Lee Pulliam is set to make his NASCAR debut at Martinsville Speedway this spring, driving JR Motorsports’ No. 9 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entry. The announcement has garnered a lot of excitement, especially from Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s close friend and the No. 1 team crew chief, Rodney Childers.
Pulliam has made a name for himself in late-model stock car racing, winning four NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championships and securing multiple victories at Martinsville. His success at the historic Virginia track includes two wins at the prestigious ValleyStar Credit Union 300, often referred to as the “Daytona 500” of late models.
Childers expressed his joy and support for Pulliam’s upcoming NASCAR debut, stating, “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.”
Pulliam previously teamed up with JR Motorsports for the Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National last year, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet in the 250-lap feature event. He will also compete in two CARS Tour races at Coastal Plains Raceway and Southern National, as well as at South Boston Speedway this season.
In addition to Pulliam, the No. 9 open entry at JR Motorsports will see Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain making appearances in some races this season.
On the other hand, Rodney Childers recently joined JR Motorsports as the crew chief for the No. 1 car shared by Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. Reflecting on his decision to work with the team, Childers mentioned, “I’ve gone home every night with a smile on my face and enjoying it and having fun.” He emphasized the opportunity to work with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and nurture the talents of young drivers in the sport.
Childers, with a successful career in the Cup Series, previously worked with Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing, helping him secure 37 wins and the 2014 championship.
Overall, the collaboration between Lee Pulliam, Rodney Childers, and JR Motorsports promises an exciting season ahead in NASCAR, with a mix of experienced talent and emerging stars hitting the track. The anticipation for Pulliam’s debut at Martinsville Speedway is high, and fans can’t wait to see how he performs in the No. 9 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entry.
