Joe Gibbs Racing escalated its case against Chris Gabehart at a Thursday discovery hearing, alleging new data-retention breaches. Trial is set for February 1, with resolution before the 2027 season.

The case, filed in February, forms part of an ongoing lawsuit involving Gabehart and Spire Motorsports, both of whom have countersued, adding complexity and pressure to an already compressed timetable.

At the Charles R. Jonas Federal Building, Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler oversaw discovery discussions. JGR attorney Chad B. Walker alleged Gabehart retained JGR information on digital devices through June.

That claim clashes with Gabehart’s position that all data was surrendered in December following a forensic exam, as previously ordered by the court.

At least one JGR file surfaced on a Spire-issued computer Gabehart briefly used, before losing access in spring. Since then, he has lacked a Spire computer, email, or server access.

The allegation intensifies credibility questions flagged by Judge Susan C. Rodriguez, who warned about potential misuse of proprietary data. Crucially, no evidence yet shows JGR information shaped Spire’s car setups.

Metadata stands to be decisive. Access timestamps could establish whether any JGR files were opened or used during Gabehart’s tenure as Spire’s Chief Motorsports Officer.

Spire attorney Lawrence J. Cameron pressed for a definitive list of trade secrets. He argued JGR’s scope keeps shifting, undermining preparation for trial on an already expedited schedule.

JGR attorney Tory Ian Summey countered that new instances of alleged misappropriation appear regularly, making a fixed list impractical while discovery continues.

Spire’s Troy C. Homesley highlighted the challenge of separating Gabehart’s accumulated racing know-how from JGR’s confidential data. Experience developed over decades is distinct from any proprietary material.

Toyota emerged as a pivotal non-party. Gabehart and Spire seek the full OEM agreement with JGR, arguing ownership questions may place some contested information under Toyota, not JGR.

Toyota offered partial production but opposes full disclosure, citing proprietary protections. The court will decide Monday whether to compel broader release of the agreement.

Defense lawyers also seek records describing Gabehart’s duties as JGR competition director, plus Toyota executive emails on contract terms and awareness of any non-compete.

Toyota resists broad email searches on burden and cost grounds. Gabehart and Spire argue those communications are vital given Toyota’s deep operational ties with JGR.

Separately, JGR wants Spire’s 2025 and 2026 car setups, contending comparisons could expose improper use of JGR data. Spire says the demand is overbroad, costly, and disruptive to playoff campaigns.

Judge Keesler will rule on these discovery fights Monday. The dispute’s competitive backdrop is detailed in Spire and Gabehart fight back coverage.

Hendrick Motorsports appeared as an interested non-party, seeking protections for proprietary data shared with Spire. JGR narrowed requests and will permit review and redactions to ease concerns.

Several discovery issues remain unresolved. Teams face a tight runway to trial, with broader NASCAR storylines, including the Joey Logano NASCAR chase, framing the sport’s immediate competitive context.

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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.