Josh Berry’s victory ignites NASCAR with a moment that few saw coming. Josh Berry stunned the racing world at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, securing his first NASCAR Cup Series win. Driving the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, he turned determination into triumph. His journey, marked by struggles and resilience, drew praise from legends like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr.. As the excitement builds, questions remain—could this victory be just the beginning for Josh Berry?
Key Highlights
- Josh Berry’s historic win at Las Vegas was his first NASCAR Cup Series victory, driving the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing.
- NASCAR stars such as Austin Cindric, William Byron, and Denny Hamlin praised Berry’s perseverance and self-made path to success.
- Richard Petty admired Berry’s humble victory celebration, highlighting the emotional impact of the win.
- Berry’s journey from a bank teller to a Cup Series winner symbolizes hard work and determination.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. compared Berry’s victory to a ’90s sports movie, reflecting a classic underdog story.
Josh Berry’s Historic Win at Las Vegas
Josh Berry’s victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 17, 2025, was nothing short of extraordinary, marking his initial NASCAR Cup Series win and a vital moment in his racing career.
Driving the iconic No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, Berry achieved a milestone that resonated deeply within the NASCAR community. His victorious race was a confirmation of perseverance and skill, transforming him from an underdog to a celebrated champion.
The historic win was not only notable for Berry but also for the legendary Wood Brothers team, which holds a storied legacy in the sport. This achievement highlighted the respect and admiration the garage holds for Berry’s resolve and the enduring history of the Wood Brothers. Berry himself welcomed the moment, acknowledging the outpouring of support, stating, “It was a very popular win,” emphasizing the shared joy across drivers, legends, and fans.
“It just goes to show you a ton of the respect that the garage has for the Wood Brothers is a big part of that, and their legacy and history in this sport really is something a lot of people appreciate a lot. And I think, yeah, my story, it’s such a unique one, right, and I’ve been a part of a lot of different programs, a lot of different race teams…. Kyle Larson came to Victory Lane, that’s somebody that I’ve, you know, spent a good bit of time with, and to have guys like that excited for us and appreciate what we were able to accomplish is really cool.” – (berry)
Reactions from NASCAR’s Biggest Names
In the wake of Josh Berry’s landmark victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the NASCAR community erupted in celebration, as some of the sport’s most prominent figures shared their admiration and respect for his achievement. Austin Cindric, a fellow Ford driver, acknowledged Berry’s disciplined expedition, emphasizing that Berry “had the car today and got the job done.”
“He’s done each step of the way right and obviously had the car today and got the job done. It’s really that simple. It’s cool to see, and cool to see the guys in the shop that are excited; the Wood Brothers and everybody. So yeah, if I can’t win one of these and my other two guys can’t, he’s the guy. It’s a cool group because there’s a lot of first-time winners.” – (Cindric)
Longtime friend William Byron reflected on their shared history, recalling their early days in iRacing, and expressed happiness for his success.
“We grew up all the way back to iRacing days racing each other. So, good for him. Happy for them. He’s definitely been a contender.” – (Byron)
🏆This was a win to remember!
Hear from @joshberry and the @woodbrothers21 team following their win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!
📺 Watch Now: https://t.co/auI02KTbQ0 pic.twitter.com/9ODHa0XK7w
— Racing America (@RacingAmerica) March 20, 2025
Denny Hamlin, a seasoned driver, admired Berry’s self-made path, noting the invigorating nature of his success in the Cup Series.
“It is so refreshing and great to see a self-made Cup Series driver like Josh to be successful.” – (hamlin)
Even NASCAR legend Richard Petty, known for his discerning eye, praised Berry for his humble victory celebration, highlighting the significance of this moment.
Berry’s Path to the Cup Series and Early Struggles
With resolve and grit, Josh Berry carved his path to the NASCAR Cup Series, overcoming challenges that would have deterred many.
In 2020, Berry faced a notable hurdle when he wrecked Bobby McCarty during a CARS Tour event, resulting in a suspension. Yet, Berry transformed this setback into a catalyst for success. Dominating the Late Model racing scene, he clinched the 2020 NASCAR Weekly Series title, capturing the attention of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt’s belief in Berry’s potential led to his recruitment into JR Motorsports, setting the stage for future victories.
In 2021, Berry’s talent shone brightly with his first Xfinity Series victory at Martinsville, marking a crucial moment in his career.
A Victory Straight Out of a Sports Movie
Like a scene from an inspiring ’90s sports movie, Josh Berry’s recent victory transcended the ordinary, capturing the hearts of fans and peers. Dale Earnhardt Jr. compared Berry’s win to such a cinematic moment, and Berry wholeheartedly agreed.
He drew inspiration from Earnhardt Jr.’s 2014 Daytona 500 victory, where the latter stood victoriously on his car, embracing the crowd. Berry’s celebration was raw, emotional, and real, summarizing the essence of a true underdog story. On “The Dale Jr. Download,” Berry acknowledged,
“A lot of what I did was from your celebration that night. I thought about what I’d do if I won, and Junior, you influenced that a lot.” – (berry)
This moment was more than just a win; it was proof of perseverance and passion.
| Key Figures | Moments Inspired By | Celebration Style |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Berry | Dale Jr.’s 2014 Win | Standing on the Car |
| Dale Earnhardt Jr. | ’90s Sports Movies | Embracing the Crowd |
| NASCAR Fans | Underestimated Victors | Emotional and Genuine |
What’s Next for Berry and the Wood Brothers?
Although Josh Berry’s recent victory feels like a fairy tale, it marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for him and the Wood Brothers Racing team.
With a storied legacy behind them, the Wood Brothers welcomed Berry into their ranks, hoping to secure more wins and solidify his place in the NASCAR Cup Series. Berry’s journey from a bank teller to a celebrated Cup Series winner is a proof of the power of hard work and perseverance, and it inspires fans and fellow racers.
Berry’s win in Las Vegas conjured up comparisons to the heist in Ocean’s 11, leaving him and his supporters with a profound sense of accomplishment.
News in Brief: Josh Berry’s Victory Ignites NASCAR
Josh Berry’s victorious win in Las Vegas marks a thrilling chapter in NASCAR history, celebrated by fans and legends. His journey from early struggles to this spectacular victory embodies perseverance and passion, inspiring future racers.
As Berry looks ahead with the Wood Brothers, anticipation builds for what they will achieve together. His story, filled with resolve and grit, stands as a guiding light of hope, reminding everyone that dreams can indeed become reality with hard work.
ALSO READ: How Josh Berry’s Silent Celebration Had a Hidden Message for His Mentor, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
