Sportsman Spotlight: Nicholas Reich’s Journey from Wisconsin Trails to the Winner’s Circle

The path from local enthusiast to nationally recognized competitor isn’t made without dedication, skill and relentless drive. For Nicholas Reich, that journey started on the trails of Wisconsin and has led him to the winner’s circle of professional rock racing. Competing in high-stakes events like the National Rock Racing Series and Outlaw Racing Series, Reich has quickly established himself as a powerful force in the sport and has set his sights set on becoming a full-time professional driver.

A Passion Forged in Family and Adrenaline

Reich’s involvement in motorsports began as a family tradition. He spent his youth on three-wheelers, four-wheelers and dirt bikes, developing a taste for speed and off-road challenges. As he grew, the desire for a somewhat-safer yet equally thrilling pursuit led him to the world of rock bouncer racing. This discipline offers the perfect cocktail of technical vehicle control, high-speed action and adrenaline that he craves.

This transition marked the beginning of his competitive career. He actively competes in the National Rock Racing Series, the Outlaw Racing Series and various local events throughout his home state of Wisconsin. While he races whenever an opportunity arises, the National Rock Racing Series remains his top priority. The series provides exceptional visibility through its global TV and live-stream coverage, offering a platform to showcase his talent to a worldwide audience. The combination of high-level competition and significant exposure makes it the ideal venue for an ambitious driver.

The Evolution of a Winning Machine

Reich’s story includes a significant evolution in his vehicle. His competitive journey began with his first bouncer, “Wolly Bully.” He quickly discovered that, while it was a capable trail rig, it was not built for the unique demands of competitive rock bouncing. To reach the next level, he needed a purpose-built machine.

This led him to acquire “Fordzilla” from its previous owner, Jake Pike. The two worked closely to rebuild and fine-tune the bouncer, tailoring it specifically to the rigors of rock racing. The transformed Fordzilla proved to be a winning platform, enabling Reich to secure a 3rd place overall finish in the Outlaw Series Championship and Rookie of the Year title in 2024.

Building on that momentum, 2025 has been an extraordinary year. Reich captured the Outlaw Series Championship and currently leads the points standings in the National Rock Racing Series. These achievements are a direct result of his skill, strategic planning and a vehicle built to endure the extreme abuse of rock racing.

The Non-Negotiable Element: Unwavering Protection

Pushing a high-horsepower machine up vertical rock faces and through brutal courses puts immense stress on every component. For Reich, success hinges on having complete confidence in his equipment and the fluids that protect it. That’s why he relies on AMSOIL products for race day and every day.

His trust in AMSOIL began more than a decade ago, long before his professional racing career. After seeing product comparisons that demonstrated superior performance, he made the decision to use AMSOIL lubricants in his daily drivers and work trucks. When it came time to prepare his race machine, the choice was clear.

“We use AMSOIL racing oil for our engine as it has never let us down, and of course AMSOIL for the transmission and diffs,” Reich explains. In a sport where a single component failure can end a run, the proven performance and reliability of AMSOIL lubricants provide the confidence needed to push the vehicle to its absolute limits. This trust is integral to his team’s continued success and ambitious goals.

The Climb Ahead

With a Rookie of the Year award and a championship title under his belt, Nicholas Reich has his eyes on the future. His goal is to transition into a full-time professional racing career, consistently competing and winning at the highest levels of the sport. His rapid rise from a local enthusiast to a national points leader demonstrates he has the talent and determination to achieve that goal.

As he continues his climb, the formula for success remains the same: a passion for competition, a meticulously prepared machine and an unwavering trust in the products that protect it. Nicholas Reich’s journey is a powerful example of how dedication and the right partners can turn ambitious goals into podium finishes.