Joe Gibbs Racing has refiled its lawsuit against Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports, accusing the former JGR engineer of misappropriating trade secrets and violating a non‑compete agreement.
Gabehart spent more than a decade with Joe Gibbs Racing, rising from engineer to competition director before leaving in 2025. The team alleges that his subsequent appointment as Chief Motorsports Officer at Spire is a façade that masks continued involvement in the same competitive functions that were off‑limits under his contract.
Legal Findings on Trade‑Secret Misappropriation
In a recent ruling, the court concluded that Gabehart did indeed misappropriate a range of confidential materials, including setup sheets, financial spreadsheets and internal communications. The judgment also notes that Gabehart participated in competition meetings at Spire, a move the plaintiff says breaches the non‑compete clause.
Spire Motorsports has responded by filing a revised complaint that frames the new title as a legitimate restructuring effort, insisting that no proprietary information was transferred. The team also alleges that Gabehart was granted access to the JGR race shop in December 2025 and January 2026, further contravening the agreement.
Jeff Dickerson, co‑owner of Spire, has publicly asserted that portions of JGR’s confidential information are in his possession, a claim that adds another layer to the dispute. Gabehart, for his part, argues that he is not in violation because Joe Gibbs Racing terminated his employment first, a factor he says nullifies the non‑compete restriction.
The case underscores the competitive sensitivities within NASCAR, where engineering data and strategic plans can confer a significant edge. As the litigation proceeds, both teams and the broader sport will watch closely to see how the courts balance employee mobility with the protection of proprietary knowledge.