Joe Gibbs Racing moved forward with its lawsuit against former competition director Chris Gabehart on Monday after a federal judge granted the organization expedited discovery against Gabehart during a court hearing in Charlotte.
Chris Gabehart previously served as competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing before leaving the organization and joining Spire Motorsports as chief motorsports officer, a move that triggered the legal dispute.
U.S. District Judge Susan Rodriguez granted the NASCAR powerhouse expedited discovery against Gabehart as part of the organization’s ongoing lawsuit tied to his move to Spire Motorsports. The ruling allows Joe Gibbs Racing to seek communications and documents from Gabehart as the case moves forward.
However, the judge declined to extend the same accelerated discovery requirements to Spire Motorsports at this stage of the case.
Why Joe Gibbs Racing Is Suing Chris Gabehart
Joe Gibbs Racing alleges Gabehart retained confidential racing information when he left the organization. Attorneys made that claim during Monday’s court hearing.
Joe Gibbs Racing Alleges Confidential Racing Data Was Taken
The organization filed the lawsuit after Gabehart left the team and accepted a leadership role with Spire Motorsports.
During Monday’s hearing, attorneys for Joe Gibbs Racing argued that Gabehart retained confidential racing information when he departed the organization. The team alleges the material includes internal competition data connected to race preparation and team strategy.
Sarah Hutchins, an attorney representing Joe Gibbs Racing, told the court the team believes Gabehart may have photographed sensitive information before leaving the organization.
Gabehart’s legal team disputed those claims in court.
His attorney, Cary Davis, said there is no evidence that Spire Motorsports obtained or used proprietary Joe Gibbs Racing information.
Judge Limits Scope of Discovery
Judge Rodriguez ruled that expedited discovery would apply to Gabehart but not to Spire Motorsports.
Rodriguez said the court had not been presented with evidence that Spire Motorsports possessed confidential Joe Gibbs Racing data.
The judge also declined to approve several proposed third-party subpoenas during the hearing, stating the court would need more specific evidence before allowing those requests.
Temporary Restraining Order Remains in Effect
The court had previously issued a limited temporary restraining order earlier in the case.
That order requires Gabehart to stop retaining or using confidential Joe Gibbs Racing information and to return any such material to the organization.
Under the existing order, Gabehart is allowed to continue working for Spire Motorsports as long as he does not perform the same type of work he previously handled for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Judge Rodriguez extended that order during Monday’s hearing as the legal process continues.
Attorneys Dispute Claims in Court
Attorneys representing Gabehart argued that the lawsuit is based on speculation and said the defense has cooperated with requests involving electronic devices and potential evidence.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s legal team maintained that expedited discovery is necessary to determine whether confidential information was retained or shared.
Rodriguez noted during the hearing that additional information could emerge through the discovery process.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The Chris Gabehart Joe Gibbs Racing lawsuit centers on allegations involving confidential racing information following Gabehart’s move to Spire Motorsports. The case remains in its early stages.
Another hearing addressing Joe Gibbs Racing’s request for a preliminary injunction has been scheduled for March 26, when the court is expected to revisit whether further restrictions or discovery should be imposed.