In a significant Chris Gabehart lawsuit update, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has expanded its legal action to now include Spire Motorsports alongside Gabehart, according to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass. The amended lawsuit also involves a request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to block Gabehart from working with Spire for the next 18 months.
JGR Expands Legal Claims Against Gabehart and Spire
The recent court filing marks a new development, as JGR previously named only its former competition director, Chris Gabehart, in the legal complaint. Now, Spire Motorsports is included as a co-defendant. JGR’s legal move specifically aims to prevent what it considers the transfer of confidential team information, further reflected in its motion seeking a temporary restraining order against Gabehart’s employment at Spire Motorsports. Bob Pockrass shared details about JGR’s restraining order request:
“What JGR is asking for in the restraining order: pic.twitter.com/nQ45RAv2RX” — Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports
Background on the Allegations and Responses
JGR’s initial lawsuit, filed the previous week, alleged serious misconduct by Gabehart. The legal filing claims that Gabehart
“embarked on a brazen scheme to steal JGR’s most sensitive information.” — JGR legal filing
In response to these claims, Chris Gabehart addressed the allegations publicly. Through a statement posted on X, Gabehart denied the accusations, labeling them as retaliatory and without merit.
“pic.twitter.com/lLXyqLy8c0” — Chris Gabehart, former Competition Director
Filing Includes Key Termination Documentation
The legal proceedings have also included Gabehart’s official termination letter, submitted as part of the latest documentation in the case. Reporter Jeff Gluck highlighted the inclusion of this letter:
“As part of the latest filing in JGR vs. Chris Gabehart (and now Spire), Gabehart’s termination letter is included. pic.twitter.com/ptt0YRO2v0” — Jeff Gluck, journalist
Before his time as competition director, Gabehart served as crew chief for Denny Hamlin from 2019 to 2024. His move to Spire Motorsports prompted the expansion of this legal battle, as JGR seeks to protect its organizational interests and competitive information.
Implications for Gabehart, Spire, and the NASCAR Community
The revised lawsuit against both Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports underscores rising tensions within top-tier NASCAR teams over staff movement and proprietary data. As the legal process unfolds, the dispute may prompt broader discussion on ethics, contracts, and competitive boundaries in professional racing, with possible ramifications for how teams manage high-profile departures in the future.
JGR also has amended its complaint against Gabehart to include Spire Motorsports as a defendant. https://t.co/Vnf56hRjMP
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 25, 2026
What JGR is asking for in the restraining order: pic.twitter.com/nQ45RAv2RX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 25, 2026
— Chris Gabehart (@CG1751) February 20, 2026
As part of the latest filing in JGR vs. Chris Gabehart (and now Spire), Gabehart's termination letter is included. pic.twitter.com/ptt0YRO2v0
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 25, 2026
