Why did Joe Gibbs Racing sue Chris Gabehart?

Joe Gibbs Racing sued Chris Gabehart for allegedly stealing sensitive company information and trade secrets as part of a scheme to benefit Spire Motorsports.

What kind of information did Chris Gabehart allegedly steal from JGR?

Gabehart allegedly stole complete team payroll details, driver pay for multiple seasons, and revenue information from sponsors and partners.

How much is Joe Gibbs Racing seeking in damages?

Joe Gibbs Racing is seeking judgment against Gabehart for an amount believed to exceed $8,000,000 in compensatory and other damages.

Home / Sports / JGR Sues Ex-Director Over Alleged Data Theft

JGR Sues Ex-Director Over Alleged Data Theft

20 Feb

•

Summary

Joe Gibbs Racing alleges Chris Gabehart stole sensitive data.
Gabehart is accused of using personal phone to photograph laptop.
Lawsuit seeks over $8 million in damages from former employee.

JGR Sues Ex-Director Over Alleged Data Theft

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has initiated a lawsuit against its former competition director, Chris Gabehart, alleging a plot to steal trade secrets for a rival NASCAR team, Spire Motorsports. The legal action, filed on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, claims Gabehart engaged in a "brazen scheme" to acquire and misuse JGR's confidential information.

The lawsuit states Gabehart expressed dissatisfaction with his role and sought greater authority over JGR's competition efforts. When his demands for "carte blanche authority" were denied by team owner Joe Gibbs, Gabehart informed the company of his departure, with his last day set for November 10, 2025.