Lee Pulliam to join Peterson Racing Group for full-time NOAPS in 2027

SANFORD, N.C. — Lee Pulliam will join Peterson Racing for full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competition in 2027.

He will also take over the No. 87 Chevrolet for Las Vegas and Martinsville later this season to gain eligibility for Daytona in 2027.

Currently, the team sits 22nd in the series’ owners standings in their first full season campaign. Though their season has not been as smooth and their standing shows.

The team started the season with the young prospect of Austin Green but his rookie season came to a screeching halt a third of the way through.

Starting at Pocono this past June, Nick Sanchez replaced the rookie for the remaining ovals in 2026.

While Green remained with the team, his hopes of a full-time ride with the team in 2027 are now gone.

The short track legend Pulliam made the jump to the O’Reilly Series with JR Motorsports at Martinsville Speedway this past spring.

The 38-year-old qualified 12th, ran 40 laps in the lead, and finished fifth in his lone event which impressed the Peterson Racing group enough to step him up to full-time competition in 2027.

Driver and Team Comments

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

“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.”

Chris Seibel, General Manager for Peterson Racing, commented on their singing of the four-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion.

“It is a pleasure for our young organization to welcome an accomplished racer like Lee,” stated 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.”

“I am looking forward to this challenge and working hard to make the most of this opportunity,” added Pulliam.

“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.”