Joe Gibbs Racing sues ex-director Chris Gabehart, alleging a ‘brazen’ trade secrets theft - AP News
AP News
February 19, 2026
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Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has filed a lawsuit against its former director, Chris Gabehart, accusing him of brazenly stealing trade secrets before leaving the company. The legal action centers on allegations that Gabehart misappropriated confidential information and breached his contractual obligations while working for JGR, which competes in NASCAR’s Cup Series. The complaint details how Gabehart, who served as director of competition, allegedly took advantage of his position to gain access to sensitive data and strategies that are central to the team’s competitive edge.
The suit claims that Gabehart’s actions were particularly egregious because he was trusted with critical operational knowledge, including race strategies, performance analytics, and team protocols. JGR asserts that Gabehart used this information during his tenure and potentially shared it with competitors after leaving the organization. The company is seeking damages for what it describes as a clear violation of confidentiality agreements and a betrayal of trust.
Gabehart has denied the allegations, stating that he did not misuse any proprietary information and claiming that JGR’s claims are unfounded. He has also accused the team of wrongfully terminating his employment, which he maintains contributed to the basis of this lawsuit. The case highlights the challenges companies face in protecting their intellectual property, especially when former employees with inside knowledge move on to new opportunities.
This legal battle underscores the high stakes involved in safeguarding trade secrets, particularly in competitive industries like motorsports. Trade secret theft can have significant financial and reputational consequences for businesses, as it can erode trust among stakeholders and give competitors an unfair advantage. For readers interested in news about corporate espionage and workplace disputes, this case provides a cautionary tale about the importance of confidentiality agreements and employee loyalty.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026