Overview
- Joe Gibbs Racing filed declarations with photos from the Bristol weekend that it says show Chris Gabehart wearing team radios, viewing live data in a pit box, and interacting with Spire driver Carson Hocevar during Cup sessions.
- The temporary restraining order lets Gabehart keep his Spire role but bars him from competition-director work in the Cup Series, including race operations and strategy input.
- Judge Susan C. Rodriguez has so far kept discovery narrow and has asked for concrete proof before expanding subpoenas or adding broader limits on Gabehart’s duties.
- Gabehart and Spire Motorsports deny wrongdoing, and Gabehart has moved to recover deleted text messages with Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson as part of the ongoing evidence fight.
- If the judge finds a violation, the court could tighten or extend restrictions on Gabehart’s role, a step that could shape how NASCAR teams handle senior staff moves during live race weekends where pit-box access and radio use often signal decision-making authority.