Lee Pulliam’s return to victory lane wasn’t just a win — it was a long-overdue reminder of who he is.
It’s been 2,387 days since September 7, 2019 Pulliam’s last victory, also at South Boston Speedway. In the years since, funding dried up and Pulliam was forced out of the driver’s seat and into an ownership role.
The fire to compete never faded — if anything, it grew stronger. Saturday night wasn’t just a win; it was the payoff for years of staying committed to the sport he loves.
Trevor Ward led the field to green from the pole and paced the opening lap, but an early restart changed everything. Pulliam powered to the lead shortly after and controlled the race through the middle stages.
The race’s biggest challenge came from Connor Wedell, who methodically worked his way through the top five before taking the lead from Pulliam with 37 laps remaining. It marked the first time all night Pulliam had been seriously tested.
A caution with 23 laps to go reset the field and handed Pulliam one more shot. On the restart, he got the jump on Wedell, cleared him into Turn 1, and never looked back.
For Pulliam, it was more than just another win. It was validation — that even after years away from the driver’s seat, the ability never left.
“I did two victory laps, dude,” said Pulliam “I wanted to savor it. I wanted to make sure I saw every fan that was standing up and spent their hard earned money on the 9 car shirts, my diecast, my No. 1 shirts today, and just spent their money on the ticket to get in this place.
Whether you pull for me or not, I appreciate each and every one of you. That’s what makes this sport so great. Man I feel like Jr Motorsports has got a guy that’s hungrier than ever.”
After three runner-up finishes since his return, Pulliam finally sealed the deal, breaking through in the season opener just one week before the opportunity of his life, driving the JR Motorsports No. 9 in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity man,” Said Pulliam “When I quit I went five years without driving and I thought it would never happen. A lot believed in me I mean when we started here we didn’t have nothing. It was fans donating to the cause, different people helping out with parts. I appreciate everyone that’s been a part of the journey and y’all with be with me at Martinsville.
“I’m gonna give you everything I got. I’m gonna have a ball, I’m gonna give it all I got. If I run first, if I run 35th, I’m gonna know I gave it one hundred percent. That’s what I’m gonna hang my helmet on.”
