Chris Rice of Kaulig Racing reveals plan, difficulties with replacing Josh Williams

This week, Kaulig Racing released Josh Williams. Now they have the opportunity, and challenge, of replacing him. Williams and Kaulig have not worked out as many thought they would. So, the NASCAR organization is moving on.

For one reason or another, Josh Williams never got the results he needed to get in the No. 11 car. So, he’s now out of his ride for the rest of the 2025 season. This is the second driver to lose his ride during the season. Kris Wright was released by Our Motorsports earlier this year.

Chris Rice spoke to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about the decision from Kaulig Racing. He also opened up about what the next steps are for this organization on the Xfinity Series side of things.

“We’re gonna put out a statement here probably in the future here pretty quick, just to let people know what the next four weeks looks like. We have all of them planned out. Then obviously you’re getting ready to go into the playoffs, so you can’t have Cup guys and you can’t do stuff like that. So, you gotta look at it that way.

“When you look at the next four weeks there are some opportunities to go and judge and grade the Xfinity program. So, we’re gonna take that, we’re gonna do that with it and just see where it’s at and hopefully get it back on uh, you know, I’ve said this. I’ve said this multiple times on Wednesday.

“You know, we gotta get our Xfinity program back to where we’re contending for wins and trophy hunting and doing different things like that. Sometimes, you know, we were going to take a fourth car to places just to figure that out. Now we can do it with the third car. So, looking at it over the next four weeks, I think it’s a pretty good lineup and I think everybody’s going to be surprised with the stand-alone race that’s coming up in Portland.”

Kaulig Racing looking to replace Josh Williams

Josh Williams has lost his seat at Kaulig Racing. It is a big hit for Williams and his career. Kaulig Racing has an opportunity to truly improve its program now. It is important for Kaulig to put the right drivers in the 11 car these next few weeks.

When the Xfinity Series Playoffs start, Cup Series drivers are not allowed in those races. So, Kaulig Racing will have to get creative. Chris Rice will have to turn to part-time racers. Perhaps younger drivers in NASCAR. Then there is a stable of drivers in the Truck Series to choose from, too.

While Kaulig Racing has won a lot of races in the past, recent performances are not up to standard. Rice and Matt Kaulig know they have to improve. So, they are going to do what they can. Carson Hocevar will race for the 11 team this week at Iowa Speedway. That is a great decision and should give them an idea of what the speed of these cars actually is.