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, including back-to-back Daytona 500 victories, and brought the No. 11 team to multiple Championship 4 appearances. That consistency was not just about speed. It was chemistry, trust, and a shared language built over hundreds of races.

Even after Chris Gabehart moved into the Competition Director role and was replaced by Chris Gayle on the pit box in 2025, many expected his influence would still be felt across JGR’s cars. Having him leave entirely now leaves a noticeable void.

For 2026, Hamlin loses a person who knows exactly how he thinks, how he drives, and how to extract speed and stability from a car under pressure. No matter how strong Chris Gayle is, that familiarity and rhythm matter. It changes expectations from “contender” to “re-learning each other.”

In a sport measured in tenths of a second, that loss could be the difference between winning and coming close. But how does it look for Spire?

Why Spire Motorsports still gains even after Rodney Childers’ departure

Spire recently parted ways with veteran crew chief Rodney Childers. For many teams, losing someone with his resume would signal trouble. Instead, Spire looks like a team thinking long-term. The potential addition of Gabehart signals they are building for structure, depth, and competitive evolution.

Chris Gabehart brings experience, leadership, and a strong engineering mindset. While Childers is known for bold strategic calls, Gabehart is respected for methodical precision, data-driven car development, and long-term competitive planning. For a building team like Spire, that may mean deeper progress than simply replacing one crew chief with another.

In short, Spire is not just replacing what it lost. It may be upgrading.

How Chris Gabehart’s NASCAR experience could elevate Spire’s driver pipeline

Chris Gabehart began his career at Joe Gibbs Racing as a race engineer, progressed through the Xfinity ranks, and eventually became a Cup-winning crew chief for Hamlin. His rise proves he understands development at every rung of the NASCAR ladder.

Spire has been reshaping its driver lineup with young talent and developing names. Gabehart’s arrival could accelerate their growth. He knows how to translate engineering data into real performance feedback that young drivers can understand. He also knows how to build drivers mentally, not just mechanically.

That type of environment can turn potential into results much faster than teams that rely on quick fixes or constant lineup changes. For young drivers without access to legacy powerhouses, Spire might quietly become the most desirable landing spot.

Is Spire becoming the new destination for top crew chiefs after the 2025 shakeup?

Gabehart’s departure from JGR might not be an isolated career move. Spire’s recent changes, including the exit of Childers and the arrival of new drivers like Daniel Suárez for 2026, suggest the organization is prioritizing sustainability over short-term panic.

At a time when crew chiefs juggle heavy demands, sponsor expectations, and constant travel, the appeal of a stable organization investing in infrastructure is growing. Chris Gabehart likely recognized that opportunity.

If Spire Motorsports continues providing resources, engineering support, and leadership continuity, it could become a modern destination for elite crew chiefs. Within a few years, Spire could position itself as one of the sport’s most respected organizations.