make a decision on the temporary restraining order against Gabehart by April 16, 2026.
The takeaway
This latest development in the ongoing legal battle between Gabehart and JGR provides more context around the accusations against Gabehart and his role at Spire Motorsports. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for both teams and the broader NASCAR landscape.
