Chris Rice has officially stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer for Kaulig Racing, marking a significant change for the team as announced on Thursday, September 25. This Kaulig Racing CEO promotion highlights Rice’s ascent from team president, reinforcing his longstanding contributions to the organization’s growth and competitive edge in NASCAR.
Longtime Leader Chris Rice Rises to the Top
Chris Rice, who began working with Kaulig Racing at its inception in 2016, takes on his new position after years of steady leadership. Originating from South Boston, Virginia, Rice first entered the racing world working on pit road. His career path brought him to Kaulig Racing as a General Manager, gradually rising to become team president before now taking over as CEO.
Kaulig Racing’s founder and owner, Matt Kaulig, shared strong support for Rice’s latest achievement, pointing to the pivotal role he has played since the team’s earliest days. Rice’s adaptability and vision have been considered core reasons for the team’s ongoing progress.
“Chris Rice is the real deal,”
Matt Kaulig said in a statement. — Matt Kaulig, Team Owner
“Chris was with me from the very beginning, helping build Kaulig Racing from the ground up, and his leadership has been instrumental in shaping the culture and success of our team. I’m proud to call him a partner, a leader, and a friend.”
— Matt Kaulig, Team Owner
Kaulig Racing’s Performance and Future Under Rice
The team currently runs two full-time Cup entries: the No. 10 driven by Ty Dillon and the No. 16 with A.J. Allmendinger behind the wheel. Additionally, Will Brown competes in a part-time role in the No. 13 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Under Rice’s guidance since 2022, Kaulig Racing has secured two Cup Series victories while displaying improved performances across high-profile races.
This season, the crew grabbed attention at Daytona by posting three top-10 results and leading for 39 laps—notable achievements given the competitive field. A.J. Allmendinger also captured pole position at Bristol during the playoffs, confirming the team’s upward trajectory in recent years.
From Grassroots to Executive Leadership
Rice’s motorsports journey has deep roots, having supported his father and uncle’s race team from a young age. Entering NASCAR in 1989 as a gasman in the Busch Series—now known as the Xfinity Series—he quickly developed hands-on experience. Rice later served as a crew chief, including a successful stint with Hermie Sadler, who earned a championship at South Boston Speedway in 1995.
His time as Kaulig Racing’s team president spanned seven years, during which he helped forge important partnerships, the most recent of which links Kaulig Racing with RAM Trucks. As CEO, Rice will now oversee both the competitive and operational aspects of the organization.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for Matt’s trust in me. From day one, our goal has been to create something special here at Kaulig Racing, not just wins on the track, but a culture where people love to come to work every day. With our partnership with RAM and the opportunity to continue grow in 2026, the future has never been brighter for Kaulig Racing,”
Chris Rice said in the team release. — Chris Rice, CEO, Kaulig Racing
Strategic Expansion and What Lies Ahead
The team’s ambitions extend beyond their current Cup Series focus. In 2026, Kaulig Racing is set to serve as RAM’s lead factory team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Plans are in place that may see them field as many as five trucks, broadening their competitive footprint and underscoring their intention to continue growing within the NASCAR arena.
With Rice now at the helm as CEO, Kaulig Racing anticipates greater stability and fresh momentum, building on its established foundation and setting high expectations for performance both on and off the track. This leadership shift, combined with dynamic partnerships and a commitment to innovation, signals a period of sustained enthusiasm and competitive energy for the team and its supporters.
Chris Rice has a new title/promotion at Kaulig as he is now CEO of the organization. https://t.co/iHUkJxwf3c
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 25, 2025
