At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney praised Josh Berry for his determined performance after the two drivers fought for victory late in the race, a moment that became a major talking point among NASCAR fans and teams. As “Ryan Blaney praises Josh Berry” circulated throughout the paddock, it was clear Berry’s comeback embodied grit and perseverance, even after a tough playoff start had put his season in jeopardy.
Last season, Berry captured attention at New Hampshire with a strong run that saw him recover from an early spin to finish third. This year, the Wood Brothers Racing driver once again demonstrated his resilience. He started in the front row, overcame early trouble—including contact that sent him spinning in Stage 2—and battled back to cross the line in second. These performances not only confirmed Berry’s talent but proved his capability to push through adversity and challenge NASCAR’s elite, drawing admiration from race winner Ryan Blaney and the broader garage.
Blaney Recognizes Berry’s Strength Amidst Playoff Challenges
Ryan Blaney’s acknowledgment of Berry’s tenacity came only weeks after Berry suffered through a difficult opening playoff round. Berry’s struggles began with last-place finishes at Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol, severely compromising his championship hopes. Blaney expressed deep empathy for the Wood Brothers Racing camp, remarking,
“I felt so bad for those guys that first round. Everything that could go wrong went wrong.”
– Ryan Blaney, Race Winner. The series of setbacks eventually led to Berry’s elimination from playoff contention.
Despite these disappointments, Berry displayed remarkable resolve at New Hampshire. Starting third on the grid, Berry was spun by Shane van Gisbergen on Lap 82, which could have signaled another difficult day. Instead, Berry fought his way through the field with calculated overtakes and coolheaded driving to rejoin the battle at the front. Blaney highlighted Berry’s progress, saying,
“They showed what they’re capable of Sunday. Drove through the field to get back to second, content for the win,”
– Ryan Blaney, Race Winner. Against the odds and with older tires, Berry surged forward, even leading laps and holding close quarters with Blaney in the decisive moments.
The boost was vital for Berry following his string of misfortunes, something Blaney emphasized: “They needed that really bad,” – Ryan Blaney, Race Winner. Berry’s runner-up finish not only rejuvenated his season but also renewed his team’s spirit and validated his reputation as a competitor with considerable promise within NASCAR ranks. For many, it was a clear sign that Berry possesses the skill and mindset needed to contend at the sport’s highest level, even when playoff success proved elusive this season.
Clean Racing and Respect Shape Close Finish
Berry’s racecraft in New Hampshire was not merely about tenacity; it was also about racing with integrity. After a dramatic Lap 82 spin set him back, Berry’s crew executed the needed repairs, and he meticulously picked his way through the pack. As the race entered its final act, Berry found himself dueling the Penske teammates, Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano, consistently showing he could match their pace and composure under pressure.
A timely caution sparked by Cody Ware’s spin with less than 50 laps left provided a strategic crossroads. While rival pit crews opted for new tires, Berry’s crew chief, Myles Stanley, risked keeping the No. 21 Ford on old rubber, trusting in his driver’s ability to defend track position. On the subsequent restart, Blaney surged to second and edged in front of Berry with 39 laps to go. Berry, undeterred, chased Blaney down, closing to within a car length before a slight slip in Turn 3 allowed Blaney to lock in the win.
Berry discussed his approach to those final laps:
“I was going to race him, but you’ve got to take care of him, right?”
– Josh Berry, Driver. He emphasized his racing philosophy, stating,
“I try to race smart and clean. These restarts get crazy, but I wanted to give it everything I had without crossing the line.”
– Josh Berry, Driver. The mutual respect and aggressive-yet-fair contest stood out especially in comparison to the chaos unfolding elsewhere on the track between Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin.
Differing Team Cultures Highlighted on Race Day
The closing laps at New Hampshire provided not just a thrilling battle between Berry and Blaney, but also a stark contrast in team dynamics and racing styles across the paddock. While Berry and Blaney showcased a strong sense of sportsmanship, elsewhere, tensions flared when a collision between Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin soured the day for Joe Gibbs Racing. After Hamlin made contact with Gibbs’ car, sending him out of contention, the incident spilled over into the post-race narrative.
Hamlin later offered his take:
“I don’t think we’re on the same page. What I’ve heard is that if you’re a non-playoff car, any break that you can cut your teammates, please do,”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver/Podcaster. A deeper layer of scrutiny followed as Ty Gibbs reshared a critical podcast commentary, featuring,
“As mature as Denny Hamlin has become and as much of a leader as he has become, I’m really surprised that he chose that action in that moment during the playoffs,”
– Kevin Harvick, Former Driver/Podcaster. These remarks illuminated the fraught internal dynamics at Joe Gibbs Racing, exposing how individual decisions can impact both trust and morale during the most crucial part of the season.
By comparison, the storyline around Josh Berry and his team was one of trust, composure, and earning the respect of competitors and fans. The vivid difference between a camp united by mutual respect and one rattled by controversy illustrated how pivotal teamwork and character are to success at NASCAR’s highest level.
In the wake of a race filled with raw emotions and complex circumstances, the respect Ryan Blaney displayed for Josh Berry resonated throughout the motorsport community. As Berry looks to carry this momentum forward, his relentless spirit and ability to fight back mark him as a driver to watch, no matter what the playoff scoreboard may say.
