Lee Pulliam will compete full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Peterson Racing in 2027, the team announced on Tuesday. The 38-year-old late model icon made his series debut earlier this season. To prepare for his full-time schedule next year, Pulliam will drive the No. 87 Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway in October.
“I couldn’t be any prouder and more excited to be given this opportunity”, Pulliam said. “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.”
Peterson Racing began 2025 with Austin Green driving full-time in the No. 87 Chevrolet. After 16 races with just two top-10 finishes, the team brought on free agent Nick Sanchez on a part-time schedule splitting time with Green. Neither driver will remain in the seat for 2027, with Pulliam taking over despite modest improvements from both drivers.
Breaking Into NASCAR
Prior to making the jump to NASCAR, Pulliam established himself as one of the premiere local short track racers in America. He has four championships in the NASCAR Local Racing Series, plus three wins in the CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour.
In March, Pulliam drove the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway for his first ever NASCAR start. He led 40 laps and finished fifth, outrunning many of the series’ foremost full-time drivers.
“It is a pleasure for our young organization to welcome an accomplished racer like Lee,” said Peterson Racing General Manager Chris Seibel. “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.”
