Judge grants limited restraining order against Gabehart

Chris Gabehart is allowed to continue working for Spire Motorsports, but without overlap per the ruling of U.S. District Judge Susan Rodrigiuez.

The ruling came Monday in response to the temporary restraining order sought by Joe Gibbs Racing. Gibbs argued that Gabehart is performing the same role for Spire Motorsports (which includes the No.71 entry for Michael McDowell, main image), listed as chief motorsports officer, as he was for Gibbs as competition director. Avoiding the overlap, or not performing the same duties at Spire, was important for Judge Rodriguez, which is why she limited the granting of the restraining order.

Spire Motorsports continues to contend that it’s not the same role. Gabehart will have oversight at the racing and executive levels, not just in NASCAR but across the motorsports board where the organization has a presence. Matt McCall is the team’s competition director.

Additionally, Gabehart was ordered to return any information and data to Joe Gibbs Racing, and the latter must post a $100,000 bond.

It was a short proceeding, as only a ruling was expected. Judge Rodriguez ended the hearing on Friday by asking Gabehart, Spire, and Joe Gibbs Racing to continue discussing a resolution over the weekend. If that did not happen, as it didn’t, then she would make her ruling on Monday.

"We are pleased with today’s ruling by the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina for a temporary restraining order enforcing the terms of our contract with Chris Gabehart," read a statement issued by Joe Gibbs Racing. "We will continue the legal process to protect our information and fight for what is right for our race team, our employees, and our partners."

The parties will return to court on March 16 for a hearing on the preliminary injunction Joe Gibbs Racing is seeking. A preliminary injunction hearing will focus on the likelihood of success on the merits of Gibbs's case against Gabehart.