JGR and Spire Clash over Leaked NASCAR Setup Sheets
Legal teams argue over specific technical documents in a dispute involving Chris Gabehart and proprietary race car data.
Key points
- JGR seeks specific technical documents like airbox sealing processes and race setups from Spire.
- Judge Rodriguez found Gabehart misappropriated data by storing it on personal devices.
- A jury trial for the lawsuit is scheduled to begin on February 1.
Joe Gibbs Racing and Spire Motorsports now argue over specific documents. The clash centers on setup sheets and technical data. This dispute follows a lawsuit filed in February over Chris Gabehart’s move.
The legal battle has dragged through a full NASCAR season. Judge Susan C. Rodriguez found Gabehart accessed JGR data on personal drives. He also photographed internal information before meeting Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson.
Discovery disputes over race car data
Both teams are fighting in the final phase of fact discovery. JGR wants access to setup sheets and documents. Spire argues the scope is too broad for their current needs.
Spire listed specific items JGR seeks to prove damages. These include a spreadsheet tracking race outcomes. They also want processes for sealing airboxes and vacuum testing underbodies.
The list includes transaxle lubrication specifications. It also covers race car setups from the 2025 Cup Series season. JGR believes these documents show the value of the stolen trade secrets.
Contempt motions and unresolved conflicts
JGR is asking the court to hold Gabehart and Spire in contempt. They claim he continues to serve in a role similar to his previous job. This violates a restraining order issued by the court.
Unresolved issues remain regarding competition meeting materials. JGR wants records from meetings Gabehart attended. This includes discussions about races at Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA.
Jury trial set for February
The court prefers parties to agree on these matters. If they fail to do so, the judge may issue orders. The jury trial is scheduled to begin on February 1.
Gabehart maintains he did not use the information this season. He claims all data was returned after a forensic analysis. Motorsport.com reports the litigation remains highly active.
