NASCAR star Kyle Busch issues damning verdict on Joe Gibbs Racing lawsuit

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has issued a damning verdict on the Joe Gibbs Racing versus Chris Gabehart and Spire Motorsports lawsuit.

Earlier this month, Joe Gibbs Racing filed a lawsuit against Gabehart, their former Director of Competition, alleging that he "embarked on a brazen scheme to steal JGR’s most sensitive information and use it for the benefit of a direct competitor in NASCAR - Spire Motorsports".

Gabehart has since been confirmed as Spire's Chief Motorsports Officer, and in response, Joe Gibbs Racing added their name to the lawsuit and are also seeking a temporary restraining order that will prevent Gabehart from taking up the role for 18 months.

A judge refused to rule on that TRO on Friday, instead urging the parties to negotiate and reach a compromise that all are happy with over the weekend. If no such agreement is found, the judge will rule on the TRO on Monday afternoon.

NASCAR RESULTS: Tyler Reddick makes history with flawless COTA performance

Kyle Busch issues verdict on Joe Gibbs Racing lawsuit

The lawsuit has been the biggest talking point in the NASCAR garage this week, and given his history with the team, Busch was asked for his opinion on the matter at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

"It doesn't surprise me," Busch told the media at COTA, via Frontstretch.

A reporter then probed further: "From which side?"

"Take a guess," Busch finished.

Of course, Busch's comments are open to interpretation, but he did leave Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of 2022, and things did not necessarily end on the best of terms between the driver and the team, with there having been reported friction between them during contract negotiations.

Busch moved on to Richard Childress Racing for the 2023 season, and his replacement turned out to be Coach Gibbs' Grandson, Ty, with the No. 18 dropped and the No. 54 adopted.

In his legal response to Joe Gibbs Racing's claims, Gabehart claimed that Coach Gibbs undermined his role as Director of Competition because the No. 54 car driven by Ty was managed directly by Coach Gibbs himself.

Ultimately, Busch has left this one open for interpretation and we think we'll do the same.