The Joe Gibbs Racing Spire lawsuit is set to move into federal court Monday for a scheduled hearing in the case as the legal dispute between the two NASCAR organizations continues.
Representatives for Joe Gibbs Racing and Spire Motorsports are expected to appear in court March 16 as part of an ongoing case connected to former Joe Gibbs Racing competition director Chris Gabehart.
The dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by Joe Gibbs Racing that raises concerns about the handling of confidential team information following Gabehart’s departure from the organization.
Gabehart and Spire Motorsports have denied wrongdoing and are contesting the claims as the case moves through the legal process.
What the Joe Gibbs Racing Spire Lawsuit Is About
According to filings referenced in the case, the Joe Gibbs Racing Spire lawsuit centers on claims from Joe Gibbs Racing that Gabehart improperly accessed and retained proprietary team information after leaving the organization.
The team argues that the situation could create competitive harm if confidential racing data were used by a rival organization during the current NASCAR season.
Those allegations have not been proven in court and remain part of the claims being disputed in the legal proceedings.
Attorneys representing Gabehart and Spire Motorsports have pushed back against the allegations in filings of their own as the Joe Gibbs Racing Spire lawsuit continues to move through the legal process.
“Trade Agreement” Claims Also Raised in Filings
The dispute has also involved competing claims regarding a potential personnel agreement between the teams.
In a declaration referenced in recent reporting, Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson said there had been discussions involving a possible arrangement connected to veteran car chief Robert Smith.
According to the declaration, Dickerson alleged that the agreement would have allowed Spire Motorsports to recruit an employee or receive a financial payment if certain conditions were not met.
Joe Gibbs Racing officials have disputed that characterization in court filings.
In a declaration cited in the case, JGR Chief People Officer Toni Rogers said she was unaware of any open-ended agreement that would have allowed Spire to recruit a JGR employee.
What Monday’s Hearing Will Address
The legal battle is expected to return to court Monday, March 16.
According to reporting on the case, Joe Gibbs Racing is seeking a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order that would prevent Gabehart from working for Spire Motorsports for a period of 18 months.
The court will consider arguments from both sides before deciding how the case should proceed.
Monday’s hearing represents the next step in the Joe Gibbs Racing Spire lawsuit as the case continues to develop during the 2026 NASCAR season.
Joe Gibbs Racing–Spire Legal Dispute Heads to Court Monday: What to Know