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AVONDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 02: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, reacts after the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

The NASCAR feud between Denny Hamlin and Spire Motorsports escalated on May 1, 2026, as the ongoing NASCAR lawsuit with Joe Gibbs Racing spilled into public view. The dispute, which began earlier this year, centers on allegations involving former competition director Chris Gabehart. JGR claims Gabehart took sensitive team information and used it to benefit Spire Motorsports.

The case is still active, and no trial date has been set. A judge has allowed Gabehart to work at Spire but limited his role. The situation intensified after comments made by Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson on a podcast triggered a sharp public response from Hamlin.

NASCAR Feud Escalates After Podcast Comments in NASCAR Lawsuit

The latest chapter in this NASCAR feud began when Dickerson spoke on The Athletic’s Gluckcast podcast. He addressed the ongoing NASCAR lawsuit and strongly defended his team against claims made by Joe Gibbs Racing.

“It is tough sitting in court and being called a liar and a thief and a cheater, and every time that a judge has asked for any evidence, they have produced nothing,” Dickerson said.

He continued by stating that Spire Motorsports followed proper procedures. “We’ve done everything the right way. We have taken no shortcuts. So when we hear in court that we’re trying to take a shortcut, it’s tough to hear sometimes.”

Dickerson also issued a direct response to JGR’s stance. “They’ve called us a lot of things, and we hear it. Is the point to try to hurt us or try to burn us down? OK. I don’t think they’re gonna beat us; they might win something, but I’ll make sure they wish they hadn’t.”

These remarks quickly spread across the NASCAR community and set the stage for a public reaction. The NASCAR feud, which had mostly played out in court filings, moved into the spotlight through social media and public statements.

Denny Hamlin Fires Back as NASCAR Feud Intensifies

Hamlin responded later that same day on social media, directly addressing Dickerson’s comments and the broader NASCAR lawsuit. His post drew wide attention and strong reactions from fans.

“Yeah, okay, buddy. You hired someone who stole tens of millions worth of information, lied about communications y’all had after you deleted them, and now is getting paid double to work on your truck program? GTFO. What was it you called Richard again? Was it you who was leaking information after RTA calls?”

The response added fuel to an already tense NASCAR feud. It also referenced past issues involving the Race Team Alliance, showing that the conflict extends beyond the current NASCAR lawsuit.

Joe Gibbs Racing continues to argue that proprietary data was taken and used by a competitor. Spire Motorsports has denied these claims and maintains that it has not received or used any confidential information.

The legal process is still ongoing. Reports indicate that JGR plans to amend its complaint, while both sides continue to defend their positions. There is no indication of a settlement at this stage.

The NASCAR feud now stands as one of the most visible off-track disputes in the sport this season. While competition continues on track, including recent success for Spire driver Carson Hocevar, the courtroom battle and public exchanges remain a major storyline in NASCAR.