NASCAR O'Reilly: Lee Pulliam Full-Time With Peterson Racing in 2027

SANFORD, S.C. — Peterson Racing signed short track ace Lee Pulliam to the organization for a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series deal in 2027.

Pulliam will pilot the team's No. 87 Chevrolet twice this season – Oct. 3 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Oct. 31 at Martinsville Speedway – before fully taking over the ride in the 2027 season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

"I couldn’t be any prouder and more excited to be given this opportunity,” Pulliam stated.  “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.”

Pulliam will replace Austin Green, the driver named to race the No. 87 Chevrolet full-time in 2026. Green last raced in June at Naval Base Coronado and Sonoma Raceway, finishing eighth and 12th respectively, before Nick Sanchez took over the ride. Sanchez is entered for this Friday's NOAPS race at Daytona International Speedway.

Sanchez is a favorite for Peterson's second car in 2027 as a teammate to Pulliam.

At age 38, Pulliam is 13 years younger than his predecessor. He is a four-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion with two wins in the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway and six consecutive wins in the Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 at South Boston Speedway.

“It is a pleasure for our young organization to welcome an accomplished racer like Lee,” stated Chris Seibel, general manager for Peterson Racing. “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.”

Pulliam has just one NOAPS start to his name: A fifth-place finish and 40 of 200 laps led with JR Motorsports' No. 9 Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway back in March.

Pulliam will have to overcome challenges adapting to the diverse NOAPS schedule, in addition to the short tracks he excels at – but he's ready.

“I am looking forward to this challenge and working hard to make the most of this opportunity,” Pulliam added. “I couldn’t be any more excited to work side by side with Jody Measemer (crew chief) and Brad Brinkley (shop foreman) as they are two guys I have respected greatly throughout my short track career. We all know what the other person is capable of and I think this makes it very exciting to see what we can accomplish together.”