⚠️ | Gibbs seeks further expedited investigation after disclosure of deleted text messages.
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has filed a second motion in the Western District Court of North Carolina seeking further expedited discovery in its lawsuit against former competition director Chris Gabehart, who is accused of stealing trade secrets and confidential team information.
The request was prompted by the revelation that Gabehart deleted text messages exchanged with Jeff Dickerson (co-owner of Spire Motorsports) prior to November 15, 2025, while Dickerson admitted to deleting messages prior to approximately January 26.
Although Gabehart and Spire deny any improper transfer of data (although he photographed JGR's laptop and created folders named "Spire"), JGR argues that there is a risk of concealment of evidence and irreparable harm. The team is seeking subpoenas for Dickerson, Spire, and other parties (such as Joe Custer), including employment-related communications, phone records from October 2025 to March 2026, and forensic analysis of devices.
The lawsuit was filed on February 19, 2026, after Gabehart's contract ended (he was Ty Gibbs' chief of staff in 2025). There is a temporary restraining order in place preventing Gabehart from assuming the same position at Spire, and Judge Susan Rodriguez has not yet ruled on the preliminary injunction, the hearing for which took place on March 26, 2026.
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