Lee Pulliam electrified the Dale Earnhardt Jr. racing news cycle with a strong podium finish at the 25th annual Solid Rock Carriers Thanksgiving Classic. The celebrated driver, racing for JR Motorsports at Southern National Motorsports Park in North Carolina, captured third place, marking another significant chapter in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s storied Late Model program.
Pulliam’s Performance Shines in Annual Thanksgiving Classic
JR Motorsports, owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., expanded its impressive team by pairing up with former national champion Lee Pulliam. Pulliam, boasting four national titles in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I, piloted the iconic No. 88 Chevrolet in the event, which regularly concludes the Late Model racing calendar.
This year’s Thanksgiving Classic saw Pulliam return to the venue where he achieved victory in 2015. With Bryan Shaffer as crew chief, Pulliam—native of Semora, North Carolina—mounted a tenacious charge throughout the 250-lap race. His driving was widely considered one of the event’s highlights. Reflecting on his performance, Pulliam shared,
“Had a hot ride, man. Bryan and the guys gave me such a good car. Drove to the front twice, you know, was about to take the lead there. And got sent to the rear when the 17 come down. But I just couldn’t be more thankful to do this.”
For Pulliam, the opportunity to represent Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt, CEO of JR Motorsports, held a unique personal significance. He emphasized the fulfillment of a childhood ambition and acknowledged the strong fan following and community behind the effort:
“Drove for my hero, you know, growing up. So, Dale, Kelly… just thank you so much and Junior Nation. Appreciate you guys. Hope I get to do more of this. What a fun night man seeing so many people, so many fans, supporters… just really proud to do this. So, never take for granted the opportunity to drive race cars every week. It’s a blessing and a pleasure.”
JR Motorsports Looks Ahead as NASCAR Season Winds Down
As the Thanksgiving Classic ends the Late Model season, the broader NASCAR community enters its off-season, preparing for the national series ahead. The next major event for JR Motorsports—and for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity Series team, now under the O’Reilly Auto Parts banner—will be the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway. Scheduled for February 14, 2026, the 120-lap race will air on the CW, with broadcast coverage also available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Earnhardt Jr. Applauds Pulliam’s Achievements and Late Model Legacy
Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed enthusiasm over collaborating with Lee Pulliam, recognizing Pulliam’s impressive track record in Late Model racing. Pulliam’s credentials include six Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 wins and four championships in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series. Pulliam, who also leads his own Alton, Virginia-based team, Lee Pulliam Performance, has established a reputation as one of the premier drivers and owners in the sport. Earnhardt Jr.’s respect was clear as he commented,
“Having Lee Pulliam in our car for the Thanksgiving Classic is special for me and our team. He is one of the best drivers and team owners in the sport. His battles with our own Josh Berry years ago were epic. To see him return to Martinsville this fall and nearly win was incredible. I can’t wait to see him in our Chevrolet at Southern National.”
Pulliam’s recent success at Southern National not only reinforces his Late Model credentials but follows a determined attempt to capture the win at the 30th ValleyStar Credit Union 300 in September. His consistent performances continue to make headlines, especially in the context of Dale Earnhardt Jr. racing news.
Lasting Impact and Future Prospects for Pulliam and JR Motorsports
Lee Pulliam’s podium at the Thanksgiving Classic further cements his stature among top drivers and team owners in grassroots stock car racing. His collaboration with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports has reignited excitement among fans, supporters, and the Junior Nation community. As JR Motorsports prepares for its next chapter at Daytona and future national series events, the partnership between Pulliam and the Earnhardt team stands as a powerful narrative in the world of NASCAR and Late Model racing, hinting at more remarkable achievements ahead.
