Josh Berry returned to his Late Model Stock Car roots in dominant fashion, setting the fastest time in practice ahead of the 25th annual Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park. The event, a highlight for stock-car racing fans and a crucial test for veterans and prospects alike, sees Berry aiming to further cement his legacy at this milestone running, making him a focus for anyone following the Josh Berry Thanksgiving Classic narrative.
Berry Leads Return to Late Model Stock at Landmark Classic
With the Thanksgiving Classic celebrating its 25th edition, big names from across the stock-car racing universe have descended on Southern National Motorsports Park. Josh Berry, currently driving for Wood Brothers Racing in the Cup Series after previous stints at Stewart-Haas Racing and a long climb from the NASCAR Xfinity Series, wasted no time making his mark in preliminary action. Racing this weekend with Tom Usry Racing, Berry topped the Friday practice charts, circling the track in just 15.440 seconds.
This early statement lap marks a confident approach to the weekend for Berry, who already has victories at this event in both 2021 and 2022. Describing his return to the Late Model Stock scene, he shared,
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, Wood Brothers Racing Cup Series Driver.
Berry’s strong connection to Late Model Stock competition stretches back more than a decade. Cutting his teeth at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, he built a reputation as a formidable short-track competitor, earning opportunities that led him to the national stage. After stepping into the seat previously held by Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024 and capturing his first Cup win at Las Vegas with Wood Brothers Racing in 2025, Berry’s passion for grassroots racing remains undiminished.
With the main 250-lap feature scheduled for Sunday, November 30, attention is locked on Berry as he attempts to become a three-time Thanksgiving Classic winner and further carve his name into the Southern National Motorsports Park history books.
Contenders Close Gap as Competitive Field Emerges
Josh Berry may have captured the spotlight in practice, but the depth of the field ensured that the path to victory will not be easy. Friday’s session revealed an intensely competitive leaderboard, with multiple drivers laying down impressive laps within hundredths of a second of Berry’s benchmark.
Eloy Falcon trailed Berry by a razor-thin margin, recording a 15.484-second lap — just 0.044 seconds adrift. Although Falcon doesn’t arrive with Berry’s record, his practice speed underlines his potential to disrupt the status quo and his readiness to fight for the pole in Saturday’s qualifying session.
Conner Jones secured the third-fastest time, stopping the clock at 15.521 seconds, just 0.081 seconds back from Berry. Known for his consistent performances at high-profile Late Model events, Jones is expected to feature at the front throughout the weekend.
Adam Murray followed closely in fourth, completing a 15.538-second lap. Murray, who has impressed at times this season, finds himself less than a tenth of a second from Berry’s pace and could play spoiler if current form holds. Completing the top five, Lee Pulliam notched a 15.549-second effort, only 0.109 seconds off the leader. Pulliam’s resume as a multi-time NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national champion highlights the wealth of experience circulating at the front of the field.
The compact spread of lap times hints at an electric qualifying session on Saturday, with the main event promising to deliver some of the fiercest competition seen at the Thanksgiving Classic in years.
Berry’s Path and Growing Championship Pedigree
For Josh Berry, participation in the Thanksgiving Classic is not just a homecoming — it’s a continuing testament to his journey in American motorsports. From his earliest races at local tracks like Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Berry demonstrated relentless drive and skill that eventually vaulted him into the national racing spotlight.
Following the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of 2024, Berry transitioned to Wood Brothers Racing for the 2025 season and promptly secured a Cup Series win in Las Vegas, a victory that solidified his standing among elite drivers. Yet, despite his success at the highest levels, Berry’s enthusiasm for Late Model Stock racing endures — a quality that resonates with veteran fans and newcomers alike.
As the Thanksgiving Classic marks its 25th year, the silver anniversary adds weight to every lap, making Berry’s quest for another victory especially poignant. The event draws top drivers such as Lee Pulliam and up-and-comers like Eloy Falcon and Adam Murray, all determined to seize opportunities and make history of their own at Southern National Motorsports Park.
Rivalries, Rising Stars, and What to Expect Next
The stage is set for a dramatic weekend, with fans anticipating not only whether Josh Berry’s experience will give him an edge, but also if the likes of Falcon, Jones, Murray, or Pulliam will surge to the front. Saturday’s qualifying session will likely come down to mere hundredths of a second, raising the stakes for Sunday’s 250-lap battle.
This year’s Thanksgiving Classic encapsulates the continued evolution and excitement of grassroots stock-car racing. The intense preparation, tightly packed field, and emotionally charged atmosphere speak to the event’s legacy and ongoing appeal. Regardless of the outcome, the efforts of every driver, crew member, and fan help keep traditions like the Thanksgiving Classic thriving and central to the sport’s identity.
As the green flag draws near, all eyes remain on Josh Berry and his challengers to see who will etch their name into Thanksgiving Classic history and bring renewed energy to the ever-passionate world of American short-track racing.
Thanksgiving Late Model Stock Classic Friday practice sheet
The race is Sunday afternoon pic.twitter.com/Xkj3BYbi87
— Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene) November 28, 2025
