Chef Nicky Morse was born in London, Ohio and spent his entire childhood surrounded by many family members that had previously settled in that quaint small city.  He learned the fine points of Italian cooking from many years of watching his grandmother in the kitchen.  When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, his family and friends came to expect his consistent answer:  “A gourmet chef.” 

While in college, Nicky experienced a unique position as apprentice at Columbus, Ohio’s only 4-star restaurant, Ziggy’s Continental, before becoming the Executive Sous Chef under owner and culinary Olympic gold medalist, Chef Ziggy Allespach. After several years of intense training under Chef Ziggy, Nicky learned what it took to compete among professional peers.  Competing nationally, he won a Special Judge’s Award and medals in several culinary salons.

The Lakes Country Club in Westerville, Ohio, appreciated his role as Executive Sous Chef before moving his talents to the most northeastern part of the country where he spent time as the Executive Chef at the exclusive Small Point Club in Maine. Nicky was the Executive Sous Chef for The Columbus Club (One of Ohio’s most prestigious dining Clubs. Nicky served as Executive Sous Chef at the New Albany Country Club in Ohio, under culinary Olympic gold medalist, Chef Dudley McMahon.  There he had the pleasure of entertaining many famous guests including club owner, Les Wexner, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and sports superstar, Jimmy Connors.  

Nicky was a free-lance chef for Country Music Television cooking for celebrities such as Tanya Tucker, Faith Hill, Randy Travis, John Michael Montgomery, Lorrie Morgan, and the group, Alabama. 

Nicky, a cancer survivor, began a quest to find a culinary position where he could share his talents, experience less stress, and most importantly, have fun.  He found that position in 2002 when he was introduced to Jeg’s Drag Racing Team and became the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series’ only gourmet chef.

Nicky joined the fight against cancer in 2003 and 2005, representing the Jeg’s Foundation (a foundation promoting the need for cancer awareness and cancer research) for the epitome of culinary fundraisers - the Five Star Sensation in Cleveland Ohio - raising over $2.5 million dollars for cancer research.

The New York Times says, “Chef Nicky is introducing the team to a whole new world of ingredients.”  Journalists and television reporters wish to not only interview drivers, but Chef Nicky as well.

Northern Ohio Live says, “Culinary Stars Wolfgang Puck, Nicky Morse and more than 30 others cooked for the crowd; Andrew Firestone, star of television’s The Bachelor, showed off wines from Firestone Vineyards…The event Raised $1.4 million for cancer research.”

On and off the track, Nicky – more commonly referred to as “the Racing Chef,” enjoys engaging with fans of all ages.  He treasures anything from speaking to an auditorium full of students to showing off a few card tricks to his fans. 

In 2010, Chef Nicky Morse joined SPEED as a new personality hosting the weekly show “the Racing Chef.”  Look for Chef Nicky as he travels the NASCAR circuit cooking with drivers, fans, vendors, and even featuring food from local restaurants.

People, food, and entertaining are what he loves!