Josh Berry Journey: After several years of being an integral part of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s JR Motorsports team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Josh Berry’s time at JRM has come to an end. Following the conclusion of the 2023 Xfinity Series season, Junior expressed his gratitude and respect for the NASCAR veteran.
Josh Berry is set to embark on a new journey, competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2024. He has signed a contract with Stewart-Haas Racing, and the pressure is on from the get-go. The 33-year-old will step into some big shoes, replacing the legendary Kevin Harvick and taking the wheel of the #4 SHR Ford Mustang. However, Berry is known for his professionalism and is prepared for the challenge.
Dale Earnhardt Jr has immense respect and affection for Josh Berry, as their relationship goes beyond the Xfinity Series. Berry spent over a decade racing in late models for Junior, amassing an impressive record of over 100 wins and a national championship.
Junior expressed his astonishment at Berry’s accomplishments, saying, “I never dreamed in my life that I would ever win a national title at the regional level. And Josh got that for us, one of my prouder trophies.” He also recalled the moment when they surprised Josh with the opportunity to race in the Xfinity series on an episode of The Dale Jr Download podcast.
Despite a challenging final season with Josh Berry, Junior takes responsibility for the team’s performance, emphasizing that it’s not a problem with Josh himself but the complexities of the racing puzzle they face as a team.
As the Xfinity Series came to an end, Junior shared a simple yet heartfelt message to his longtime driver. He posted a JR Motorsports’ message on his Instagram story, thanking Josh Berry for his years of dedicated service to the team and for helping fulfill one of his dreams with the national title. The message simply read, “Thank you.”
While Josh Berry’s Xfinity Series journey may have concluded, his racing career is far from over. The 33-year-old is set to participate in three notable Late Model Stock Car events over the next three weeks. He’ll be behind the wheel of the #62 Late Model Stock Car owned by Kevin Harvick and built by crew chief Rodney Childers.
In a fascinating twist, one of the drivers Berry will compete against in a few weeks is none other than his former boss, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Junior plans to race his late model stock car in Florence, looking forward to the opportunity of racing against his former employee. He expressed his excitement about watching Berry’s progression as he embarks on his journey in the Cup Series, anticipating that Berry will continue to improve.
The mutual respect and friendship between Josh Berry and Dale Earnhardt Jr are evident, and while they may not be on the same team in the future, who knows what lies ahead? Perhaps their paths will cross again.
ALSO READ: Josh Berry Returns: Late Model Racing Spectacle Unfolds!
Our Reader’s Queries
How did Josh Berry get into Nascar?
While juggling his studies at Volunteer State Community College and a job as a bank teller, Berry was also racing Legend Cars at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. His talent caught the attention of Earnhardt Jr., who signed him to his JR Motorsports team in 2010 for late model racing.
Why is Josh Berry driving the 48 car?
Hendrick Motorsports has announced that Alex Bowman will be unable to participate in the next three races due to a fractured vertebra he sustained during a sprint car race in Iowa. As a result, Josh Berry will be taking over the No. 48 car. We wish Bowman a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the track soon.
How did Josh Berry meet Dale Jr?
Through their online racing days in the early stages of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series, Berry and Earnhardt Jr. crossed paths and formed a bond. It was from this connection that a NASCAR Cup Series driver emerged. Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged that Josh’s story is widely known.
What is Josh Berry’s personal life?
Josh Berry often shares heartwarming snapshots of his family on social media. While not much is known about his parents, it is clear that he is a devoted husband to his wife, Ginny Berry. Ginny is a healthcare professional based in York City, and the couple is blessed with a beautiful daughter named Mackenzie. Josh’s family is clearly a source of joy and inspiration in his life, and he cherishes every moment spent with them.
