Josh Berry’s return to Late Model Stock Car competition at the Southern National Motorsports Park ended in controversy, as he was disqualified following a post-race protest at the Thanksgiving Classic on Sunday evening. The Josh Berry Thanksgiving Classic disqualification shifted the spotlight onto Doug Barnes Jr., who retained the win after his car passed inspection.
Doug Barnes Jr. Emerges Victorious After Dramatic Race and Inspection
Doug Barnes Jr.’s path to victory was far from conventional, as he missed both practice and qualifying to attend a wedding and started from the rear of the 28-car grid. Over 250 laps, Barnes skillfully navigated the crowded field, ultimately securing the win in the silver anniversary of the Thanksgiving Classic. This achievement adds to his growing success in Late Model Stock Car competitions, including stints in the Ultra Racing Association and the CARS Tour.
Tension erupted after the checkered flag when teams began to question race results. Josh Berry’s team, led by Tom Usry, along with Marcus Richmond, filed a protest against Barnes’s car. As a countermeasure, Barnes’s team filed a protest against Berry’s vehicle as well. Both parties agreed to detailed post-race inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.
The subsequent teardown proved decisive. Doug Barnes Jr.’s car passed, but Josh Berry’s No. 17 Tom Usry Racing entry was found non-compliant, leading to his disqualification from second place.
“Official: Doug Barnes Jr. cleared Thanksgiving Late Model Stock Classic protest inspection and is the winner of the race,” Weaver wrote.
Berry’s Eventful Return to the Thanksgiving Classic
After a strong showing in practice and securing third in qualifying for the 25th running of the event, Berry sought a third victory at the Thanksgiving Classic, having previously won in 2021 and 2022 while driving for Wood Brothers Racing. However, the transition from a full NASCAR Cup Series season back to Late Model Stock Car machinery proved challenging.
Problems began to mount during the race’s critical late stages. In a restart incident, Berry tangled with fellow driver Lee Pulliam, resulting in a spin that dashed his hopes for another triumph. Berry later reflected on the difficulties of adapting between car types and admitted to mistakes made during crucial restarts.
“I’ve had trouble from going to Cup cars, Xfinity cars, to coming back here, and I think I just spaced out, made a mental mistake there. Just didn’t use the clutch, didn’t get it in fourth, I tore up some cars there. That was pretty embarrassing, but after that, it was fine. The restart with Lee, honestly, I don’t really know. I haven’t seen obviously, but felt like clear down,” Josh Berry said (00:50 onwards).
Protest Outcomes Reshape Final Standings
The dual protest and inspection process substantially altered the race’s final outcome. While Doug Barnes Jr. was officially declared the winner after passing scrutiny, Berry’s disqualification marked a dramatic and turbulent end to his campaign. According to reports, officials found a component in Berry’s car outside of the prescribed guidelines, resulting in the Tom Usry Racing team losing their runner-up finish.
This episode reinforced the heightened competitiveness and scrutiny present at one of late model racing’s marquee events. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions and the razor-thin margins between victory and defeat in grassroots racing, particularly during the high-profile Thanksgiving Classic.
Looking Ahead After the Thanksgiving Classic Controversy
The 25th running of the Thanksgiving Classic will be remembered for its emotional swings and regulatory drama. Doug Barnes Jr.’s comeback from last place underscored the unpredictability and grit required to succeed at the Southern National Motorsports Park, while Josh Berry’s Thanksgiving Classic disqualification emphasized the critical importance of post-race compliance. With disputes settled and a new chapter added to the event’s history, attention now turns to future competitions, where teams will be under even greater scrutiny to avoid similar setbacks.
Official: Doug Barnes Jr. cleared Thanksgiving Late Model Stock Classic protest inspection and is the winner of the race
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) December 1, 2025
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
