Josh Berry, the seasoned driver for Wood Brothers Racing, experienced firsthand how shifting focus to NASCAR can affect performance in other series, after finishing second at the 2025 Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park. Having built his reputation and career through success in the Late Model Racing Series, Berry found that his recent experiences with NASCAR complicated his ability to compete at his former level, highlighting the growing challenges as he balances different forms of racing.
Berry’s rise through the ranks began in Late Model racing, paving the way for his move to JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, and culminating with a Cup Series victory at age 35. However, after the Thanksgiving Classic, Berry admitted that his time away from Late Models has made it harder to stay sharp in that discipline. His opportunity to claim a third win at Southern National was lost due to two significant errors during the race — mistakes that Berry openly took responsibility for.
Mistakes Underscore the Challenge of Returning to Late Models
During the Thanksgiving Classic, Berry’s first error came from an uncharacteristic lapse in focus at a crucial moment. He failed to use the clutch during a restart, leading to a crash that compromised his results and directly affected his shot at victory.
“Yeah, man, the first one, honestly, I think I just didn’t use the clutch. I’ve had trouble with, you know, going to Cup cars and spending time in those cars and then coming back here. And I think I just spaced out and made a mental mistake there. I just didn’t use the clutch and didn’t get it in fourth.”
Josh Berry said via Matt Weaver.
This difficulty in adapting quickly from Cup cars back to Late Models highlighted how different driving styles and technical requirements increase the challenge for drivers like Berry, who straddle multiple racing disciplines. A later incident, which Berry described as a regular on-track spin, further compounded his frustrations that day.
“And, you know, I tore up some cars there. That was pretty embarrassing. But after that, it was fine. And yeah, the restart with Lee—honestly, I don’t really know. I haven’t seen it, obviously. But I felt like I was cleared down and got right into it.”
Josh Berry added.
Berry lost ground during a crucial restart with Lee Pulliam, as well as in his battle with Doug Barnes Jr., missing a critical gear change and getting caught up in incidents that could have been avoided. Reflecting on these setbacks, Berry acknowledged that he now needs to devote more concentration to Late Model racing—something that has become increasingly difficult with his NASCAR priorities taking most of his attention.
Limited Racing Plans Until NASCAR Clash
Following the Thanksgiving Classic, questions arose regarding Berry’s plans ahead of the 2026 NASCAR season. Berry stated that he has no Late Model events scheduled before the NASCAR Clash, signaling a shift in priorities. While he appreciates the unique competitiveness and enjoyment of Late Model racing, the demands of his NASCAR responsibilities have naturally taken precedence.
“Yeah, no, just the Clash is next up for me. It’s been fun coming and doing this. You know, once or twice a year is good enough for me at this point. But it’s always fun to come back here and just be fast and competitive and qualify well and race well.”
Josh Berry said.
Berry explained that while returning to Late Model events is rewarding, the level of competition, combined with less frequent participation, makes it increasingly challenging each time. Nevertheless, he is appreciative of continued competitiveness, even in limited appearances.
“I always say it gets harder and harder every time I come back and do this. It feels so much different. But just to pop in with these guys like that and run as competitive as we did and have a shot at the thing is pretty cool.”
Josh Berry added.
Berry’s honest appraisal of his struggles and adaptation issues illustrates the mental and physical demands required to shift between premier NASCAR racing and Late Model events. Despite the setbacks, Berry remains committed to giving his best and values every opportunity to test himself against strong fields.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Determination
For now, Josh Berry’s focus is firmly on preparing for the start of the next NASCAR campaign with Wood Brothers Racing. As he continues this transition, retaining his edge in the Late Model arena grows tougher with less consistent track time. His admissions point to the greater complexities faced by drivers managing careers across multiple racing formats, and how even the most experienced can struggle with the switch.
Nonetheless, Berry’s leadership and resilient spirit are apparent as he navigates these obstacles. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how he adapts in the new season, whether he can recapture past Late Model form, and how his experience contributes to broader conversations around driver development across series. The journey of Josh Berry in Late Model racing stands as both a caution and an inspiration for those aiming to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.
Josh Berry on the difference to Doug Barnes Jr. at the end, spacing out on one restart from second to third gear, and then the incident with Lee Pulliam pic.twitter.com/dVi4L8G6cq
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) November 30, 2025
