If there were doubts about how high-stakes the lawsuit from Joe Gibbs Racing against Chris Gabehart has become, the latest development removes them. What was supposed to be a quick hearing in the JGR lawsuit turned into a marathon session. Instead of wrapping things up, both sides agreed they need even more forensic digging into the evidence. So the investigation is far from over yet; it is just expanding.
The judge hasn’t issued a decision on the temporary restraining order on Chris Gabehart either. So that big question is still hanging out there. After nearly 4 hours of back-and-forth, one thing was clear: Gabehart is free to work for Spire Motorsports this weekend.
Dan Towriss even said that could mean that there is a high chance that Gabehart could show up in St. Pete for IndyCar with Andretti, also with Spire’s NASCAR truck effort. Before adjourning, the judge strongly encouraged both sides to try to hammer out an agreement over the weekend, and if they can’t, the judge will make the call herself on Monday.
What made the courtroom discussion even more difficult was that in the latest statement, the ex-JGR employee refused to back down against the organization’s accusations despite the lawyer hanging over him. He insists that he has nothing to fear.
“This lawsuit is not about protecting trade secrets—it is about punishing a former employee for daring to leave,” he said.
A much longer than expected hearing today for Joe Gibbs Racing v Chris Gabehart.
The parties agreed to additional forensic investigation.
No decision from Judge on the TRO.
There was also an issue (not disclosed in court) that went to chambers that Judge wants parties…
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) February 27, 2026
Gabehart also stated that a forensic review found he did not share any confidential information and had no plan to compete unfairly. As he stands firm, questions are now being raised about Joe Gibbs’ claims, with fans increasingly voicing their frustration.
The most affordable moment came after the hearing adjourned, when Gabehart, Joe Gibbs, and Jeff Dickerson met at the center of the courtroom. They reportedly expressed regret over how the situation had unfolded, telling one another that none of them wanted to be there or forced into this legal battle.
Dan Towriss picks Gabehart’s side amid ugly lawsuit
Dan Towriss, the CEO of TWG Motorsport, has now publicly addressed the dispute.
Towriss oversees TWG’s broad racing portfolio, including the launch of the Cadillac Formula One team, while also managing Andretti Global as the IndyCar season kicks off in St. Petersburg.
Despite a packed schedule, he took time to comment on the controversy surrounding Gabehart, and according to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Towriss firmly defended Spire’s position.
“I feel very good about how Spire has conducted things,” he said. “Spire doesn’t want data from Joe Gibbs Racing. It doesn’t have data from Joe Gibbs Racing. No point in time has it had data from Joe Gibbs Racing.”
Towriss also referenced the statement Gabehart filed in court, noting that while sharing personal details may not have been ideal, it was necessary to respond to claims that Spire Motorsports interfered with his contract. He emphasizes that the ex-crew chief was explaining his reason for leaving, not escalating tensions.
“I’m sure Chris didn’t want to have to share some of those details,” Towriss said. “But when they claim that Spire tortuously interfered, you know, in his contract, he has to say … these are the reasons why I left. He’s not there to just sling mud around.”
Meanwhile, JGR has updated its complaint to add Spire Motorsports as a defendant. The team is seeking a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order that would block Gabehart from working with the organization for 18 months, alleging he violated a non-compete agreement and improperly shared confidential information.
However, with these new updates from the courtroom, the scale seems to be tipping over to Gabehart’s side. But the game isn’t over until it’s over, and all eyes will be on Monday for the next verdict to be given.
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