The recent Joe Gibbs Racing leadership change has set off a wave of speculation in NASCAR circles, after Chris Gabehart’s abrupt exit from his role as competition director. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has publicly voiced concerns about what this departure could signal for the stability and health of Joe Gibbs’ organization as the 2026 season approaches.
Longtime Leader’s Exit Raises Questions at Joe Gibbs Racing
This offseason, NASCAR witnessed one of its most surprising moves when Chris Gabehart, after a short tenure as director of competition at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), chose to leave the team. Gabehart, formerly the crew chief for Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota, built a partnership with Hamlin that yielded 22 Cup Series wins. His decision to transition to the competition director role in 2025 was already a major development, but his sudden departure has rippled through both the team and the wider sport.
When asked by journalist Jenna Fryer for comment on Gabehart’s exit, Denny Hamlin declined to respond. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. addressed the topic candidly on his Dale Jr. Download show, highlighting the significance of the move:
It’s a big loss for JGR, and it kind of makes you wonder what the general temperature is, I guess, when a guy like that’s going to leave the building,
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR veteran.
Gabehart’s shift out of the crew chief seat in favor of a broader team management role at JGR surprised many, including Hamlin. Despite his absence, Chris Gayle stepped in as Hamlin’s crew chief, helping the No. 11 team achieve a series-leading six wins this season and allowing Hamlin to tie Kevin Harvick for 10th on NASCAR’s all-time wins list. These strong results, however, have not alleviated concerns about the underlying stability at Joe Gibbs Racing, given how integral Gabehart was in cultivating success and continuity for the organization.
Gabehart’s Impact with Ty Gibbs and Signs of Recovery
As the 2025 Cup Series campaign developed, Gabehart shifted his focus toward Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 team, who needed experienced guidance after a difficult start to the year. Under Gabehart’s close oversight, Ty Gibbs achieved a breakthrough by winning the inaugural NASCAR in-season challenge, earning a $1 million purse. Gibbs’ performance subsequently improved, as he scored a runner-up finish in Chicago along with two more top-five results and four top-10 finishes overall.
These improvements further underscored Gabehart’s value to JGR as both a mentor and a tactical leader. However, even as his influence became apparent, Gabehart’s future with the team remained uncertain, prompting Dale Earnhardt Jr. to add another reflection:
It appeared that he had position; he had been elevated out of the away from the crew chief position from Denny Hamlin into the Director of Competition. And I thought, ‘Man, this guy is perfect for this, and they will be well-positioned with him in that role.’ So it’s hard to imagine how he got away or what would have been the result or the cause, I guess, of the departure,
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR veteran.
While the rumor mill pointed to Gabehart potentially joining Spire Motorsports, confirmation of his new destination has yet to surface. The sense of uncertainty has fueled broader questions about possible deeper organizational issues or internal shifts at Joe Gibbs Racing during a crucial juncture for the team.
Speculation Around Gabehart’s Next Move and Spire Motorsport’s Plans
As speculation about Gabehart’s next career step intensified, Spire Motorsports’ own announcement cast doubt on the rumored partnership. With just under two months left before the Daytona 500, Spire Motorsports unveiled its lineup for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, notably without naming Chris Gabehart. The team instead confirmed Ryan Sparks as crew chief for Daniel Suarez, Travis Peterson for Michael McDowell, Luke Lambert for Carson Hocevar, and Matt McCall overseeing as the Series competition director.
The official statement from Spire underscored their choices:
These guys will lead the charge in 2026. pic.twitter.com/j34U579Wos— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) December 12, 2025
— Spire Motorsports.
With Gabehart’s name absent from the roster, his immediate future in NASCAR remains unresolved. This development effectively dampens rumors of a quick transition to Spire, and leaves the question of his next move—and whether Joe Gibbs Racing will face further ripple effects—open for further scrutiny.
What the Leadership Shakeup Means for Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR
The Joe Gibbs Racing leadership change comes at a critical point for the organization as it balances performance, stability, and succession planning amid a competitive NASCAR landscape. With Chris Gabehart’s expertise instrumental in both winning and recovery phases for multiple teams inside JGR, his absence poses difficult questions for the company’s leadership.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s public concerns highlight the broader unease among fans, drivers, and industry insiders about JGR’s current trajectory. The attention surrounding Gabehart’s departure, and the void left in multiple JGR programs, only amplifies the ongoing intrigue about the team’s future strategy and inner workings.
For now, both fans and rivals will closely watch Joe Gibbs Racing for signs of how the team regroups and adapts to these challenges. Chris Gabehart’s ultimate destination remains to be seen, but his exit reminds NASCAR that even powerhouses like JGR are not immune to disruptive change and the need for strong leadership to maintain their position at the top of the sport.
These guys will lead the charge in 2026. pic.twitter.com/j34U579Wos
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) December 12, 2025
