Joe Gibbs Racing is seeking a new competition director after Chris Gabehart’s exit following the 2025 NASCAR season, creating a significant shift as the team prepares for future challenges. The focus now turns to identifying the best candidate to lead competition operations, an essential role for maintaining JGR’s competitiveness and direction within the Cup and Xfinity Series.
Chris Gabehart’s Departure Leaves Leadership Gap
Chris Gabehart, who moved into the position of Joe Gibbs Racing competition director ahead of the 2025 season, has stepped down after a year overseeing the performance of all JGR Cup and Xfinity teams. He previously achieved notable success as Denny Hamlin’s crew chief from 2019 through 2024, notching 22 victories and building a strong reputation within NASCAR. Gabehart’s departure, reported by Associated Press journalist Jenna Fryer during an ongoing antitrust trial involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR, comes as rumors suggest he may join Spire Motorsports in 2026. With his exit, the search intensifies for a worthy successor equipped to handle JGR’s competitive demands and strategic direction.
Adam Stevens: Experienced Crew Chief with Championship Pedigree
One of the lead candidates is Adam Stevens, the longtime crew chief for Christopher Bell and the No. 20 team. Since joining JGR in 2005 as a race engineer on Tony Stewart’s car, Stevens has amassed over two decades of experience and earned a strong record of championship achievements. In 2015, he stepped into the role of Cup Series crew chief for Kyle Busch, seizing a Cup title in their first season together and adding another championship run in 2019. Stevens’ deep familiarity with Toyota, the technical systems at Joe Gibbs Racing, and his proven leadership on race day position him as a logical choice to take on the competition director role, ensuring seamless continuity at the top.
Jason Ratcliff: Veteran Crew Chief with Comprehensive Team Knowledge
Another strong contender is Jason Ratcliff, who brings nearly a quarter-century of crew chief experience, with 18 years spent at Joe Gibbs Racing. Ratcliff previously guided Kyle Busch to an Xfinity Series championship in 2009 and served as the crew chief for Taylor Gray’s No. 54 Toyota Supra during the latest Xfinity season. His responsibilities have also spanned mentoring crew chiefs, refining operational processes, and supporting the development of drivers in JGR’s Xfinity and ARCA programs. This broad perspective on both team and individual development provides Ratcliff with the kind of oversight essential for guiding JGR’s competitive initiatives into the future.
Chris Burkey: Bringing Athletic and Performance Expertise
Chris Burkey, currently serving as Athletic Director at Joe Gibbs Racing, is recognized for his specialization in human performance and pit crew development. Should Burkey move into the competition director seat, his background could help further integrate pit-crew strategies with overall race-day execution, aligning personnel training with competitive goals. Burkey’s understanding of how the team operates on and off the track could shape JGR’s operational approach as new challenges arise within the NASCAR landscape.
Possibility of Outside Talent and What Lies Ahead
Joe Gibbs Racing may also consider attracting experienced candidates from outside the current organization, aiming to inject fresh insights and strategies as they prepare for the start of the 2026 NASCAR season in February. As the team weighs its options, selecting the right competition director remains pivotal for steering JGR’s course in the highly competitive NASCAR environment. The forthcoming decision is poised to influence how Joe Gibbs Racing shapes its next era on the track, as the search continues for the ideal leader to maintain the team’s winning legacy.
