Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports have surprised the NASCAR community by selecting Lee Pulliam for a significant opportunity in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, marking a pivotal step in Pulliam’s decorated career. This decision, announced on Earnhardt Jr’s podcast, highlights the team’s dedication to providing accomplished drivers from grassroots racing with a platform at the national level, and it places Pulliam in the spotlight for the upcoming Martinsville Speedway race.
Lee Pulliam Steps Up to NASCAR With JR Motorsports
On Tuesday, JR Motorsports confirmed that Lee Pulliam will drive their No. 9 Chevrolet in next month’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Martinsville Speedway. This marks Pulliam’s long-awaited first entry into NASCAR’s top three national series, despite an illustrious record in Late Model Stock Car racing where he is celebrated as one of the greats. Pulliam previously made a team appearance during the Thanksgiving Classic, and his return underscores a story of persistence and overdue recognition in a competitive sport.
An Accomplished Grassroots Champion Gets His Break
Lee Pulliam is renowned for his exceptional run in Late Model Stock Car competition, with more than 175 wins and four national championships in the NASCAR Local Racing Series in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017. His résumé also features two victories in Martinsville’s ValleyStar Credit Union 300 and two titles in the Virginia Triple Crown. Yet, until now, Pulliam was never called up to race in any of NASCAR’s three premier series—a point long noticed by fellow competitors and fans alike.
Earnhardt Jr. Explains the Decision on His Podcast
The announcement came through Earnhardt Jr.’s ‘Dale Jr. Download’ podcast, where he shared his personal motivation and behind-the-scenes perspective. In his words:
“Lee Pulliam is going to be making his O’Reilly Series debut driving the No. 9 Folsom Fence Supply Chevy on March 28 at Martinsville Speedway for JR Motorsports,”
— Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner and Broadcaster
Earnhardt Jr. recounted Pulliam’s history of victories, describing him as a fixture at the grassroots and regional levels but someone who had not previously received a chance on the national stage. He highlighted their friendship developed through the Cars Tour and Pulliam’s decision to focus on team ownership before returning to race after a promise made to his ill father. Earnhardt Jr. detailed the process leading up to the Martinsville entry, including Pulliam’s late model stock appearance in last year’s Thanksgiving Classic and plans for more races to get him back into peak racing form.
He declared:
“This is every racer that ever did everything right, won all the races, accomplished all the things that would be deserving — but it never came.”
— Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner and Broadcaster
Pulliam Reacts to the Opportunity
The news marked an emotional milestone for Pulliam himself, who acknowledged the years of dedication and obstacles overcome just to reach this point. Sharing his gratitude and excitement, he posted publicly:
“I’m so thankful, it’s been a long journey and much awaited opportunity,”
— Lee Pulliam, Driver
“So thankful to each person along the way that helped make this possible. Never give up on your dreams. Can’t wait to battle with this [JR Motorsports] team.”
— Lee Pulliam, Driver
JR Motorsports and Its Commitment to Emerging Talent
This move extends JR Motorsports’ legacy of promoting talent that has excelled outside the spotlight. In recent years, racers like Josh Berry, another Late Model standout, transitioned to national-range success after getting his chance with JR Motorsports. Berry notably won the 2021 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Martinsville before moving to full-time competition with Wood Brothers Racing. Pulliam’s journey with the team draws direct parallels, suggesting another potential breakout story in the making.
What the Martinsville Debut Means for Pulliam and JR Motorsports
The upcoming NFPA 250 at Martinsville on March 28 could be a career-defining race for Lee Pulliam, offering him a long-anticipated debut supported by the strong resources of the Dale Earnhardt Jr JR Motorsports organization. With the team’s No. 9 car previously driven to victory by stars like Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez in other prestigious venues, Pulliam enters with both a legacy to uphold and a new chance to make an impact. This decision not only showcases the depth and promise of America’s regional racing scene but also signals JR Motorsports’ ongoing dedication to elevating new talent in NASCAR’s national ranks.
