Being the CEO of any company means you need to have the power to motivate yourself and those who work with you, and when that is about 200 people in a racing team trying to enter the big league, it’s even more crucial. 

And for Kaulig Racing’s CEO Chris Rice, that motivation is extremely personal and a critical part of his day-to-day life. 

Rice was in conversation with Tommy Baldwin and the Door Bumper Clear podcast crew when he was asked about how he motivates himself and others. 

Rice answered on the podcast, “My health has been big. I was 340 pounds not long ago. I posted it not long ago. I’m super passionate about living my life longer so I can see my kids and grandkids grow up. And the thing that drives me the most is probably my support group.”

Rice spoke about how he is supported by his people and by many people behind him whom outsiders wouldn’t see. The Kaulig boss also elaborated on how the people he works with make him want to put his best self forward. 

“I do what I do because we have 200 people that I see them go buy boats, I see them go buy houses, I see them go do that stuff, and I want to do that every day. I always push my health out in front of people’s faces,” said Rice.

Rice felt he couldn’t do it, but now, looking at his own success, he has been motivating his gym group and giving motivational talks because he has seen the difference in himself and hopes to bring out the best version of everyone around him.

Rice also spoke about how Matt Kaulig saying things like “make it a great day” and “smile” has had an impact on the way he views each day. But beyond the regular motivational journey he’s been on, Chris Rice also spoke about a tragic event that has changed his outlook on life,

How Kyle Busch’s passing changed Rice’s everyday approach

While speaking about what motivates him and shapes his current outlook on life, on the same Door Bumper Clear podcast, the Kaulig CEO spoke about the loss of Kyle Busch as well. 

On the podcast, Rice revealed a conversation he had with Busch. “I remember talking to Kyle Busch at Dover and telling him I was proud of him for changing his attitude in the media for his son. His son won at Tulsa. I had a long conversation about this is what it’s all about.”

While Rice spoke of that conversation, he also said that there is regret that Kaulig couldn’t provide Busch with race-winning cars when he competed for them in the Truck series. Rice said that the NASCAR world lost Kyle Busch too early. 

Rice said, “What happened to Kyle this year has changed my life thinking about how I need to approach the next day.”

While Rice continues on his fitness journey, Kaulig has brought RAM back to the Truck series this year and is attempting to bring Dodge back in the Cup series by 2027 as they aim to get amongst the championship contenders.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason