Chris Gabehart leaves Joe Gibbs Racing in a surprising development, ending his tenure as Director of Competition for the team as of Wednesday, December 3, 2025. This mid-offseason departure was confirmed by Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press and later amplified by YouTuber and NASCAR analyst Eric Estepp.
Unexpected Change in Leadership for Joe Gibbs Racing
No official reason has been provided by either Joe Gibbs Racing or Gabehart regarding his exit. As speculation continues in the garage area, there are persistent rumors that Gabehart could be joining Spire Motorsports, another NASCAR Cup Series team based in North Carolina.
On social media, Eric Estepp offered his view, stating,
“Big big news…. potentially a huge loss for JGR. Spire rumors keep picking up.”
– Eric Estepp, NASCAR insider
Gabehart’s abrupt move comes at a critical time for Joe Gibbs Racing, which has relied on his extensive knowledge as both a former crew chief and competition director. The team’s leadership dynamic has shifted, and the possible implications for its 2026 NASCAR campaign remain a topic of discussion among industry insiders.
Reviewing Gabehart’s Accomplishments with Joe Gibbs Racing
During his six-year stint as Denny Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gabehart was instrumental in guiding Hamlin to 22 points race victories between 2019 and 2024. Under his direction, Hamlin consistently finished no lower than eighth in the championship standings. This record exemplified the strong collaboration between driver and crew chief, and showcased Gabehart’s strategic prowess on the pit box.
In 2025, which was Hamlin’s first season navigating the NASCAR schedule without Gabehart’s guidance, he still managed to secure a second-place finish in the points standings. This speaks to the competitive standard Gabehart helped establish at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Gabehart’s Recent Role and Work with Ty Gibbs
Before his departure, Gabehart’s responsibilities included closely supporting Ty Gibbs, the team’s young up-and-comer and driver of the No. 54 Toyota Camry. Ty Gibbs captured the NASCAR Xfinity Series title in 2022 but faced challenges converting to victories since transitioning to the team’s premier Cup Series effort. Gabehart’s technical knowledge and mentorship were seen as vital to Gibbs’s development during this period.
Upcoming Events and What Lies Ahead for JGR
With Chris Gabehart leaves Joe Gibbs Racing, the team’s outlook shifts as it prepares for the upcoming Cook Out Clash. This 200-lap event will take place at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem on February 1, 2026. Coverage for the race will be provided live by FOX at 8 pm ET, while radio broadcasts will be available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The outcome of this event may provide early signs of how JGR adapts to the leadership change.
Denny Hamlin Shares Details During Ongoing Legal Proceedings
In a separate but related development, Denny Hamlin, the long-time Joe Gibbs Racing driver and owner of 23XI Racing, is currently testifying in a legal dispute involving NASCAR. During the trial, as reported by Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, Hamlin revealed publicly that his annual Joe Gibbs Racing salary stands at about $14 million.
This salary disclosure is uncommon in the industry, since NASCAR organizations typically keep financial details under wraps. Hamlin’s statement puts him among the highest earners in the sport and highlights the significant business side of NASCAR competition. He now eyes another shot at victory in the 68th running of the Daytona 500, set for February 15, 2026, as his next major competitive focus.
The developments surrounding Chris Gabehart’s exit underscore a period of transition for Joe Gibbs Racing and its drivers. As rumors persist regarding Gabehart’s possible move to Spire Motorsports, all eyes will be on how both management and drivers adapt in the rapidly approaching NASCAR season.
Big big news…. potentially a huge loss for JGR.
Spire rumors keep picking up. https://t.co/aLJrf8amw6
— Eric Estepp (@EricEstepp17) December 3, 2025
