Chris Gabehart has officially parted ways with Joe Gibbs Racing, as confirmed by the Associated Press’ Jenna Fryer on Wednesday. Although neither Gabehart nor Joe Gibbs Racing have made public statements about the split, Gabehart might join another team in 2026, though no official plans have been disclosed.
Gabehart was Denny Hamlin’s crew chief for several years, securing 22 victories between 2019 and 2024, including consecutive Daytona 500 wins in 2019 and 2020. His partnership with Hamlin consistently yielded strong finishes, never falling below eighth in championship standings.
In 2025, Gabehart transitioned from crew chief to competition director at JGR, a move that surprised Hamlin, who then teamed up with Chris Gayle as his new crew chief. Together, Hamlin and Gayle nearly won the championship, finishing as runners-up. As competition director, Gabehart also worked closely with Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs’ grandson, aiming to improve the young driver’s performance. Gibbs, who won the 2022 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts title, has yet to claim a victory since advancing to the Cup Series.
Fan Take: Gabehart’s departure marks a significant shift in Joe Gibbs Racing’s leadership, potentially reshaping team dynamics and strategies. NASCAR fans should watch closely to see how both Gabehart and JGR adapt, as this change could impact the competitive landscape in the coming seasons.
