Race for Data: JGR vs. Ex-Director Spire Showdown

A legal battle unfolded Friday in North Carolina as Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) sought a restraining order against former competition director Chris Gabehart, who recently joined Spire Motorsports. JGR is suing Gabehart for over $8 million, accusing him of a 'brazen scheme' to violate a non-disclosure agreement and take proprietary data. The court heard oral arguments but reserved judgment, with the judge urging parties to negotiate.

While no resolution on the restraining order was reached Friday, both sides agreed on a framework for forensic examination of select devices to determine if Gabehart accessed or stored JGR data. This includes devices owned by Gabehart and his wife, with detailed submissions expected by Sunday evening. The core dispute revolves around Gabehart's alleged possession of 'keys to the kingdom' data from his role at JGR, which he contends is a byproduct of his work.

Judge Susan C. Rodriguez expressed sensitivity to livelihood impacts while acknowledging JGR's need to verify data protection. The exact start date of Gabehart's employment at Spire and the nature of his new role remained points of contention, with the judge questioning the lack of clarity. The parties are expected back in court Monday if a weekend resolution isn't achieved.