Josh Berry is set to return to Phoenix Raceway, where he has performed well in the past, as he prepares for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series event with Wood Brothers Racing. This Josh Berry Phoenix Raceway preview highlights Berry’s notable history at this track and the team’s optimism heading into Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 500.
Berry’s Impressive Record at Phoenix
Berry has consistently run near the front at Phoenix Raceway, a one-mile oval known for its flat banking and desert setting. In 2023, he scored a fourth-place finish in the spring and followed up with seventh in the season finale, displaying his ability to excel at this circuit. Across five Cup Series starts at Phoenix, Berry’s average finish stands at 14.2, and he has earned three top-10 results, including a 10th-place debut at the venue.
New Look and Team Momentum
This event will also introduce a refreshed appearance for Berry’s No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, featuring colors from eero for the first time in 2026. The team, Wood Brothers Racing, hopes that both the updated look and Berry’s past success will fuel another strong performance in Arizona.
Driver’s Perspective and Strategy
“Phoenix has been a good track for me,”
Berry said.
“We’ve had some solid runs there, including two top-10 finishes last season, so that definitely gives us confidence going back.”
– Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
“It’s a place where track position and execution really matter. If we can qualify well and keep ourselves in position, I think we can put ourselves in position for another strong day.”
– Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
Weekend Schedule and Broadcast Coverage
Track action for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 will begin with practice on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 1:10 p.m. ET, both airing on Prime Video. The main race, spanning 312 miles, is scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FS1. Key stage breaks are planned for laps 60 and 185, shaping strategy for teams and drivers throughout the day.
Potential Impact and Outlook
Given Berry’s history of strong runs at Phoenix Raceway, both he and Wood Brothers Racing are optimistic about maintaining momentum this weekend. With recent finishes inside the top 10 and a renewed look for the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Berry aims to leverage his experience for another standout performance as the NASCAR Cup Series continues in the Sonoran Desert.
