Joe Gibbs Racing is pursuing a court injunction that would bind Spire Motorsports to terms covering only crew chief Chris Gabehart, according to legal filings. The presiding judge has not yet ruled on the request, and a trial in the matter is scheduled to begin on February 1.
The dispute marks a rare legal confrontation between two NASCAR organizations. Joe Gibbs Racing, a multi-championship team owned by the former NFL coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, and Spire Motorsports, a growing Chevrolet-affiliated operation, have not publicly detailed the underlying issues prompting the injunction motion.
Court documents indicate the injunction would apply specifically to Gabehart, who has served as crew chief for Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 11 Toyota Camry driven by Denny Hamlin. The narrow scope suggests the dispute may center on contractual obligations, personnel movement, or proprietary information rather than broader team operations.
Both teams compete in the NASCAR Cup Series, where Joe Gibbs Racing has won five championships since 2000. Spire Motorsports, founded in 2018, secured its first Cup victory in 2021 and has expanded to a three-car operation. The February trial date suggests a resolution before the 2026 NASCAR season reaches its midpoint.
