Josh Berry, a key figure in the current NASCAR Cup Series, aims to leverage his ongoing relationship with Wood Brothers Racing for a strong performance during the 2026 season. Speaking at the Bowman Gray Stadium media day prior to the Cook Out Clash, Berry emphasized how back-to-back years with the same team have positioned him to thrive, aligning with his ambition to become a top contender in the series.
Beginning his Cup Series journey as a part-time driver for Spire Motorsports in 2021, Berry subsequently took seats with various teams before securing his first full-time opportunity with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024. In 2025, he transitioned to Wood Brothers Racing, where he piloted the #21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse and will continue with them into 2026. This marks Berry’s inaugural experience of consecutive seasons with the same group in the Cup Series, a factor he believes is crucial for progress.
Reflecting on this rare continuity, Berry stated:
“This is really the first year since I’ve been in Cup or Xfinity that I’ve really had the same group two years in a row. That made the off-season feel different since I’ve already been working with these guys and knowing them, and not establishing that communication, so I think that should be a positive as well, and we’re ready to get to the Clash.”
The driver also highlighted a key priority: learning from the previous season’s issues. While Berry feels his team possesses strong speed, he intends to focus on enhancing consistency and making smarter decisions on race days, signaling a deliberate effort to transform potential into tangible finishes.
Berry Explains Decision Behind Low-Key Celebration After Milestone Victory
In 2025, Berry notched his first Cup Series victory at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, driving the #21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Wood Brothers Racing in the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube. Though this win was a significant personal achievement, Berry opted not to perform the customary celebratory burnout after crossing the finish line, a choice that drew attention within the NASCAR community.
Berry addressed his reasoning in a post-race interview, citing inspiration from Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s approach after his 2014 Daytona 500 victory and expressing concern for his racecar’s condition. He explained:
“There are a couple of reasons. Number one, over the course of the off-season, I found myself watching the 2014 Daytona 500 when Dale won. He went down to one and kind of swung around, took his stuff off, and waved at the fans. I think back to Saturday night short-track racing; we wouldn’t have that type of celebration, right? Because you couldn’t blow the quarter panels up, blow the motor, or tear the car to hell after the race.”
“That’s just what I wanted to do. It’s just kind of who I am. I did a little bit of one there at the end, just kind of spun around a couple times. That’s just who I am as a person,” he added.
This measured response to winning underscores Berry’s practical mindset and connection to racing traditions, highlighting his unique approach among his Cup Series peers.
Berry’s Best Season Sets Stage for Future Ambitions
The 2025 season proved to be Berry’s career-defining year in the NASCAR Cup Series. He finished 16th in the championship standings, the highest placement of his professional tenure so far. Berry’s season included a landmark victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, three top-five finishes, and eight results inside the top ten across 36 starts. Demonstrating his competitive edge, he also led a total of 207 laps in the #21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Within the high-stakes environment of the NASCAR Cup Series, this momentum, backed by a consistent working relationship with Wood Brothers Racing, offers Berry the platform needed for further breakthroughs. The driver’s emphasis on deeper team chemistry and learning from past shortcomings suggests that Berry, guided by proven influences like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and rooted in racing fundamentals, is well-placed to make 2026 his most successful season yet.
