Dale Earnhardt Jr. Thanksgiving Classic headlines return as JR Motorsports selects Lee Pulliam to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet Late Model at the 24th Thanksgiving Classic, hosted at Southern National Motorsports Park this November. Pulliam’s addition to Earnhardt’s team marks a significant moment for both the celebrated driver and one of the South’s premier Late Model events, held at the North Carolina track.
Lee Pulliam Joins JR Motorsports for Major Southern Event
JR Motorsports officially announced on X that Lee Pulliam, a four-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion, will represent the team at the Thanksgiving Classic. Pulliam brings notable experience and success, including two wins in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville, and a reputation as a successful team owner. This year, he drives for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew, stepping into the spotlight at one of short track racing’s biggest year-end races.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed personal excitement toward Pulliam joining his team. Calling it a meaningful opportunity for both himself and JR Motorsports, Earnhardt noted Pulliam’s impressive record and his memorable duels with Josh Berry, a well-known driver in JRM’s stable.
“special for me and our team.”
– JR Motorsports’ official press release
Pulliam responded to the opportunity with emotion, emphasizing the significance of representing JR Motorsports in such a prestigious event. In his own words,
“It really means more than most people will know,”
– Lee Pulliam
“I’ve told Dale, you have a guy who’s as hungry as a rookie but with the wisdom of a veteran,”
– Lee Pulliam
Pulliam will partner with crew chief Bryan Shaffer, the team’s Late Model manager, who has led JRM to multiple titles and key victories. Pulliam praised Shaffer’s expertise in the industry, describing working with him as a dream come true. Despite stepping back from frequent races in recent years to focus on managing his team and building cars, Pulliam nearly secured a win at Martinsville earlier this year and is eager to compete at Southern National Motorsports Park.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Urges Caution Over Goodyear Critiques
After the Cup Series championship race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. addressed fans and fellow drivers, advising caution in public criticism directed toward Goodyear. On his Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt said that ongoing public complaints could prompt Goodyear to make reactionary decisions that might negatively impact the quality of racing.
The recent championship race saw all title contenders experience flat tires, including a key incident involving William Byron. Many issues arose from teams operating with air pressures lower than Goodyear’s recommended limits, not from the tire compound itself. Softer tires provided by Goodyear this year have helped improve on-track action, especially at short tracks like Martinsville and Bristol. Earnhardt stated that the changes made races more competitive, but warned that backlash from drivers or fans could lead Goodyear to revert to more conservative, less dynamic tires for future events.
“If we aren’t careful with our words around Goodyear’s involvement… what Goodyear’s done to soften the tire and make the racing better at Martinsville and all the other short tracks is a massive gain,”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt continued, warning that excessive criticism might result in a poorer product on the track if Goodyear chooses safety over competitiveness, diminishing fans’ enjoyment and affecting key Cup Series races in the future.
“We’re going to have a bad product on the racetrack. So, be careful,”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
He also pointed out that while car modifications take extended development time, Goodyear is able to implement tire changes from race to race, making their work critical to close racing and the overall competition. The role of key partners and technical choices in NASCAR, including those of tire supplier Goodyear, highlight how feedback from drivers, teams, and fans shapes the ongoing evolution of the sport.
What This Means for the Thanksgiving Classic and the Wider NASCAR Community
The selection of Lee Pulliam for the Dale Earnhardt Jr Thanksgiving Classic run marks a high-profile collaboration, bringing together veteran expertise and championship pedigree under the JR Motorsports banner. Pulliam’s return to competitive racing with Bryan Shaffer adds further excitement, with fans and participants at Southern National Motorsports Park eager to see how this partnership unfolds at one of the most anticipated year-end late model races.
Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s comments on tire technology and the influence of Goodyear reflect broader tensions and opportunities within NASCAR. As events like the Thanksgiving Classic and Cup Series championship shape fan perceptions and industry standards, the balance of innovation, safety, and performance remains central to the sport’s continued appeal and competitive edge.
We're heading to the Thanksgiving Classic with @LeePulliam11 behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet Late Model.
Read more: https://t.co/wprOJUVcBg
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) November 12, 2025
