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Martinsville Today
By the People, for the People
Emotional Pulliam Reflects on NASCAR Debut After Causing Wreck
Lee Pulliam opens up on eventful first race with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team at Martinsville Speedway.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:55pm
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A cubist interpretation of the chaotic NASCAR restart that saw Lee Pulliam cause a massive wreck in his series debut, capturing the raw energy and emotion of the moment.Martinsville TodayIn his NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series debut, Lee Pulliam led for several laps but caused a major wreck late in the race due to inexperience. Despite the incident, Pulliam finished fifth and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team, becoming emotional as he reflected on his lifelong dream coming true.
Why it matters
Pulliam's story highlights the challenges and emotions of a grassroots racer getting a chance at the national level, as well as the impact a NASCAR legend like Earnhardt can have in providing opportunities for up-and-coming drivers.
The details
Pulliam, an experienced late model stock car racer, was making his NASCAR debut driving for JR Motorsports. He led for several laps before a late-race restart incident where he misshifted, causing a multi-car wreck. Despite the incident, Pulliam finished fifth and was thankful for the experience, choking back tears as he discussed driving for Earnhardt's team.
- Pulliam had taken a five-year break from racing prior to returning for a few races at Martinsville in 2024 and 2025.
- Pulliam's NASCAR debut took place on March 28, 2026 at Martinsville Speedway.
The players
Lee Pulliam
A 45-year-old veteran of late model stock car racing who was making his NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series debut driving for JR Motorsports.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
A NASCAR legend and team owner of JR Motorsports, who provided Pulliam the opportunity to make his national series debut.
What they’re saying
“Man, I just first off real quick I'd like to apologize to everybody we tore up there. Man, I just couldn't get going with the older tires there and it's just a little bit of inexperience. But just so thankful to be here and do this. Everybody on this Folsom Fence Supply Chevrolet, it was just a dream come true today.”
— Lee Pulliam, NASCAR Driver
“What a dream come true to drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Man, the whole experience has been pretty... pretty special for me. Something I've wanted to do my entire life. And just thankful for everybody that led to this moment.”
— Lee Pulliam, NASCAR Driver
What’s next
Pulliam will look to learn from his mistakes and seek another opportunity to race in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, hoping to prove himself at the national level.
The takeaway
Pulliam's emotional NASCAR debut highlights the powerful impact a NASCAR legend like Earnhardt can have in providing opportunities for grassroots racers to fulfill their lifelong dreams, even if the path to success is not without its challenges.
