Joe Gibbs Racing vs. Spire: Trade Secret Battle

0:00It's March 26, I'm Cory with the story, and this is F1 News Today, AI-powered updates on your squad. Joe Gibbs Racing has filed new core papers accusing former competition director Chris Gabehart of deleting key text messages with Aspire Motorsports. Co-owner, right after allegedly taking trade secrets, the team says this prevented full compliance with a recent discovery order from a North Carolina federal court. JGR claims Gabehart quickly put their confidential info to work at Spire, including creating a focus plan and copying analytics tools all while still. Under a restrictive covenant, meanwhile, JGR argues the deleted texts from mid-November show Gabehart anticipated legal trouble, especially since he photographed sensitive data. Days earlier, they point to other messages discussing potential lawsuits and settlements, painting a picture of deliberate evidence destruction. Spire maintains Gabehart signed a non-disclosure agreement and denies needing JGR's data thanks

1:01to their Hendrick alliance. The dispute has fans and teens watching closely, as it highlights fierce rivalries in NASCAR. JGR stopped paying gobb heart over fears he'd share secrets while he claims they breached their contract first. His visible presence at recent Darlington races, wearing a team radio in the stands, based suspicions of real-time strategy involvement, despite a temporary order limiting overlap and duties. In the latest filing, JGR demands details on Gabehart's exact role as Spire's chief motor sports officer to check compliance. They're pushing for an adverse inference from the deletions and more discovery from Spire executives since the current order only targeted Gabbhart. This all heads to court Thursday, where JGR seeks a preliminary injunction to halt their work together, over $8 million in damages, and an end. Expedited trial before the 2026 season ends, aiming to protect their edge on the track.