Charlotte, N.C. – A legal battle is brewing between Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and former Competition Director Chris Gabehart, stemming from allegations of data theft as Gabehart transitioned to a new role with Spire Motorsports. JGR filed suit on Thursday, February 19, 2026, accusing Gabehart of a “brazen scheme” to steal sensitive team information, a claim Gabehart vehemently denies.
The lawsuit, filed in the Western District of North Carolina, alleges that Gabehart improperly accessed and transferred confidential data in the days leading up to his departure from JGR in November 2025. Specifically, JGR claims Gabehart created a folder labeled “Spire” and synced proprietary information with his personal Google Drive. The team also alleges he photographed confidential information using his cell phone and backed it up to personal accounts, continuing to access these files even after meeting with Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson.
JGR is seeking over $8 million in damages, citing violations of the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act, North Carolina trade secret law, unfair trade practices statutes and breach of contract. The complaint points to confidentiality, non-compete, and non-solicitation provisions within Gabehart’s employment agreement.
Gabehart, who had been with JGR since 2012 and served as crew chief for Denny Hamlin from 2019-2024, winning 22 Cup races in that role, responded swiftly to the lawsuit with a strongly worded statement released on February 20, 2026. He labeled JGR’s claims as “falsely” accusing him of sharing confidential information with Spire Motorsports or other unnamed parties, characterizing the suit as “frivolous and retaliatory.”
“I feel compelled to speak out today and forcefully and emphatically deny these frivolous and retaliatory claims,” Gabehart stated. “I look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate to the Court that I have not shared JGR’s confidential information with anyone.”
Crucially, Gabehart claims a third-party forensic expert retained by JGR examined his laptop, cell phone, and personal Google Drive and found no evidence to support the allegations. He further stated that JGR declined an offer to conduct a similar forensic examination of Spire Motorsports’ systems.
“In fact, I have already demonstrated that to JGR,” Gabehart continued. “A third-party forensic expert retained by JGR recently examined my laptop, cell phone and personal Google Drive and found no evidence to support the baseless allegations in JGR’s lawsuit. We even offered JGR the opportunity to do a similar review of Spire’s systems. JGR refused that offer and filed this spiteful lawsuit instead.”
The timing of the lawsuit is particularly noteworthy. Gabehart’s departure from JGR at the end of 2025 was initially described as a mutual decision, with no public explanation offered. His expected role with Spire Motorsports is Chief Motorsports Officer, a position that raised concerns at JGR, according to the lawsuit. JGR alleges it learned of Gabehart’s intended role and the alleged data transfer through the forensic examination.
Joe Gibbs Racing, founded in 1992 by NASCAR and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs, currently fields Cup Series entries for Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs, and Denny Hamlin. The team’s success is built on a foundation of technical innovation and competitive strategy, making the alleged theft of trade secrets a particularly serious matter.
The lawsuit comes amidst a period of increased scrutiny regarding competitive balance and intellectual property within NASCAR. Last December, a separate antitrust suit between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR highlighted concerns about the sport’s governance and competitive structure. This latest dispute adds another layer of complexity to the landscape.
Gabehart’s statement suggests a vigorous defense is planned. He indicated that a detailed legal response will be filed in the coming days, promising “much more to say.” The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for both Joe Gibbs Racing and Spire Motorsports, as well as setting a precedent for the protection of trade secrets within the highly competitive world of NASCAR.
The case is being heard in the Western District of North Carolina. As of , no court date has been set.
