In a significant career move, Lee Pulliam a four-time NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series champion, will transition to full-time competition in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2027. The Semora, North Carolina native will pilot the No. 87 Chevrolet for Peterson Racing marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious racing career.
Pulliam’s journey to the national stage began with a standout performance at Martinsville Speedway earlier this year, where he finished fifth in his series debut with JR Motorsports. This success paved the way for his upcoming full-time campaign, which will commence with two races in October 2026 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway.
From Short Tracks to National Spotlight
Pulliam’s racing resume is nothing short of impressive. With four national championships in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series two victories in the prestigious ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville, and six consecutive wins in the Thunder Road 200 at South Boston Speedway, he has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in short-track racing. His accolades also include two Virginia Triple Crown championships in late model stock car competition.
Beyond his driving prowess, Pulliam has made a significant impact as the owner of Lee Pulliam Performance a company that has nurtured talented drivers such as Corey heim and Brenden Queen. His ability to develop and mentor young racers underscores his deep understanding of the sport and his commitment to its growth.
Peterson Racing’s Strategic Move
Peterson Racing in its first full-time season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, has shown steady progress. The team, which previously competed on a part-time basis, has achieved four top-10 finishes through 23 scheduled events in 2026. The addition of Pulliam is seen as a strategic move to further enhance the team’s performance and competitiveness.
Chris Seibel, General Manager of Peterson Racing, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Pulliam to the team. “It is a pleasure for our young organization to welcome an accomplished racer like Lee. 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.”
Building Chemistry and Anticipating Success
Pulliam’s upcoming races in October will serve as a crucial period for building chemistry with his new team. Working alongside crew chief Jody Measemer and shop foreman Brad Brinkley Pulliam aims to leverage their expertise and experience to achieve success on the national stage. “I am looking forward to this challenge and working hard to make the most of this opportunity,” Pulliam stated. “I couldn’t be any more excited to work side by side with Jody Measemer and Brad Brinkley as they are two guys I have respected greatly throughout my short track career.”
The 2027 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season is set to kick off at Daytona International Speedway on February 20, 2027. As Pulliam prepares for this new chapter, the racing community eagerly anticipates his performances and the potential impact he will have on the series.
