Gabehart’s Leadership Breeds Success at Joe Gibbs Racing
Chris Gabehart, promoted to competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) last November, is successfully navigating a significant role shift. Previously leading Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team, Gabehart has expanded his focus to oversee all four JGR entries, a transition he initially feared might dilute his impact.
“I certainly feel like I have made a unique impact,” Gabehart remarked. “It’s fun and exciting to zoom out and do something different.”
As the Cup Series enters its second quarter, JGR’s performance under Gabehart’s leadership stands out, with the team leading the series with five wins in 11 races. Veteran Denny Hamlin boasts two wins this season, collaborating with new crew chief Chris Gayle, who moved up from his previous role with Ty Gibbs. This change represents a broader personnel adjustment, including the introduction of crew chief Tyler Allen for Gibbs.
Joe Gibbs, a veteran of the sport, emphasizes the depth of talent within JGR amid these personnel changes, which coincided with the retirement of Martin Truex Jr. Christopher Bell and crew chief Adam Stevens have also been competitive, securing three wins in the initial four races. Stevens predicted a more robust JGR performance in the upcoming races as the team adapted to offseason modifications.
"I’m really proud of where we’re at right now, but it’s not because our performance is where I want it to be," Gabehart stated. "It’s because of how we’re getting results when our performance is not where I want it to be."
Despite a winless stretch during the latter half of the 2024 season, JGR qualified all four drivers for the postseason, demonstrating resilience. Gabehart acknowledges the unpredictable nature of racing and the need for a level-headed approach throughout the season’s fluctuations.
Gabehart will continue to facilitate communication between JGR’s racing operations and business strategies, a role he finds intricate yet fulfilling. “There is really a lot more to it than when the green flag drops and when the checkered flag falls,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of strategic foresight in the competitive landscape of motorsports.
