Josh Berry’s unexpected path to NASCAR began in a way few could have predicted. Instead of traditional routes, he turned to sim racing, where his talent caught the attention of Dale Earnhardt Jr. This chance meeting would change everything, leading to an opportunity that many young racers only dream about. Without deep financial backing, Berry faced challenges, but his determination never wavered. What started as a simple passion soon became a career that placed him among NASCAR’s rising stars.
Key Highlights
- Josh Berry transitioned from sim racing to NASCAR after gaining recognition in DMP Online Racing and iRacing.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. noticed Berry’s talent and offered him a chance in Late Models with JR Motorsports.
- Berry became the all-time wins leader in the CARS Tour, achieving 100 victories for JR Motorsports.
- He secured a limited Xfinity Series deal, which expanded to a full-time ride by 2022 due to his performance.
- Berry’s perseverance led to a full-season contract with Stewart-Haas Racing, followed by joining Wood Brothers Racing in 2025.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Influence on NASCAR’s Rising Stars
Although Dale Earnhardt Jr. has long retired from professional racing, his impact on NASCAR’s rising stars is as vibrant and influential as ever, igniting a new generation of competitors with passion and guidance.
His mentorship has been instrumental in the development of drivers like Justin Allgaier and Connor Zilisch. Allgaier’s perseverance paid off when he secured his initial Xfinity Championship in 2024, after years of dedication with JR Motorsports, a proof of Dale Jr.’s influence.
Meanwhile, Zilisch, merely 18 years old, has already made a noteworthy mark, capturing a win at the Circuit of the Americas in his debut full Xfinity season.
Dale Jr.’s role in their careers is not just about specialized guidance but fostering a resilient mindset, a cornerstone of his own career. Their successes, especially highlighted at Las Vegas, reflect his steadfast commitment to nurturing talent, ensuring his legacy endures through NASCAR’s new wave of champions.
Josh Berry’s Journey from Sim Racing to NASCAR Stardom
When Josh Berry shifted from the virtual tracks of sim racing to the high-octane world of NASCAR, it was a demonstration of resolve, talent, and the power of opportunity. Without the backing of wealth or a legacy family, Berry carved his path through sim racing, particularly on platforms like DMP Online Racing, which later became iRacing. It was here that he crossed paths with Dale Earnhardt Jr., a crucial meeting that would set his career in motion.
Earnhardt Jr. recognized Berry’s potential and offered him a chance in Late Models with JR Motorsports (JRM). Berry seized this opportunity with both hands, becoming the all-time wins leader in the CARS Tour and clinching 100 victories for JRM, showcasing his skills and resolve.
Josh Berry’s Path to the NASCAR Cup Series
Josh Berry’s ascent to the NASCAR Cup Series is a demonstration of his relentless dedication and extraordinary talent, capturing the hearts of racing fans everywhere.
“I got into you know racing online and specifically what came became iRacing. And honestly, the biggest reason for that for me was it was a way to race and be competitive and it didn’t cost a lot of money. Like racing in a real car did right. So that was kind of where I got with that and ultimately I got really fortunate to uh you know meet Dale Jr. on there became a good friend of his… Ultimately he ended up saying hey man you want to what do you want to do? And I was like man I’d really like to just drive a late model… he [Dale Jr.] put together a test for me in his late model program.” – Josh Berry
His path began with a victorious achievement in the 2020 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series National Championship, showcasing his skill on the track. Recognizing his potential, JR Motorsports offered Berry a limited Xfinity Series deal, which soon expanded into a full-time ride in 2022. Berry’s remarkable abilities shone through as he made an impressive playoff run, reaching the Final 4 at Phoenix, an accomplishment that solidified his reputation.
In 2023, Berry’s career progression continued its upward momentum with Cup starts, culminating in a full-season contract with Stewart-Haas Racing for 2024. Despite the team’s challenges, Berry excelled, finishing as the Rookie of the Year runner-up.
His path took another exciting turn when he joined Wood Brothers Racing‘s #21 car for the 2025 season, further cementing his place in NASCAR history.
Josh Berry’s Emotional Las Vegas Victory
Victory was in the air at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as Josh Berry secured a monumental success in the NASCAR Cup Series, etching his name in the annals of racing history. This win marked Berry’s initial in the series and delivered the 101st victory for the iconic Wood Brothers Racing team.
The race unfolded with Berry showcasing remarkable tenacity and skill, particularly during the final 20 laps when he outdueled Daniel Suárez to seize control of the track.
Berry’s success was not merely a personal milestone; it was a confirmation of the steadfast belief Dale Earnhardt Jr. had in him. Earnhardt Jr. had championed Berry’s potential long before others recognized his talent, and during those nerve-wracking final laps, he could scarcely bear to watch, his emotions swinging between hope and anxiety.
The Victory Celebration and Dale Jr.’s Reaction
Elation filled the air as Josh Berry, basking in the glow of his victorious achievement at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, reached for his phone to share this pinnacle moment with Dale Earnhardt Jr., a mentor who had believed in him resolutely.
Berry’s initial call from the Victory Lane was to Dale Jr. via FaceTime, a heartfelt gesture that highlighted their profound connection. Earnhardt Jr., visibly emotional and grateful, cherished this moment, reflecting the special bond they had cultivated over time.
“When you get in those moments, like if you’re not doing it, like if you’re not out in the car, you’ll probably experience this someday, like I can’t even watch. I bet that there are a lot of people just like me in your world that were the same way.”
“Going to Victory Lane, having that genuine Victory Lane experience and I’m thankful to the Facetime call, that meant so much to me that with all the people you wanted to connect with in the moment, you reached out to me.” – Dale Jr.
Berry’s iconic celebration, sitting atop the hood of his car, paid homage to Dale Jr.’s memorable 2014 Daytona 500 win, further cementing their shared history.
Locked into the 2025 playoffs, Berry now rides the wave of momentum, prompting fans to enthusiastically speculate if more victories await this season.
The palpable excitement reverberates through the racing community, as Berry’s ascent fuels dreams and aspirations, driven by resolve and a mentor’s steadfast support.
News in Brief: Josh Berry’s Unexpected Path to NASCAR with Dale Earnhardt Jr
In a victorious twist of fate, Josh Berry’s expedition from virtual racing to the NASCAR Cup Series culminated in an emotional win at Las Vegas. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. as both mentor and supporter, Berry’s dream became reality, emphasizing the life-changing power of dedication and opportunity. As confetti rained down, the celebration resonated with fans and peers similarly, highlighting the profound impact of perseverance and the steadfast belief that with the right support, dreams can indeed take the checkered flag.
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