Joe Gibbs Racing will go into the 2026 NASCAR season on the back of a major change after the exit of a key team figure was confirmed this week.
In the midst of that massive court battle going on down in Charlotte, it was revealed that Director of Competition Chris Gabehart will no longer work for the team.
Respected AP reporter Jenna Fryer confirmed the news, and also said that JGR superstar Denny Hamlin - in court for cross-examination - would make no comment on the news.
Gabehart linked with Spire switch
Gabehart has been linked with a move to Spire Motorsports for 2026, but as yet his next landing spot is unconfirmed.
This is not the first time that Hamlin has been lost for words when it comes to news about Gabehart. He admitted he was ‘shocked’ at the end of 2024 when Chris was moved from being Hamlin’s crew chief to that new role as Director of Competition.
Gabehart had spent the previous six seasons as Hamlin’s crew chief, and the pair clearly formed a terrific working relationship. At the time of the change, Denny admitted his surprise:
Hamlin reaction to Gabehart move
“The first few days was a shock, but I’m moving on. There’s nothing I can do to change anything that happened, and JGR is doing what they feel is best for them and I totally understand that.”
We can only speculate as to the reasons behind Gabehart’s departure, but it is fascinating that it comes just weeks after a controversial pit call contributed to Hamlin missing out on that elusive first title.
Hamlin pitted for four tires at the fateful final restart in Phoenix while most of his rivals - eventual champion Kyle Larson included - elected to take only two.
The end result was Larson snatching the advantage and the title from Hamlin, who had previously led for more than 200 laps. Absolute agony for the man in the No. 11 car.
Now we wait to see where Gabehart pops up next, and for the first actual response from Hamlin to this latest bombshell. Pass the popcorn.
