Kaulig Racing has implemented a significant executive leadership change by promoting long-serving team executive Chris Rice to Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This development, centered on the Kaulig Racing executive leadership change, was announced Wednesday, expanding Rice’s oversight to the organization’s NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and upcoming Craftsman Truck Series teams.
Chris Rice, involved with Kaulig Racing since its formation in 2016, transitions from his previous role of Team President. Last month, Kaulig Racing revealed it would spearhead Dodge’s return to NASCAR by fielding five Ram teams to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), a move seen as both bold and ambitious by industry insiders.
Loyalty and Vision Drive Leadership Appointment
Matt Kaulig, who serves as Executive Chairman of Kaulig Companies Limited based in Hudson, Ohio, is known for developing LeafFilter Gutter Protection from a home-based business in 2005 into a multi-entity enterprise. Besides his racing endeavors, he also holds minority ownership in Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians. Such a background highlights his ability to cultivate and lead diverse ventures in both business and sports.
The elevation of Chris Rice positions him to continue steering the team’s competitive and commercial strategies as it enters new motorsports frontiers. Rice’s established history with the organization was a key factor in this move. Matt Kaulig said,
Chris Rice is the real deal,
– Matt Kaulig, Founder and Team Owner of Kaulig Racing. Kaulig further expressed,
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, Founder and Team Owner of Kaulig Racing.
Taking the helm, Rice reflected on what the opportunity means for him and the team’s continued growth:
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for Matt’s trust in me,
– Chris Rice, Chief Executive Officer. He added,
With our partnership with RAM and the opportunity to continue growth in 2026, the future has never been brighter for Kaulig Racing.
– Chris Rice, Chief Executive Officer.
Strong Track Record Fuels Ambitious Expansion
Kaulig Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series, building a reputation for resilience and growth. Across 296 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), the team has claimed two victories, both achieved by veteran driver AJ Allmendinger. The first win came at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2021, followed by another at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval in 2023.
Greater success has come in the Xfinity Series (NXS), where the team boasts 27 wins from 714 starts. These milestones have contributed to the team’s high profile in racing circles, supporting their decision to branch into the NCTS with optimism.
Beyond Kaulig Racing, Matt Kaulig himself has accumulated numerous accolades: he has received the NCAA Legends and Legacy Award, the Harvard Business School Entrepreneur of the Year honor, induction into the Cleveland Business Hall of Fame, recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young, and been named a Champions for Children Honoree by Akron Children’s Hospital. His consistent leadership as owner and philanthropist has bolstered the team’s pursuit of both sporting excellence and positive work culture.
Strategic Hires as the Truck Program Ramps Up
As Kaulig Racing prepares for its debut in the Craftsman Truck Series, the team has begun assembling key staff for its Ram program. The organization recently secured Josh Mitchell as Truck Fabrication Shop Manager, who previously played a central role at Halmar Friesen Racing’s No. 52 NCTS team as lead fabricator for six seasons. Mitchell is scheduled to start next week, taking on responsibility for overseeing the construction of trucks for the new initiative.
While the driver and crew chief roster for the truck program has not yet been finalized, Kaulig Racing officials indicated announcements are forthcoming. This launch signals a new chapter for the team, as it takes its first steps into NCTS competition and aims to build on its established legacy with an eye toward future achievements.
By elevating Chris Rice and investing in experienced staff like Josh Mitchell, Kaulig Racing demonstrates its commitment to growth and competitiveness within the NASCAR landscape. As the organization enters new racing divisions and partners with major brands like RAM, it positions itself for continued success and influence in motorsports.
