Josh Berry faced disappointment once again in the world of short track racing after being disqualified from his impressive runner-up finish at the Thanksgiving Classic, held at Southern National Motorsports Park. The incident highlights the challenges Berry has encountered throughout the season at major racing venues, continuing a trend that has complicated his success on these competitive circuits.
Intense Racing and Post-Race Scrutiny Define the Event
The atmosphere at the Thanksgiving Classic was electric, with standout performances delivered by Doug Barnes, Josh Berry, and Lee Pulliam, who each kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. Lee Pulliam, piloting the No. 88 car for JR Motorsports, regularly surged to the front of the pack, but finally crossed the line in third place. However, post-race inspection would ultimately change the finishing order, underlining the event’s intensity and unpredictability.
After the race, Josh Berry’s team raised a protest regarding parts found on Doug Barnes’ car, and in a reciprocal move, Barnes’ team challenged aspects of Berry’s vehicle. This chain of protests led to thorough scrutiny by officials. In the end, it was Berry who suffered the penalty, nullifying what had been a strong finish and another competitive appearance on a major short track.
Another Setback in a Season of Trials for Berry
This disqualification is not an isolated incident for Josh Berry. Earlier in the year, Berry experienced a similar outcome after winning at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, only to see that result overturned by another failed inspection. This latest setback at the Thanksgiving Classic follows a season where Berry, despite demonstrating significant skill and consistency, has repeatedly found himself penalized by technicalities and competition rules.
The field was stacked with notable names, including young Keelan Harvick, who qualified sixth in the Late Model Stock race. Although Harvick encountered difficulties related to pit strategy, he managed to secure a respectable result and continues to demonstrate promise in these high-profile late model contests.
Berry’s Legacy on Short Tracks and Role at Wood Brothers Racing
Josh Berry has built his reputation through outstanding performances on short tracks, a skillset that has played a crucial role in his current tenure at Wood Brothers Racing. Berry’s presence in late model competitions consistently draws attention, making any event he enters a notable one for fans and fellow drivers alike.
This season saw Berry secure a victory at Las Vegas early in the NASCAR calendar, helping the Wood Brothers qualify for the playoffs in consecutive years—an achievement that also boosted the team’s end-of-year rewards. The team’s partnership with Team Penske has at times yielded highly competitive cars, making Berry a regular threat when the conditions are right.
Nevertheless, reliability proved elusive, with Berry recording nine DNFs this season. Yet, at venues like Phoenix, Kansas, Richmond, New Hampshire, and Martinsville, he displayed the pace and composure of a top-10 driver, confirming that he remains a formidable presence when car and circumstances align.
Offseason Racing Keeps Competition Fierce
The excitement of the short track season does not end with the Thanksgiving Classic. Berry and other top names from NASCAR are expected to participate in a series of prominent offseason races, including the Bill Bigley Sr. Memorial and the Snowball Derby. These events offer additional platforms for established drivers and rising stars to compete outside the main NASCAR circuit and maintain their competitive edge.
The disqualification at Southern National Motorsports Park may have delivered a tough blow to Josh Berry’s immediate ambitions, but fans and observers alike anticipate that he will bounce back and remain a consistent force in late model racing. As off-season contests approach, attention will turn to whether Berry can overcome recent setbacks and reclaim his winning form on the track.
