At 38 years old, short track racer Lee Pulliam is getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Semora, North Carolina-native, known primarily for his success in various Late Model divisions, both as a driver and a team owner, is getting the nod to compete full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2027, driving for Peterson Racing Group. He announced the news on the Dale Jr. Download.
Pulliam made his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut earlier this year at the half-mile paperclip of Martinsville Speedway, where, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro for JR Motorsports, he paced the field for 40 laps and finished inside the top-five.
“I couldn’t be any prouder and more excited to be given this opportunity”, stated Pulliam. “So many people have helped me get to this moment in my career and believed in me along the way. This proves that hard work and determination is still rewarded today. Big thanks to Doug (Peterson) for the opportunity to do this together. I have dreamt of this moment ever since I could walk. Racing has always been in my blood, and I’ve dedicated my entire life to the sport.”
It wasn’t that long ago that Pulliam, a four-time NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts National Champion, considered himself to be retired from driving, focusing his efforts instead on his Late Model team Lee Pulliam Performance, but now, the South Boston Speedway legend will get the opportunity to run in NASCAR’s National Series full-time.
Peterson Racing Group will field the No. 87 Chevrolet Camaro for Pulliam to drive in 2027.
“It is a pleasure for our young organization to welcome an accomplished racer like Lee,” stated Chris Seibel, General Manager for Peterson Racing. “We have continued to grow our program over the second half of this season and we feel the addition of someone with the talents of Lee will help even more. Lee is someone who deserves this opportunity and we are confident he will take full advantage of it.”
The organization, which has successfully fielded its single entry in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this season with both Austin Green and Nick Sanchez taking turns behind the wheel, has done so with less than five full-time employees on staff.
Throughout the summer, there has been chatter within the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series garage that the organization, owned by Doug Peterson, plans to expand to a second full-time entry in second-tier series next season. It is unclear who, if anybody, will partner with Pulliam as a teammate for next season.
“I am looking forward to this challenge and working hard to make the most of this opportunity,” added Pulliam. “I couldn’t be any more excited to work side by side with Jody Measemer (crew chief) and Brad Brinkley (shop foreman) as they are two guys I have respected greatly throughout my short track career. We all know what the other person is capable of and I think this makes it very exciting to see what we can accomplish together.”
To prepare for his full-time campaign in 2027, Lee Pulliam will drive the No. 87 Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway in October.
Pulliam will start his first full-time campaign in NASCAR’s National Series with a trip to Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 20. Coverage of that event will be on The CW.
