Josh Berry, currently driving the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, is preparing to return to Late Model Stock Car action as he pursues another shot at the Thanksgiving Classic. After a year away from the division, Berry’s Thanksgiving Classic pursuit gains momentum, aiming to reclaim the coveted crown at Southern National Motorsports Park on November 29 and 30.
Berry Readies for Another Thanksgiving Classic Challenge
Following a demanding season with 38 consecutive Cup Series races, Berry will reunite with Tom Usry Racing for the 25th running of the Thanksgiving Classic. His previous appearance in a Late Model Stock Car was at Hickory Motor Speedway, where he finished ninth. Berry, who previously clinched victories in the Thanksgiving Classic in both 2021 and 2022, hopes to become a three-time winner at the event.
In past seasons, Berry competed part-time in the Truck and Xfinity Series in 2021 before joining the Xfinity Series full-time in 2022—then called the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series—where he honed his Late Model craft with JR Motorsports. His successes in those years set the stage for his current run at NASCAR’s top level.
Reflecting on Career Progression and New Alliances
Berry shared his enthusiasm about returning to Late Model Stock Car racing:
It’s fun. I’ve obviously had a busy year, and it’s the first opportunity I’ve had to race a Late Model Stock this year, obviously. It’s always fun to come back here and race. I’ve won this race a couple times, had some success here, and it’s a fun one to come race.
– Josh Berry, Driver.
He further expressed appreciation for his new team:
I really enjoy racing with these guys, Kenneth, and everybody at Tom Usry Racing. They did a great job last year. We went to Florence and had a ton of fun, and wanted to do it again.
– Josh Berry, Driver.
Berry’s journey in Late Model Stock Car competition began in the early 2010s, as he steadily progressed to the Xfinity Series and ultimately earned the chance to fill the seat of retiring Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing for the 2024 season.
Adapting to New Roles and Achieving Cup Series Success
After Stewart-Haas Racing, overseen by Tony Stewart, ceased operations, Berry transitioned to the renowned Wood Brothers Racing team. Piloting their iconic #21 Ford, he captured an important career milestone with his victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the fifth race of the 2025 Cup Series season—a moment marking his breakthrough at NASCAR’s highest level.
Reflecting on this transition, Berry characterized the win as being of immense significance, highlighting the dedication and perseverance required to earn a Cup Series victory. He emphasized the emotional impact of reaching that achievement and its importance to his career.
Berry also mentioned the consistency and solid performances the #21 WBR team delivered throughout the season. The group, remaining together for the upcoming year, looks forward to leveraging its collective experience and pushing for additional wins as the new season approaches.
Looking Forward to Another Chance at the Classic
The upcoming Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park presents Josh Berry with an opportunity to add a third title to his record, maintain his presence among top drivers, and further showcase his adaptability across racing divisions. With the support of Tom Usry Racing and a foundation built through years of perseverance and notable achievements at tracks like Florence, Hickory Motor Speedway, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Berry aims for another memorable outing. Fans and teams alike will watch closely as he seeks to extend his winning legacy at this storied event.
