Josh Berry‘s playoff ambitions took a serious hit after a contentious incident with Chase Elliott during the Gateway race. The unexpected restart led to Berry’s spin and considerable damage, marking his sixth DNF this season. Now, 45 points adrift of the playoff cutline, the strain mounts as he heads to Bristol. Yet, the complexities of his relationship with Elliott add another layer to this unfolding drama, leaving fans to ponder Berry’s next move.
Key Highlights
- Josh Berry’s playoff hopes suffered after a crash with Chase Elliott during the Gateway race, resulting in significant damage and a DNF.
- The collision occurred on Lap 36, causing Berry to spin out and crash into the SAFER barrier, raising safety concerns.
- Berry now sits at -45 points off the playoff cutline, making a victory at Bristol essential for advancement.
- Despite the setback, Berry remains resilient and refrains from blaming Elliott, showcasing his loyalty and understanding from their shared history.
- Chase Elliott’s apology for the incident adds emotional complexity to the upcoming Bristol race, affecting competitors’ strategies and dynamics.
Berry’s Playoff Crisis
Josh Berry’s playoff crisis has reached a critical point, as the strain mounts with each passing race. Following a promising victory at Las Vegas, expectations soared for the Wood Brothers Racing driver, yet the postseason has unraveled into a series of unfortunate events.
Crashes at last year’s struggles—have left him at the bottom of the playoff standings. The early retirement at Darlington and the collision with Chase Elliott only compounded his woes, placing him firmly in must-win territory ahead of Bristol.
Despite the setbacks, Berry displays resilience, refraining from blaming Elliott and labeling the incident as “unfortunate.” This resolve could be crucial as he seeks redemption on the short track, hoping to reignite his championship aspirations.
Gateway Incident Details
After enduring a tumultuous playoff expedition, the 2025 Enjoy Illinois 300 at Gateway presented an essential opportunity for the Wood Brothers Racing team.
However, the race took a dramatic turn on Lap 36, as Josh Berry found himself embroiled in a three-wide skirmish with Chase Elliott and Joey Logano.
Key details of the incident include:
- Starting Position: Berry began the race in 12th place, keen to capitalize on every opportunity.
- The Collision: Contact between Elliott and Berry’s No. 12 Ford sent Berry spinning.
- Impact: The car crashed hard into the outside SAFER barrier, raising concerns for safety.
- Damage Assessment: Initial hopes for recovery faded as the left front wheel and suspension were severely damaged.
Heavy contact for @joshberry!
A major setback for the @woodbrothers21 machine in the #NASCARPlayoffs! pic.twitter.com/iVUZcykURY
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 7, 2025
Berry’s Reaction and History with Elliott
Reflecting on the chaotic incident at Gateway, Berry exhibited a remarkable level of composure in his post-race interview. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the restart, attributing the mishap to a split-instant decision rather than any malicious intent by Elliott.
“Obviously, it was a chaotic restart back there and checked up a little bit to try to stop Joey (Logano) and (Zane Smith), and (Chase Elliott) got a run and kind of slid in there and got loose and slid up into us. Chase and that team have done a lot for me, and I really doubt that was on purpose. Just wrong place, wrong time for us again. Obviously, it’s unfortunate. We’ll just go to Bristol and try to do the best we can and put ourselves in position to race for a win, and that’s really all we can do at this point.” – Berry
Berry’s graciousness is rooted in their shared history; after stepping in for Elliott during his injury in 2023, Berry forged a bond with the team, securing a notable runner-up finish at Richmond. This background likely influenced Berry’s reluctance to cast blame, demonstrating a sense of loyalty and understanding.
As he shifts focus to Bristol, Berry remains determined to capitalize on future opportunities, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity while reflecting on a complex relationship with a fellow competitor.
DNF Consequences and Points Situation
The harsh reality of a DNF (Did Not Finish) loomed large for Berry, as the inability of the No. 12 crew to salvage the vehicle left him with only a single point from the race.
This incident marked his sixth DNF of the season, putting him at a staggering -45 points off the cutline. With Bristol Motor Speedway on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. To advance into the Round of 12, he must secure a victory.
Key factors influencing his situation include:
- Increased strain to perform.
- The necessity of a win to advance.
- Past performance at Bristol as a potential advantage.
- The unpredictability of race dynamics.
Berry’s path forward requires resilience and tactical execution.
Elliott’s Apology and Bristol Preview
How will Chase Elliott’s recent apology impact the dynamics heading into Bristol? The heartfelt acknowledgment of his misstep with Josh Berry highlights the complexities of racing relationships.
“First off, just want to apologize to Josh and the 21 team. I had no intention of getting into him. I’ve known those guys my whole life, so I just hope that they at least know it wasn’t anything intentional, and I’ve known Josh for a long time, too. So, just want to make sure those guys know that I feel terrible about that. Felt terrible about it right when it happened, and wish I could take it back. But yeah, unfortunately, that transpired.” – Elliott
As drivers prepare for the high-stakes clash at Bristol Motor Speedway, Elliott’s gesture may encourage camaraderie but also heighten the tension among competitors.
With the stress mounting, particularly for drivers like Berry, Austin Dillon, and Shane van Gisbergen, the implications of Elliott’s actions linger.
The emotional stakes could influence racing strategies, as drivers might weigh aggression against the potential for reconciliation.
Ultimately, Bristol’s unpredictable nature amplifies these dynamics, setting the stage for an exhilarating, yet charged, playoff battle where personal histories intertwine with the quest for victory.
News In Brief: Josh Berry’s NASCAR Playoff Push Crushed by Chase Elliott Drama
As Josh Berry faces the formidable challenge of overcoming a 45-point deficit, the path to redemption hinges on an all-or-nothing victory at Bristol. The fallout from his collision with Chase Elliott not only jeopardizes his playoff ambitions but also adds layers of complexity to their already fraught relationship. With emotions running high and stress mounting, Berry’s resilience will be put to the ultimate test, making the upcoming race a crucial moment in his NASCAR expedition.
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