Joe Gibbs Racing sues ex-director Chris Gabehart for alleged trade secrets theft

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Joe Gibbs Racing has filed a lawsuit against former competition director Chris Gabehart, alleging he stole the team’s most sensitive information to benefit rival NASCAR team Spire Motorsports. The suit claims Gabehart violated his contract and caused over $8 million in damages to JGR after his demands for more authority were denied by team owner Joe Gibbs.

Why it matters

This case highlights the high-stakes competition and potential for corporate espionage within the NASCAR industry, where teams closely guard their proprietary data and intellectual property. The lawsuit could set precedents around employee non-compete agreements and the legal boundaries for workers moving between rival organizations.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Gabehart, who was responsible for all competitive aspects of the JGR race team, allegedly accessed confidential files and trade secrets on his team-issued laptop. The suit claims Gabehart met with Spire Motorsports and planned to become their chief motorsports officer, a role in which he would provide similar services to what he did at JGR. JGR alleges Gabehart took intentional steps to hide his digital trail and misled the team about his communications with Spire.

On Nov. 6, 2025, Gabehart asked Joe Gibbs for ‘carte blanche authority over all racing decisions’.On Nov. 10, 2025, Gabehart turned in his JGR laptop and has not worked for the team since.On Nov. 13, 2025, Gabehart received a job offer from Spire Motorsports.On Dec. 2, 2025, Gabehart met with Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson.On Dec. 4, 2025, Gabehart told JGR he had not spoken to anyone from Spire about employment.
The players

Joe Gibbs Racing

A NASCAR team founded by Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs in 1992, fielding Cup cars for drivers like Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin.

Chris Gabehart

The former competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing, who is accused of stealing the team’s trade secrets to help rival Spire Motorsports.

Spire Motorsports

A NASCAR team that Gabehart is alleged to have communicated with and planned to join as their chief motorsports officer.

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What’s next

The lawsuit is ongoing, and the judge will likely have to decide whether to allow Gabehart to take the job at Spire Motorsports given the alleged theft of trade secrets.

The takeaway

This case highlights the intense competition and potential for corporate espionage within the NASCAR industry, where teams closely guard their proprietary data and intellectual property. The outcome could set important precedents around employee non-compete agreements and the legal boundaries for workers moving between rival organizations.