Josh Berry embraces a new challenge with Wood Brothers Racing as the NASCAR season gets underway. After Stewart-Haas Racing shut down, he found a new home in the iconic #21 Ford. But can he handle the pressure of honoring a team with 75 years of history? With support from Team Penske, he gets a fresh start, but challenges remain. His first race at Bowman Gray Stadium will test his skills.
Key Highlights
- Josh Berry joins Wood Brothers Racing after Stewart Haas Racing’s closure, filling Harrison Burton’s vacancy.
- Berry’s rapport with Ford Performance influenced his selection to drive the #21 Ford.
- The move integrates Berry with Team Penske for enhanced resources and performance.
- Berry aims to honor Wood Brothers Racing’s 75-year NASCAR legacy.
- The NASCAR season opener at Bowman Gray Stadium marks Berry’s inaugural Cup Series race.
Josh Berry Reflects on Move to Wood Brothers Racing
Josh Berry’s shift to Wood Brothers Racing marks a significant chapter in his NASCAR career following the closure of Stewart Haas Racing. This change was necessitated by the tactical decision of Stewart Haas Racing to cease operations in both the Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Berry’s move to Wood Brothers Racing fills the void left by Harrison Burton, who remarkably achieved a historic win for the team in the previous season.
Initially, Berry was not the primary choice for Wood Brothers Racing; however, his established rapport with Ford Performance played a crucial role in his selection.
As Berry assimilates into his new team, he acknowledges the rich legacy of Wood Brothers Racing, an organization with a 75-year history in NASCAR.
His focus remains on integrating seamlessly with his team, building on the successful collaboration between Wood Brothers Racing and Team Penske, as he prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season.
“I mean it’s been a challenge obviously, with with SHR closing down and all the different paths we took there right but for me, I don’t really know that I have a lot to add on that too much cause I mean, obviously, I have come into the most established team in NASCAR. They’ve been here 75 years, they have a great relationship with Team Penske, obviously, has had a tremendous amount of success so really for me it’s just about kind of fitting in and getting in a rhythm of working with my team.” – Josh Berry
Josh Berry’s First NASCAR Cup Series Season
As the dust settles on Josh Berry’s move to Wood Brothers Racing, attention now shifts to his first NASCAR Cup Series season with the team. Berry steps into the #21 Ford, a car steeped in NASCAR history, marking a new chapter in his racing career.
His shift from Stewart Haas Racing, where he finished 27th in his rookie season, sets the stage for fresh opportunities and challenges.
This season, Berry will benefit from a mechanical alliance with Team Penske, providing him with improved resources and support. As he prepares to commence his voyage at Bowman Gray Stadium this Sunday, Berry draws from the competitive experiences of his former teammate, Chase Briscoe, whose playoff berth exemplified their team’s potential.
Berry’s performance will be closely monitored, as he aims to utilize Wood Brothers Racing’s storied legacy and Team Penske’s mechanical expertise to boost his standing in NASCAR’s elite series.
Kevin Harvick Backs Chase Briscoe for Cook Out Clash Victory
Kevin Harvick, a seasoned NASCAR veteran, has expressed his support for Chase Briscoe as the former Stewart Haas Racing driver prepares for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Briscoe, who has taken over Martin Truex Jr.’s seat in the Joe Gibbs Racing #19 Toyota, is set for his debut with JGR. Harvick highlighted Briscoe’s potential during the Happy Hour Podcast, emphasizing how Joe Gibbs Racing cars have historically performed well on short tracks.
Harvick noted, “He (Chase Briscoe) has something to prove,” pointing to Briscoe’s successful past at similar racetracks while at SHR.
Harvick also mentioned James Small, Briscoe’s crew chief, as a crucial asset, suggesting their partnership could yield meaningful results.
“I think that the Joe Gibbs cars have run well at these short tracks, and I think that he (Chase Briscoe), along with a lot of other guys, has something to prove, and I think James Small is right there with him, so he has been good. He was very good as his teammate at SHR at this style of racetrack, and I just think that it could be a magical moment for him.” – Kevin Harvick
The veteran’s endorsement highlights the high expectations surrounding Briscoe’s performance, as he endeavors to make a strong impression at Bowman Gray Stadium, potentially marking a crucial moment in his NASCAR career.
Upcoming NASCAR Races
Anticipation builds as NASCAR enthusiasts look forward to the upcoming races, marking key events on their calendars. Following the excitement of the Clash, attention now turns to one of the most prestigious events in the NASCAR calendar: the Daytona 500.
Scheduled for February 16th at 2:30 PM Eastern time, the race is set to ignite the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series with a display of speed, skill, and strategy.
The Daytona 500 stands as a cornerstone in the NASCAR season, offering drivers a chance to etch their names into the annals of racing history. As teams prepare their vehicles and strategies, fans enthusiastically await the spectacle that defines the essence of motorsport.
With its storied legacy and challenging course, the Daytona 500 serves as a proving ground for seasoned veterans and rising stars similarly, ensuring a thrilling start to the racing year.
News in Brief: Josh Berry Embraces New Challenge With Wood Brothers Racing
As the NASCAR season begins, Josh Berry sets out on a promising adventure with Wood Brothers Racing, marking his initial Cup Series season. His change is closely watched by fans and analysts, enthusiastic to see how his skills will translate to this new challenge.
Meanwhile, Kevin Harvick’s endorsement of Chase Briscoe adds intrigue to the Cook Out Clash. With a full schedule of upcoming races, the season promises to deliver excitement and opportunities for emerging talent in the sport.
ALSO READ: Fans Expect Josh Berry to Lead Wood Brothers Racing Back to Glory After Years of Struggles
