Joe Gibbs Racing has moved to hold Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports in contempt, alleging breaches of a court order in a trade-secrets dispute. A court hearing will address potential sanctions.

The lawsuit alleges Gabehart took JGR’s proprietary racing data, described internally as the team’s “crown jewels,” when he joined Spire. Courts granted a TRO, then a narrower preliminary injunction permitting limited duties.

Seven months into the case, Gabehart and Spire deny any violation. They cite depositions indicating Gabehart avoids NASCAR Cup responsibilities that mirror his former role at JGR.

Gabehart states he has not served as crew chief or competition director, nor shared aerodynamic, setup, simulation, strategy, or fuel-analysis information with Spire’s Cup program.

Spire argues that extensive discovery has produced no proof of misuse. Filings cite hundreds of search terms across multiple custodians and more than 80 third-party subpoenas without incriminating findings.

The team says it never hired Gabehart as competition director or crew chief and never received JGR trade secrets. His role is Chief Motorsports Officer, spanning trucks and sprint cars beyond Cup.

Spire adds that Cup race calls rest with its crew chiefs. Gabehart does not call races, run meetings, or contribute to Cup strategy, aligning with the injunction’s function-specific restrictions.

Co-owner Jeff Dickerson testifies he keeps Gabehart out of Cup competition meetings to avoid risk, even where limited presence might be permitted. Broader duties further restrict his Cup involvement.

Spire characterizes JGR’s stance as punitive, alleging animus rather than compliance concerns. Filings reference internal messages and a view that Gabehart should not work for Spire at all.

Both sides have submitted briefs ahead of the hearing. The dispute follows proceedings detailed in earlier Spire–Joe Gibbs lawsuit coverage.

The case highlights how hiring restrictions and data-protection claims shape NASCAR competition. It also follows recent discipline scrutiny after NASCAR suspensions involving crew members.

Comparable governance tensions appear elsewhere in motorsport, including the FIA’s handling of allegations involving Flavio Briatore, explored in recent analysis.

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John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.