The highs and low of an emotional NASCAR O'Reilly debut for Lee Pulliam

It’s not everyday a 37-year-old Late Model star gets his shot on the national stage in NASCAR, but Lee Pulliam did on Saturday.

Making his debut at the secondary level of NASCAR, Pulliam started 12th after qualifying was rained out. He was quiet for the first part of the race, and JR Motorsports team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. was on the No. 9 pit box, coaching him via the radio.

The first real hiccup was on pit road when an uncontrolled tire sent him to the rear of the field, despite exiting the pits second on the strategy he was on at the time. He immediately asked the team if that was his fault or if there was anything he could do differently, but crew chief Phillip Bell assured him that it wasn’t his error.

Despite the setback, they were still able to position themselves to move into the lead on Lap 184 of 250. On older tires than those pursuing him, Pulliam held the lead through multiple restarts, and led 40 laps.

Lee Pulliam, No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

However, his team out front came to an end with around 25 laps to go, as championship leader and JRM teammate Justin Allgaier passed on the outside after a slow restart from the No. 9.

Another caution offered a new opportunity for Pulliam, who apologized for losing the lead. Earnhardt came on the radio to give him a pep talk, saying, “Damn dude, you’re running second!”

He restarted on the front row, and to the outside of Allgaier with a chance to re-take control. Unfortunately, he missed a shift and got bogged down, triggering a massive crash that collected around half the field and ended the day for JRM teammate Carson Kvapil.

He was clearly upset on the radio, but Earnhardt was quick to reassure him in hopes of keeping his head in the game. On the ensuing restart, Pulliam got door-slammed by reigning series champion Jesse Love, resulting in a fairly significant tire rub on the left-front. Thankfully, it worked itself out and he was able to soldier, battered and bruised.

While Allgaier emerged with the fifth consecutive O’Reilly win for JR Motorsports, Pulliam brought home a top-five finish, placing fifth in his debut.

“I love all you guys,” radioed Pulliam after taking the checkered flag. I’m sorry I made a mistake there, but I had a hell of a lot of fun, and it’s something I’ll never forget. I appreciate each and every one of you.”

On pit road, Earnhardt embraced Pulliam and congratulated him on the effort, and offered some more advice in a heartfelt moment.