NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin expressed his appreciation for Lee Pulliam’s opportunity with JR Motorsports and called for more chances for drivers like him.
Underdog stories remain significant in NASCAR. On Saturday, March 28, Pulliam made his debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Martinsville Speedway. He gained recognition in Late Model racing by winning four NASCAR Weekly Series national championships and achieving significant short-track victories across Virginia and the Southeast.
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Martin was moved by a recent emotional interview with Pulliam, where Pulliam became tearful as he reflected on his dream becoming a reality.
“More of this please [NASCAR] [Steven Taranto] we need to see underdogs like [Lee Pulliam] fighting for what they love,” Mark Martin wrote on X.
Pulliam spent years pursuing bigger opportunities, having to reconstruct his career path when the national circuit stalled in 2014. The renowned Late Model driver almost secured a spot with Hattori Racing Enterprises in the K&N Pro Series East, but a crash at Bristol ended that opportunity. He then returned to late models and transformed that setback into a successful period.
“I’ve had a long hard journey to get to this spot and man, it’s surreal really. It’s everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. A lot of hard work, and a lot of good people that led to this spot,” Pulliam said.
Pulliam has claimed four NASCAR national championships in weekly racing, won two ValleyStar Credit Union 300 races at Martinsville, and established one of the strongest late model records nationwide.
“I will be pulling for Lee Pulliam” – Mark Martin thanks JR Motorsports and owner Dale Jr. ahead of Martinsville O’Reilly race
Qualifying was cut short by weather after six cars ran, so the lineup was set by metric. Justin Allgaier secured the pole position, and Pulliam will start the race from 12th place in the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet.
The NASCAR O’Reilly race is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 pm ET on The CW. Mark Martin stated he would be cheering for Pulliam and expressed gratitude to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports for giving Pulliam a chance.
“Today at 3:30 ET [The CW] I will be pulling for [Lee Pulliam] and thank you [Dale Earnhardt Jr.] and [JR Motorsports] for giving Lee a chance. Y’all are paying it forward 💯,” Martin wrote on X.
Pulliam returned to Martinsville in 2024 and followed it up with a second-place finish in 2025. JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr. recognized his talent and helped open the door for the O’Reilly ride. Pulliam will debut in NASCAR with crew chief Philip Bell at Martinsville this afternoon.
Edited by Hitesh Nigam
