Lee Pulliam was equal parts emotional, grateful and motivated Friday afternoon in anticipating his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut driving the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in Saturday’s NFPA 250.
The 37-year old four-time NASCAR Local Racing Series national champion and longtime late model superstar conceded that only a few years ago, he thought his racing career was finished. But in the months after helping his father overcome a medical health scare, Pulliam promised his dad to seize any racing opportunities that still arise.
Saturday’s race for the iconic JR Motorsports team is a prime opportunity. And he’s made that very evident – showing up at the JRM shop to watch film, work on pit stops, get on the simulator. Whatever it takes.
And the work paid off immediately with Pulliam turning the fastest lap in Friday’s NASCAR O’Reilly practice.
“I never wanted to walk away from it [racing],’’ the North Carolina-native reminded. ”This means a lot. A whole lot. This is something I dreamed about ever since I was kid. It’s what I wanted to do. I felt like I was good enough to make it to the upper echelon in the sport, but it just didn’t work out in that time.
“But my flame is just as high as if I was 18,’’ he promised, “and I think that’s a tremendous advantage in one way and I just have to use that to my advantage.
“I’ve had some special moments here [at Martinsville] and man, I’ve had a long hard journey to get to this spot but it’s been everything I’ve ever dreamed about and more. A lot of hard work and a lot of good people,’’ he added, his voice trailing off in emotion.
Pulliam’s JR Motorsports teammates were immediately receptive to the idea of Pulliam joining the team and have high expectations for Saturday’s race. He put the No. 9 Chevy on top of the speed chart with just under seven minutes to go in the hour practice session and with qualifying cancelled, will roll off 12th.
“If you like late model racing, you know who Lee Pulliam is,’’ his JR Motorsports teammate Allgaier said, promising Pulliam’s foray into the series is a hugely positive thing for all involved. “This is going to be really special. I have no doubt he’s going to be successful.’’
-NASCAR Wire Service
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