JR Motorsports NASCAR debut news broke as Lee Pulliam prepares to compete at Martinsville Speedway for the first time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The event, scheduled for March 28, will see Pulliam drive JR Motorsports’ No. 9 Chevrolet in front of Virginia racing fans, marking a significant milestone in his extensive late-model career.
Pulliam’s Racing Background and Career Achievements
Pulliam has earned a strong reputation in the late-model stock car scene, where his achievements include four NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championships. He has also posted major wins at Martinsville, most notably clinching the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 twice—a race frequently compared to the Daytona 500 for late models due to its importance in the sport. These victories and his consistent performances have made him a respected figure in grassroots stock car racing.
JR Motorsports Partnership and New Opportunities
The news of Pulliam’s entry into JR Motorsports’ No. 9 Chevrolet was confirmed on February 24. Dale Earnhardt Jr., team owner and long-time supporter of grassroots talent, has fostered strong connections with Pulliam and crew chief Rodney Childers. As Pulliam sets his sights on qualifying at the historic Virginia track, Childers publicly expressed his excitement:
“As many that know me, this one hits close to home. I was once a late model guy, and never got that shot. So, this makes me SO happy to see [Lee Pulliam] get this opportunity. I can’t wait to see him climb in the 9.” – Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
This statement highlights the deeper significance of the opportunity for late-model racers stepping up to NASCAR competition.
Previous Collaboration and Future Races on the Schedule
Late last year, Pulliam and JR Motorsports partnered for the 25th annual Solid Rock Carriers Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park. In that event, Pulliam piloted the No. 88 Chevrolet during the 250-lap feature, further establishing his relationship with the team and broadening his experience with top-tier equipment. Looking ahead, Pulliam’s plans involve participating in two CARS Tour races at Coastal Plains Raceway and Southern National, as well as a run at South Boston Speedway.
JR Motorsports’ No. 9 entry is also set to feature appearances from other established drivers this season, with Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain scheduled for starts in select races, signifying the team’s ambition to attract major talent to their program.
Rodney Childers Reflects on New Role and Team Dynamics at JR Motorsports
Rodney Childers, who stepped into the crew chief role for JR Motorsports’ No. 1 car for the 2026 season, has been instrumental in guiding rising racers Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. Speaking about his transition and collaboration with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Childers elaborated on his personal motivation for joining the team:
“I had a lot of thinking to do this past year… what’s the right thing for me? What’s going to make me happy? What am I going to have fun with? Do you wait around and hope that the right Cup opportunity comes back around? Or do you take something where you get to work for your best friend in a way, and you also get to work with two of the sport’s young talents that have a bright future?” – Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
Childers, who previously worked with Spire Motorsports and led Kevin Harvick to 37 victories and the 2014 championship at Stewart-Haas Racing, conveyed the satisfaction he finds in his current role:
“I’ve gone home every night with a smile on my face and enjoying it and having fun.” – Rodney Childers, Crew Chief
This insight underscores the strong team spirit within JR Motorsports and the organization’s focus on developing young racing talent under seasoned leadership.
What the Martinsville Debut Means for JR Motorsports and Lee Pulliam
Pulliam’s upcoming appearance at Martinsville represents not only his personal NASCAR debut but also a further indication of JR Motorsports’ commitment to fostering diverse driver lineups and showcasing proven success from regional series. As established competitors like Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen join the program, fans can expect a dynamic season ahead.
The move broadens exposure for grassroots champions like Pulliam and strengthens the team’s footprint in major racing events. The atmosphere surrounding the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Martinsville in March is expected to be charged with anticipation, positioning Pulliam and JR Motorsports for a landmark outing this spring.
As many that know me, this one hits close to home. I was once a late model guy, and never got that shot. So, this makes me SO happy to see @LeePulliam11 get this opportunity. I can’t wait to see him climb in the 9 @MartinsvilleSwy https://t.co/8Dpbchro2l
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) February 24, 2026
