No. 21 car’s speed has Denny Hamlin talking, and his words raise important questions. Wood Brothers Racing has seen a major shift, with its car now running at a level few expected. Denny Hamlin recently spoke about what might be fueling this sudden improvement, pointing to an obvious factor that many have overlooked. With strong finishes and growing attention, the team’s connection to Team Penske is now impossible to ignore. What changed to make this car a true contender?
Key Highlights
- Denny Hamlin highlighted Wood Brothers’ improved performance, possibly due to Penske’s increased support.
- The No. 21 car is staffed primarily by Penske employees, raising questions about strategic collaboration.
- Josh Berry’s success with the No. 21 car suggests enhanced backing from Penske.
- Wood Brothers’ recent performance mirrors Penske’s elite entries, indicating potential technical alliances.
- Penske’s strategy may involve stronger support for Wood Brothers, as observed by Hamlin.
The Role of Technical Alliances in NASCAR
In NASCAR, specialized alliances serve as an essential mechanism that shapes the competitive landscape, bringing both opportunity and risk to the teams involved.
Smaller teams often depend on larger, more resourceful teams to gain access to advanced cars, cutting-edge technology, and valuable expertise. This reliance was evident in 2024 when Front Row Motorsports shifted from RFK Racing to become part of Team Penske’s tactical circle, alongside the Wood Brothers, highlighting the dynamic nature of such partnerships.
While these alliances can enhance a team’s performance, as seen with 23XI Racing’s championship 4 appearance through their connection with Joe Gibbs Racing, they also pose the risk of becoming overly dependent.
Teams may find themselves limited, operating in the shadow of their more dominant partners. Therefore, while technical alliances offer a path to competitive viability, they demand careful navigation to guarantee long-term success and independence within the NASCAR hierarchy.
The Rise of the No. 21 Wood Brothers Car and Josh Berry’s Success
The transformation of the No. 21 Wood Brothers car under Josh Berry’s guidance has been nothing short of remarkable, prompting keen observers to question the elements fueling this success. Berry’s performance has revitalized a car that once lagged, now demonstrating skill akin to that of Team Penske’s elite vehicles.
His fourth-place finish at Phoenix and calculated actions at Las Vegas signal a considerable departure from its historical underperformance. The collaboration with Penske, which supplies specialized resources and personnel, has been crucial in this resurgence.
Historically, drivers like Ryan Blaney have thrived, but the consistent success Berry exhibits, leveraging Penske’s specialized alliance, suggests a newfound synergy and potential within the team.
Denny Hamlin’s Take on the No. 21 and Its Surprising Speed
Though often overshadowed by more prominent teams, the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing car has recently captured attention, largely due to unexpected performance improvements.
Denny Hamlin’s keen observations on his podcast illuminated potential reasons behind this phenomenon. Hamlin noted that while the Wood Brothers own the charter, the team is staffed mainly by Penske employees. This association raises questions about Penske’s involvement in the car’s recent success.
“Wood Brothers own the Charter but I don’t know that the employees like if you ever see them at the racetrack they’re all Penske employees people that we know that are Penske employees. But we’re all guilty at times of when things typically have been bad for the 21 car we just say ‘It’s Penske’s development team they’re only gonna be but so good’… ‘They’re just priming people for their house cars’… ‘It’s a deal that they cut with the Wood brothers to run that car out of their shop and you know help them out’.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin speculated on whether Penske has shifted its strategy, possibly offering more substantial support now by assigning experienced engineer Miles Stanley as crew chief. Under Stanley’s guidance, Josh Berry has showcased remarkable skill, even surpassing some Penske cars in performance.
“When things are good, we’re definitely quick to give Penske the credit, right? … I’m guilty of thinking that as well a kind of wondering and scratching your head yeah but if it’s even if it’s you know, just a straight a– development team of Penske, which I don’t know to be true. How could they be so far off for so many years, like way off of, you know, the worst Penske car, whoever that is, right, on any given weekend? And now it looks like it’s just us, it’s just one of the boys. It’s just one of the cars that come out of that shop that’s just like the 2 and the 12 and the 22, and it’s got the speed that they’ve got.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin openly admitted his previous skepticism about the No. 21, questioning how it could lag so far behind for years. Yet now, its speed suggests parity with Penske’s elite entries, hinting at a deeper collaboration than previously acknowledged.
Statistical Comparison and Denny Hamlin’s Observations
How did the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing car manage to bridge the gap with its Penske counterparts? From 2018 to 2024, the #21 team, with a solitary win and nine top-five finishes, lagged considerably.
Yet, in 2025, they equaled their past win tally and exceeded their lap lead from the previous two years combined. Denny Hamlin, an astute observer of racing dynamics, acknowledged this unexpected surge during practice in Phoenix, noting the car’s remarkable performance.
“I noticed it in practice in Phoenix. Wow, the #21 car is good.” – Denny Hamlin
The reasons behind Berry’s sudden competitive leap remain enigmatic. While critics oscillate between attributing success to Penske’s influence or dismissing downturns as neglect, Hamlin’s keen observations suggest a brewing mystery.
This dramatic improvement in performance prompts questions about potential clandestine collaboration, demanding scrutiny to unravel the factors driving the No. 21’s resurgence, which remains a focal point for racing analysts.
Denny Hamlin’s Rollercoaster Weekend in Vegas and Sponsorship Struggles
Why do the highs and lows of fortune often seem to converge at the most unexpected moments? Denny Hamlin’s weekend in Vegas exemplified this paradox. Striking it rich at the slot machines, he amassed over $200,000 in winnings, channeling the audacious spirit evocative of his co-owner, Michael Jordan.
Yet, the subsequent race day at Las Vegas Motor Speedway delivered a clear contrast as a pit road speeding penalty relegated him to a disappointing 25th-place finish. Despite this setback, Hamlin remains a formidable contender in the Cup standings, poised at 12th position.
Off the track, Hamlin confronts challenging sponsorship issues. Long-time partner FedEx, alongside Mavis Tires and Brakes, has reduced their commitments.
“Is it concerning from my end? Maybe a little bit, but it’s probably more concerning from JGR’s standpoint.” – Denny Hamlin
However, a glimmer of optimism emerges with potential new sponsorship from Progressive Insurance and others. This financial uncertainty highlights the tenacity required to sustain a two-decade NASCAR career, as Hamlin navigates fluctuating fortunes with resilience.
News in Brief: No. 21 Car’s Speed Has Denny Hamlin Talking
Denny Hamlin’s disclosures about Team Penske’s potential assistance to Wood Brothers Racing emphasize the intricate dynamics of NASCAR’s technical alliances, which can greatly influence the competitive landscape. The remarkable performance of the No. 21 car, driven by Josh Berry, highlights the potential impact of such collaborations.
This situation prompts further scrutiny into how these alliances shape team tactics and success, raising questions about fairness and transparency while accentuating the tactical depth and complexity inherent in modern NASCAR racing.
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