JGR and Gabehart Lawsuit: Deleted Text Messages Issue

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has filed a second motion for expedited discovery in its ongoing federal lawsuit against former competition director Chris Gabehart, citing the recent disclosure that key text messages between Gabehart and Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson were deleted.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The filing, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, argues that the deletions heighten the risk of evidence loss and potential ongoing harm to JGR’s confidential information and trade secrets.

The motion comes just days after court-ordered limited expedited discovery revealed the deletions. Gabehart disclosed that he deleted all text messages with Dickerson predating November 15, 2025. Dickerson’s counsel separately confirmed that messages with Gabehart prior to approximately January 26, 2026, were also gone.

JGR’s filing notes that Gabehart provided no explanation for the selective deletions, which were limited to communications with Dickerson and did not affect messages with other potentially relevant parties. The team describes the timing and lack of disclosure during a March 16, 2026, hearing as “deeply troubling,” suggesting it points to a continued threat of concealment or misuse of proprietary data.

Background of the High-Stakes NASCAR Legal Dispute

The lawsuit, filed by JGR on February 19, 2026, accuses Gabehart of misappropriating trade secrets and confidential information during his departure from the organization. Gabehart served as JGR’s competition director throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and briefly acted as crew chief for driver Ty Gibbs late in the year, helping the No. 54 team reach the playoffs.

According to court filings, Gabehart grew dissatisfied with his role and met with team owner Joe Gibbs in early November 2025 to discuss leaving. During subsequent separation negotiations, JGR discovered that Gabehart had been accessing company systems, photographing his JGR-issued laptop, and creating folders labeled “Spire” on his devices. He was terminated in early February 2026. JGR alleges these actions, combined with his subsequent move (or involvement) with Spire Motorsports, indicate an intent to share sensitive information—such as race setups, strategy, operations, and sponsorship details—with a competitor.

Gabehart and Spire Motorsports have denied that any confidential JGR information was ever transferred or used. No evidence of actual dissemination has been publicly presented by JGR so far. A temporary restraining order (TRO) is already in place, barring Gabehart from performing the same high-level competition role at Spire that he held at JGR. A hearing on JGR’s request for a preliminary injunction was held on March 26, 2026, but Judge Susan Rodriguez has not yet issued a ruling.

What JGR Is Seeking in the New Motion

In the latest filing (dated around April 1, 2026), JGR asks the court to expand expedited discovery to preserve potentially recoverable evidence and investigate the circumstances of the deletions. Specific requests include:

– Subpoenas to Jeff Dickerson and Spire Motorsports for all communications related to Gabehart’s employment or potential employment, any references to JGR’s confidential information or trade secrets, and details on auto-delete features on devices.
– Third-party subpoenas to Gabehart’s and Dickerson’s telephone providers for text message and call records from October 1, 2025, through March 13, 2026.
– Subpoenas to several other NASCAR team figures—Joe Custer, Justin Marks, Todd Meredith, Rick Ware, and Tommy Baldwin—for any communications with Dickerson concerning stolen JGR information.
– A forensic review of Dickerson’s electronic devices to determine whether deleted messages can be recovered and when any auto-delete functions were activated or deactivated.

JGR’s motion emphasizes that expedited action is necessary because “the deletion of these text messages justifies additional expedited discovery… to preserve relevant evidence that is at risk of being lost before merits discovery, and to provide greater information about the circumstances leading to the deletions.” The team warns that further delay could result in “irreparable harm” if proprietary information is being used or hidden by competitors during the current 2026 season.

Broader Context and Reactions

This case highlights the intense competition—and occasional personnel poaching—in NASCAR, where proprietary data on car setups, strategies, and operations can provide a significant on-track advantage. Earlier coverage noted that JGR had Gabehart followed by a private investigator prior to filing suit, underscoring the seriousness with which the organization views the alleged breach.

Gabehart and Spire have previously sought reciprocal expedited discovery from JGR, and the court has granted limited mutual discovery in prior rulings. Legal experts following the case note that deleted text messages pose unique challenges in discovery; auto-delete features on phones can lead to spoliation issues, though recovery via forensic tools or carrier records is sometimes possible.

As of April 3, 2026, no ruling has been issued on the new motion or the preliminary injunction. The case remains active in the Western District of North Carolina, with full merits discovery yet to begin. JGR continues to argue that swift judicial intervention is essential to protect its competitive edge, while the defendants maintain their innocence and deny any wrongdoing.

This developing story is being closely watched across the NASCAR community, as it could set precedents for how teams handle employee departures, non-compete agreements, and the protection of sensitive racing data in an era of rapid digital communication. Updates are expected as the court weighs JGR’s latest requests.