Carson Hocevar, the Spire Motorsports driver, criticized Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) after learning the team hired a private investigator to follow Chris Gabehart, its former competition director. This move comes amid JGR’s lawsuit filed weeks ago accusing Gabehart of stealing confidential team documents and seeking $8 million in damages.
Gabehart has denied these allegations, asserting that he did not engage in any wrongdoing. In his official statement, the NASCAR veteran said he paid out of pocket for a forensic audit, which found no evidence of misconduct on his part.
Despite this, JGR appeared determined to monitor Gabehart’s activities. Reports say that in early December, the team retained private investigator Ryan Simpson from Barefoot Private Investigations to track Gabehart’s movements closely.
Hocevar Responds to JGR’s Surveillance of Gabehart
Upon seeing photos showing the routes taken by the private investigators following Gabehart, Carson Hocevar expressed amusement at JGR’s actions. He quipped about the seemingly needless expense of hiring a PI when the subject was nearby, joking:
“they needed a PI for this? they could’ve just walked next door. that’s known as ‘Jeff’s table.”
Here are additional reactions from fans and observers sparked by Hocevar’s comment:
“Didn’t Joe chase away like three teams that had ‘technical alliances’ with him?” a fan questioned.
“I mean… Spire is suddenly as fast as though JGR cars were last season,” another fan noted.
“If Denny leaves JGR would he be allowed to use driving techniques that he learned through JGR resources and technology? You can’t unlearn the things you know,” one person remarked. “I’m a Denny fan but this lawsuit is ridiculous.”
“PI needs to provide more details on the lunch between CG and Dickerson,” joked a fan. “Where did they eat? What did they order? Who paid and how much did they tip? It appears CG drank a dark soda and how many did he drink?”
“the more that comes out from this case, the more that it just makes JGR look like a sad organization to work for imo,” another fan wrote.
“Straight slime ball activity from JGR,” one comment bluntly stated.
Notably, the “Jeff” Hocevar referenced is Jeff Dickerson, owner of Spire Motorsports and Hocevar’s boss. After departing JGR ahead of the 2026 season, Gabehart took on the role of chief motorsports officer at Spire. However, a federal judge recently granted JGR a restraining order against Gabehart, barring him from performing tasks for Spire that resemble those he handled while at JGR.
Hocevar’s Current Focus and Endorsement Talks
Beyond the legal dispute, Carson Hocevar is reportedly negotiating a significant endorsement contract with Monster Energy, according to Sports Business Journal. The partnership would see Hocevar promoting the energy drink brand, potentially appearing on his racing gear during the upcoming season.
This endorsement is a personal agreement and does not involve Spire Motorsports directly. Hocevar is in his third full season driving the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire and recently signed a multi-year contract that secures his position with the team for the next decade.
“Spire is such a different team now compared to how it was my rookie season, and especially when I made my debut in 2023,” Hocevar said. “It’s fun to know I’m going to be around the Cup garage for a long time, and really a dream come true.”
Looking ahead, Hocevar will compete in the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 8. The 312-lap race will be broadcast on FS1, with live radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Legal Battle and Its Implications for NASCAR Teams
The ongoing lawsuit between Joe Gibbs Racing and Chris Gabehart highlights the intense competition and sensitivity around proprietary technology and strategies in NASCAR. JGR’s decision to surveil Gabehart, despite no evidence from a forensic review indicating theft, has fueled criticism from fans and insiders alike, casting a shadow over the team’s reputation.
Carson Hocevar’s outspoken response, especially given his close connection to both Gabehart and Spire Motorsports, signals a deeper tension within NASCAR’s competitive landscape. The restraining order limiting Gabehart’s ability to transfer knowledge to Spire intends to protect JGR’s interests, but the controversy may impact future team relationships and personnel moves.
As the Phoenix Raceway event approaches, attention will remain on Hocevar’s performance and how the wider NASCAR community reacts to this high-profile conflict. The case could set precedents regarding intellectual property and employee conduct in professional racing teams going forward.
Didn’t Joe chase away like three teams that had “technical alliances” with him?
— Diabetic Lab Rat (@DiabeticLabRat) March 7, 2026
I mean… Spire is suddenly as fast as though JGR cars were last season… 🤔
— Scosha⚓ (@PerfectStorm24) March 8, 2026
If Denny leaves JGR would he be allowed to use driving techniques that he learned through JGR resources and technology? You can’t unlearn the things you know. I’m a Denny fan but this lawsuit is ridiculous.
— Kevin Clark (@Kevbot1981) March 7, 2026
PI needs to provide more details on the lunch between CG and Dickerson. Where did they eat? What did they order? Who paid and how much did they tip? It appears CG drank a dark soda and how many did he drink?
— Kenny Black (@haybale623) March 8, 2026
the more that comes out from this case, the more that it just makes JGR look like a sad organization to work for imo
— Jasmine (@jasarchive22) March 7, 2026
Straight slime ball activity from JGR
— jacob (@Jaylane700) March 8, 2026
