JR Motorsports, owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., joined forces with Lee Pulliam to add to the team’s Late Model legacy. Wheeling its No. 88 Chevrolet, the four-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I national champion took part in the 25th annual Solid Rock Carriers Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park, N.C.Pulliam, a former winner of the 2015 Thanksgiving Classic, stunned everyone with his performance. Backed by crew chief Bryan Shaffer, the Semora, North Carolina-native bagged a P3 finish. After the 250-lap event was over, Pulliam said,“Had a hot ride, man. Bryan and the guys gave me such a good car. Drove to the front twice, you know, was about to take the lead there. And got sent to the rear when the 17 come down. But I just couldn't be more thankful to do this.”Driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr. was like a childhood dream come true for Pulliam. Thanking the two-time NASCAR champion and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt, the CEO of JR Motorsports, Pulliam continued,“Drove for my hero, you know, growing up. So, Dale, Kelly… just thank you so much and Junior Nation. Appreciate you guys. Hope I get to do more of this. What a fun night man seeing so many people, so many fans, supporters… just really proud to do this. So, never take for granted the opportunity to drive race cars every week. It’s a blessing and a pleasure.”The annual Thanksgiving Classic usually marks the end of the Late Model racing season. NASCAR, on the other hand, is already in the off-season and preparing for its upcoming national series campaigns. Next up for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity Series (now O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) team is the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway.Scheduled for February 14, 2026, the 120-lap event will be televised on CW, starting from 5 pm ET. Fans can listen to exclusive racing updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.“He is one of the best drivers and team owners in the sport”- Dale Earnhardt Jr. showers Lee Pulliam with praiseDale Earnhardt Jr. was happy to team up with Lee Pulliam. After all, Pulliam is a six-time winner of the Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 and a four-time NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series champion. He is one of the most promising drivers in the history of Late Model Stock Car racing.In addition, Pulliam also owns Lee Pulliam Performance, a late-model racing team based in Alton, Virginia. During a recent press release, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said,“Having Lee Pulliam in our car for the Thanksgiving Classic is special for me and our team. He is one of the best drivers and team owners in the sport. His battles with our own Josh Berry years ago were epic. To see him return to Martinsville this fall and nearly win was incredible. I can’t wait to see him in our Chevrolet at Southern National.”Pulliam’s P3 finish Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park follows his attempt to win the 30th ValleyStar Credit Union 300, which was held in late September.