Josh Berry forces Denny Hamlin to admit he was wrong after an unforgettable race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The rising star’s win not only marked a major milestone but also changed how others saw his talent. Even Denny Hamlin, a veteran driver, had to rethink his stance. With Wood Brothers Racing and Team Penske backing him, Josh Berry proved his place among NASCAR’s best. What led to this moment, and how did it reshape opinions in the sport?
Key Highlights
- Denny Hamlin admitted he misjudged Josh Berry’s potential after Berry’s first NASCAR Cup Series win.
- Hamlin called Berry “the real deal” on his podcast following Berry’s victory.
- Berry’s win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway showcased his talent and determination.
- The win marked Wood Brothers Racing’s 101st top-level NASCAR victory.
- Berry’s success validated his supporters and proved skeptics like Hamlin wrong.
Dale Jr.’s Influence and Josh Berry’s Journey
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s influence on Josh Berry’s career has been nothing short of life-changing, showing the power of mentorship and opportunity in motorsports.
Uncovered a decade ago on iRacing, Berry’s talent caught Earnhardt Jr.’s eye, leading to a crucial signing with JR Motorsports‘ Late Model program. This move paved the way for Berry, a Tennessee native without corporate backing or influential connections, to prove his mettle through sheer hard work and resolve.
After two full seasons in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, Berry shifted to the NASCAR Cup Series, initially with Stewart Haas Racing.
Despite the team’s unfortunate dissolution in 2024, Berry’s passion and relentless drive did not go unnoticed. Wood Brothers Racing, NASCAR’s oldest team, saw his potential, signing him after parting ways with Harrison Burton.
This decision affirmed Berry’s growing reputation, culminating in a significant victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, silencing skeptics and solidifying his place in racing history.
Josh Berry’s First Cup Win and Denny Hamlin’s Reaction
Though many doubted, Josh Berry’s initial NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway marked a significant milestone in his career and for Wood Brothers Racing. The victory, their 101st at the top level, dispelled skepticism surrounding Berry’s potential. For fans familiar with his path, it was an anticipated achievement, showcasing his resilience and talent.
Denny Hamlin, a seasoned NASCAR veteran, publicly acknowledged his misjudgment following Berry’s success. On his podcast, Hamlin admitted, “He’s the real deal,” expressing newfound respect for Berry’s abilities.
“I mean, was it out of the blue? Yeah, sorta. I mean, he had a strong run last week in Phoenix. He’s the real deal. I mean, somewhere, Kelly Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, all those that had invested in him and believed in him and gave him the opportunity when he didn’t bring his own money are rejoicing, and as they should, because I was a skeptic of Josh Berry at times.” – Denny Hamlin
The surprise win at Las Vegas, preceded by a strong performance in Phoenix, shifted perceptions within the racing community. Hamlin further reflected on the crucial support Berry received from figures like Kelly and Dale Earnhardt, who believed in him despite financial constraints.
Josh Berry’s Journey Through NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Challenges
Josh Berry’s victorious moment at Las Vegas was the apex of a demanding expedition through both the Xfinity and Cup Series.
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Berry demonstrated his potential, earning a breakthrough season that solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor. However, the shift to the NASCAR Cup Series posed considerable challenges. Berry’s opportunities were limited, initially filling in for Chase Elliott at Hendrick Motorsports in 2023, where he managed an impressive P2 at Richmond, a reflection of his short-track skill.
Berry’s rookie stint in the No. 4 SHR Ford was modest, with occasional top 5 finishes and a consistent top 15 streak in the spring. The beginning of 2025 proved challenging, with the No. 21 team struggling in the initial races.
Yet, Berry’s resilience shone through as he excelled on traditional ovals, achieving a commendable P4 at Phoenix and ultimately clinching victory at Las Vegas, marking a notable milestone in his career.
Denny Hamlin Highlights Team Penske’s Role in Josh Berry’s Success
In the wake of Josh Berry’s successful performance at Las Vegas, Denny Hamlin turned attention to the crucial role Team Penske played in Berry’s success. Hamlin acknowledged that while Wood Brothers Racing, the team Berry drove for, has struggled in recent years, their partnership with Team Penske has been groundbreaking. This collaboration provided access to superior resources and expertise, revitalizing the No. 21 car’s performance on the track.
“The Wood Brothers own the charter, but I don’t know, the employees at the racetrack, they’re all Penske employees. How could they be so far off so many years of the worst Penske cars whoever that is, on any given weekend? And now it looks like it’s one of the boys, just like the 2, and the 12, and the 22, it’s got the speed that they’ve got.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin highlighted that the collective efforts have raised the No. 21 car’s competitiveness, aligning it with Penske’s successful fleet. This synergy between the veteran Wood Brothers and the powerhouse Team Penske emphasizes the significance of collaboration, driving Berry towards success.
The Significance of Josh Berry’s Win and Denny Hamlin’s Nostalgia
The victory of Josh Berry at Las Vegas marks a substantial milestone, not only for the driver himself but also for the evolving landscape of NASCAR. Berry’s success serves as a guiding light of inspiration for aspiring racers, proving that dedication and perseverance can lead to success even if the expedition is delayed.
Competing against established names like Austin Dillon and Ty Gibbs, Berry’s win at a satellite Penske operation highlights the potential for self-made drivers within the sport.
Denny Hamlin, a veteran who shares a similar career path, expressed both pride and nostalgia at Berry’s accomplishment. Witnessing Berry’s rise from late model races to the Cup Series echoes Hamlin’s own journey, emphasizing the significance of different backgrounds and talent development in NASCAR.
“It is so refreshing and great to see a self-made cup series driver like Josh to be successful. I watched him just a few years ago winning late model races and to see him win now a cup race just a few years later it’s just it’s very gratifying to see guys from my discipline and how I grew up being successful in the cup series.” – denny Hamlin
Hamlin’s reflections emphasize the sport’s dynamic nature, where drivers from a range of disciplines, not just dirt racing, can achieve greatness, thereby enriching the NASCAR narrative.
News in Brief: Josh Berry Forces Denny Hamlin to Admit He Was Wrong
Josh Berry’s initial Cup win marks a noteworthy milestone in his racing career, showcasing his resolve and talent. Under the guidance of Dale Jr., Berry navigated the challenges of Xfinity and Cup series, proving his capabilities on the track. Denny Hamlin’s acknowledgment of Berry’s success highlights the impact of hard work and perseverance. With Penske’s support playing a crucial role, Berry’s victory is not only a personal achievement but also a confirmation of the power of belief and mentorship in motorsports.
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