Chris Gabehart’s exit from Joe Gibbs Racing after the 2025 NASCAR season has ignited speculation and worry throughout the garage as the renowned competition director prepares to join a new team in 2026. This significant Joe Gibbs Racing leadership change, reported by The Associated Press, marks the end of a highly successful chapter for both Gabehart and JGR.
Departure of a Key Figure Leaves Technical Partners Anxious
Gabehart served as JGR’s competition director throughout 2025, after establishing himself as the crew chief for Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 car. Joe Gibbs Racing’s technical partnership with 23XI Racing means the move raises direct competitive concerns for their allies. Freddie Kraft, spotter for Bubba Wallace and the 23XI No. 23 team, voiced these uncertainties about the alliance’s future.
“For our side of it, which obviously it came out in the trial that we have an alliance we pay for through JGR, and this is, what I would say, a concern,”
Kraft said. Kraft went on to explain the value Gabehart brought, recalling his strategic acumen on the pit box.
“It’s just kind of the overall picture of you can always see he played ‘let’s see these strategies play out.’ There was never a panic call — he was always ‘I know this is the best strategy, this is what I’m going to stick to,’ and nine times out of 10 I felt it played out unless something crazy happened in the middle of it. Obviously, the cars always had speed.”
– Freddie Kraft, 23XI Racing Spotter
Gabehart’s Transition From Crew Chief to Director
Before stepping into the director of competition role for 2025, Gabehart had achieved considerable success alongside Hamlin. The pair won 22 Cup Series races together over six seasons, matching the race-win tally of driver Kyle Larson and crew chief Cliff Daniels during the same period. Under Gabehart’s leadership, Hamlin qualified for the Championship 4 on three occasions and finished among the top five in points in five out of six seasons. These results reflect just how vital Gabehart was to the organization’s competitive edge.
Expanded Influence within Joe Gibbs Racing
Midway through 2025, Gabehart’s role expanded to a more direct involvement with Ty Gibbs, driver of JGR’s No. 54 car. Gibbs had faced early struggles, but with guidance from Gabehart, he clinched the inaugural NASCAR In-Season Challenge title. This hands-on approach showcased Gabehart’s influence across JGR’s lineup, helping to strengthen the team’s performance during a pivotal moment in the season.
Paddock Reaction and Unanswered Questions
Kraft openly questioned the decision to allow Gabehart to walk away from the operation given his deep involvement and valuable expertise.
“For our side of it, it’s hard to imagine how you let this guy walk out the door,”
Kraft noted, citing Gabehart’s integration in analytics and superspeedway strategy. Kraft expressed concerns about the potential transfer of proprietary knowledge to Gabehart’s next destination.
“So, now he takes all of that wealth of information and obviously, I don’t know how much he can bring as far as what he can share and what he can’t share but goodness, it’s hard to imagine just letting this guy leave.”
– Freddie Kraft, 23XI Racing Spotter
Possible Impact and What Comes Next for Joe Gibbs Racing
Gabehart’s imminent move is set to reshape technical resources and strategic expertise not just for Joe Gibbs Racing but also its allied teams, most notably 23XI Racing. The Cup Series can expect ripple effects from the knowledge and competitive insights Gabehart now brings to a rival organization. This Joe Gibbs Racing leadership change leaves JGR with a significant vacancy to fill as the team approaches a new season, and forces partners to reconsider their reliance on existing alliances. The paddock will be watching closely how the organization responds to safeguard its future success.
During a break in court, I confirmed Chris Gabehart has left JGR. Denny Hamlin said he had no comment.
— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) December 3, 2025
