Late on December 3, 2025, the motorsport world got confirmation that Chris Gabehart has departed Joe Gibbs Racing. That is not just a personnel change. It is a seismic shift. Gabehart had worn many hats, from being Hamlin’s long-time crew chief to serving as JGR’s Competition Director. Rumors are already swirling that he is heading to Spire Motorsports for 2026. His exit raises a lot of questions.

Why leave right after JGR had re-established itself at the top of the sport? What does it mean for Hamlin, and for a team like Spire, which seems to be building quietly but aggressively behind the scenes?

How Chris Gabehart’s exit affects Denny Hamlin’s 2026 outlook

Chris Gabehart and Denny Hamlin were one of NASCAR’s most feared pairings. From 2019 through 2024, they scored 22 wins together

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