Lee Pulliam, a four-time NASCAR Local Racing Series national champion, is set to make his highly anticipated JR Motorsports NASCAR debut at Martinsville on March 28, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team. The announcement marks a major milestone in Pulliam’s career, as he enters one of NASCAR’s top circuits after years of dominating Late Model Stock racing.
Celebrated Racer Steps onto the National Stage
The NFPA 250 race, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and available on The CW Network, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, will see Pulliam taking to the track against a field of seasoned national drivers. Pulliam, who is widely recognized for his accomplishments in Late Model Stock history, has long been viewed as deserving of a big-league opportunity.
Following the official announcement, Pulliam took to X to express his gratitude and excitement for the chance:
“I’m so thankful, it’s been a long journey and much awaited opportunity. 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 @JRMotorsports 9 team. ❤️”
– Lee Pulliam, Driver
With national championships in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017, Pulliam, aged 37, is no stranger to Martinsville, having secured two previous wins there. His impressive Late Model record also includes major victories at venues such as South Boston, Langley, Myrtle Beach, and Southern National.
Overcoming the Roadblocks to National Racing
Despite his well-known success at local and regional levels, Pulliam has yet to race in any of NASCAR’s top three national divisions. His only national-series experience was a brief stint in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2014, where he achieved one top-five finish from six starts. Pulliam’s focus shifted in recent years to developing talent through his Lee Pulliam Performance program, mentoring drivers like Corey Heim and Brenden Queen as they honed their skills.
His return to the driver’s seat has already called attention: after a surprise appearance in a Late Model Stock event at Martinsville in 2024, Pulliam finished twelfth, then showed his competitiveness again the following year with a second-place finish. A strong runner-up performance at Southern National last fall reignited his racing ambitions.
The No. 9 Chevrolet of JR Motorsports, which Pulliam will drive, has an impressive recent track record, having scored two wins in 2025 with Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suárez. As a part-time entry in 2026, the car will also see appearances from Ross Chastain, SVG, Carson Kvapil, and now Lee Pulliam, making its lineup one of the most anticipated in the series.
Sharpening Racecraft Ahead of the NASCAR Leap
In preparation for his debut with JR Motorsports, Pulliam laid out a busy Late Model Stock schedule early in the season, with the goal of keeping his skills sharp ahead of the national spotlight. His 2026 campaign began at the Icebreaker at Florence Motor Speedway, where he placed third behind Keelan Harvick, son of Kevin Harvick. Although a CARS Tour race at Coastal Plains Raceway was canceled, Pulliam adjusted his focus to Southern National Motorsports Park, set for the CARS LMSC Tour opener.
Speaking to FloRacing, Pulliam explained his motivation for returning to the highly competitive Late Model scene:
“I’m excited for sure. The CARS Tour presents such a competitive opportunity week in and week out. When you run those races, you have to be in top shape with really good equipment, and the driver has to do a really good job. The challenge is what makes it exciting for me and I’m looking forward to seeing where I stack up.”
– Lee Pulliam, Driver
After several years dedicated to mentoring and team ownership, Pulliam noted that he missed the intensity of competition. In anticipation of a heavier driving schedule, he revamped his fitness and dietary habits to meet the demands of back-to-back events in 2026.
Experience Meets Opportunity at Familiar Venues
Pulliam’s comfort level with tracks like Southern National is well established—his previous accomplishments include a Thanksgiving Classic victory there in 2015 and a recent second-place finish. Martinsville, too, is a venue where his skills have shone in the past, but his NASCAR debut will test him against a deeper, more experienced field.
With the support of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the esteemed JR Motorsports team, Pulliam’s transition from regional champion to national competitor brings not only personal fulfillment but also heightens anticipation among fans and peers alike. As he prepares to battle alongside talents such as Ross Chastain, Daniel Suárez, Shane van Gisbergen, and Carson Kvapil, his journey underscores the significance of persistence and adaptability in the racing world.
The coming months will reveal how Lee Pulliam’s years of dedication and Late Model prowess translate on NASCAR’s larger stage, as he begins a new chapter in his career with JR Motorsports’ NASCAR debut at Martinsville.
I’m so thankful , it’s been a long journey and much awaited opportunity. 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 @JRMotorsports 9 team. ❤️ https://t.co/aNQi2UfDnp
— Lee Pulliam (@LeePulliam11) February 24, 2026
