Few moments in NASCAR history carry the emotional weight and intensity of the 1976 Daytona 500. In a legendary showdown at Daytona International Speedway, Wood Brothers Racing’s David Pearson captured a dramatic victory over Richard Petty, marking a highlight in the storied rivalry between their elite teams. This remarkable finish, where both cars collided in the final stretch, continues to be celebrated nearly five decades later and serves as a cornerstone of the Wood Brothers Racing Daytona 500 legacy.
At the heart of that race was a late-race duel between Pearson, driving the Wood Brothers Mercury, and Petty, piloting his Petty Enterprises Dodge. As they battled to the wire, both drivers crashed approaching the finish line, but Pearson managed to keep his car rolling, crossing first and clinching one of the most storied wins in the Wood Brothers’ history. Notably, the 1976 event stands out among the 63 times Pearson and Petty finished first and second, cementing its place in NASCAR lore.
A Half-Century Later: Paying Tribute to a Legendary Moment
For the 50th anniversary of this iconic victory, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are embracing the past by unveiling a tribute paint scheme that honors Pearson’s famous win. The 2026 Daytona 500 is poised to be a significant occasion for the organization, as the race aligns with a milestone date in Wood Brothers Racing’s Daytona 500 history.
The race’s lasting impact is rooted not just in the thrilling finish, but in the split-second decisions and instinctive driving displayed. As Petty and Pearson tangled, Pearson’s reaction to clutch the engine enabled him to limp across the checkered flag, adding a fifth Daytona 500 trophy to the Wood Brothers’ collection. The rivalry between Pearson and Petty showcased the best in competitive racing, with Pearson winning 33 of their head-to-head finishes.
A Family’s Perspective from Pit Road
During that memorable race, Ricky Pearson, David Pearson’s son, watched anxiously from the Wood Brothers pit area, his view limited by pit lane obstructions and the lack of television coverage for crews at the time. Despite these challenges, the raw emotion of that final lap left a vivid mark on Ricky, as the crowd’s reaction became a pivotal memory.
“We saw some smoke, and from the way the crowd was reacting we knew something was happening,”
Pearson said.
“We saw Richard come into sight, then when Daddy got moving the hollering got even louder.”
– Ricky Pearson, David Pearson’s son
Post-race, the scene was filled with celebration and camaraderie. As his father completed the lap and stopped near Petty’s pit stall, Ricky captured moments of unity and unconditional support among the crew and family.
“Richard stuck his head in the window, but I never knew what he said,”
Ricky Pearson said.
“We all climbed on the car and went to victory lane. Then when it was all over we got in the plane and flew home.”
– Ricky Pearson, David Pearson’s son
Ricky also reflected on the personal significance of that day, expressing pride and deep emotion over witnessing his father’s accomplishment.
“I was there as the child of the greatest driver who ever lived,”
he said.
“It was very emotional, right at the top as far as emotions.”
– Ricky Pearson, David Pearson’s son
“Hearing the reaction of the fans and all that went on make it a day I’ll never forget.”
– Ricky Pearson, David Pearson’s son
Josh Berry and Team Embrace History, Focus on the Present
This rich historical context is not lost on Josh Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team as they return to Daytona International Speedway. As the team prepares for this milestone event, their eyes are set on capturing a sixth Harley J. Earl Trophy for Wood Brothers Racing while honoring the legends who brought the organization to national prominence.
“Obviously, they’ve had a great history there, and it’s a race that we all as drivers put pressure on ourselves to go out and perform well and hopefully compete for the win,”
Berry said.
“It’s the biggest race of the year, and obviously being a part of the Wood Brothers and Team Penske, their cars have always been really strong at those races and being able to capitalize on that is something that’s obviously really important to us.”
– Josh Berry, driver of the No. 21
“So hopefully we can go do that and avoid all the trouble to be there at the end and give ourselves a shot at it.”
– Josh Berry, driver of the No. 21
Continuity and Confidence Drive the 2026 Team Forward
The Motorcraft/Quick Lane team, led by crew chief Miles Stanley, enters the new season with a sense of stability and unity. Most of the group from 2025 remains intact, which Berry believes will play a key role in building consistency and setting the team up for success in the upcoming Cup Series season.
“I think it helps put us in a better spot,”
Berry said.
“Obviously, the last couple of years in the Cup Series have been with two different organizations, and now going back to this and having the same group, the same crew chief, the same engineers, really the same everybody, so it just kind of builds more fluidity.”
– Josh Berry, driver of the No. 21
“I feel like we’re poised to have a really strong year.”
– Josh Berry, driver of the No. 21
Special Appearances and Fan Events Ahead of the Race
In the days leading up to the 2026 Daytona 500, Wood Brothers Racing and their partners are offering fans opportunities to engage with team members and drivers at several events around Daytona International Speedway.
On Thursday, February 12, Eddie and Len Wood are scheduled to take part in a Q&A session at the Ford Display in the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone at 3:30 p.m. Later that day at 5:30 p.m., they’ll appear on the SiriusXM Live Show in the Infield Fan Zone, sharing stories and insights from their decades in the sport.
Friday, February 13 will feature Josh Berry appearing at the Ford Display for a Q&A session at 3:15 p.m. Fans will also have the chance to meet Berry during an autograph signing at the Team Penske/Wood Brothers Racing merchandise unit beginning at 3:30 p.m., where wristbands will be distributed to the first 100 attendees.
The Enduring Legacy of Wood Brothers Racing at Daytona
As Wood Brothers Racing returns to Daytona to honor a pivotal moment in its history, the team’s commitment to performance and its connection to racing’s past remain stronger than ever. With Josh Berry behind the wheel and a dedicated group led by Miles Stanley, the organization hopes to build on its extraordinary reputation and pursue another chapter of success at the famed Daytona 500. The mix of commemoration and determination sets the stage for what could become another unforgettable page in NASCAR’s enduring story.
