Carl Bolch Jr., chairman emeritus and former CEO of RaceTrac, passed away in late December at the age of 82, the company announced last week.
“For over half a century, our father not only helped to build one of the largest private companies in the U.S., but he provided a livelihood for thousands while forging a culture of innovation, lifelong learning, and humility,” said the Bolch family in the announcement.
Carl Bolch Jr. succeeded his father, RaceTrac founder Carl Bolch Sr., atop the company in 1967, according to RaceTrac’s website. Carl Bolch Jr. held that position for more than four decades, during which he oversaw the company’s growth from 100 stores to 500. Under his leadership, RaceTrac also introduced its franchised RaceWay banner. He steered the company through the 1970s fuel crisis and the early 2000s recession.
Bolch Jr. also looked to market trends and customer and worker feedback to direct the company, which “inspired him to champion innovation and convenience at RaceTrac, guiding the way for the c-store experience consumers see today,” according to the announcement. This included introducing self-service fuel to Georgia and Alabama, vertically integrating RaceTrac’s fuel supply and distribution and bringing pay-at-the-pump tech.
That spirit of technological innovation persists at RaceTrac today.
Bolch Jr. was also past president of both the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America and NACS.
Bolch Jr. retired as CEO in 2012, handing the reins to his daughter, Allison Moran and becoming executive chairman of the board. He held the position until 2024, when he was voted chairman emeritus.
