Wood Brothers Racing

Wood Brothers Racing (WBR) is the oldest active team in NASCAR, with roots tracing back to 1950. Renowned for its storied history, pioneering innovations, and iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang, the team has played a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of stock car racing. Headquartered in Stuart, Virginia, with main operations based in Mooresville, North Carolina, WBR continues to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series, proudly maintaining its family-owned identity while sustaining a decades-long alliance with Ford Motor Company.

Early Days and Background

Founded by brothers Glen, Leonard, Delano, Ray Lee, and Clay Wood, the team began as a small, local operation in Stuart, Virginia, rooted in a passion for mechanical innovation and racing excellence. Glen Wood’s early success at Bowman Gray Stadium in 1960 launched the team to national prominence, setting the stage for what would become one of NASCAR’s most celebrated organizations.

The team quickly built a reputation for strategic brilliance, particularly in the development of pit stop techniques that transformed NASCAR race-day operations. Over the decades, legendary drivers such as David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and Donnie Allison captured numerous victories for the team, solidifying the No. 21 Ford as an icon in stock car racing lore. In 2004, WBR relocated most operations to North Carolina to keep pace with the sport’s advancing technical landscape.

With over 100 NASCAR Cup Series wins, including five Daytona 500 victories, Wood Brothers Racing has established itself as a cornerstone of NASCAR history while continuing to thrive in the modern era.

Driver Lineup

For the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Wood Brothers Racing fields one full-time entry:

No. 21 Ford Mustang – Driven by Josh Berry, a proven competitor in NASCAR’s top tier.

Ryan Blaney previously drove for WBR earlier in his career, similar to how Harrison Burton had opportunities with the team.

WBR maintains a technical alliance with Team Penske, benefiting from its engineering resources and collaborative efforts to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging Cup Series environment.

Net Worth

As a private, family-owned organization, Wood Brothers Racing does not publicly disclose its financial details. Its value and prestige are demonstrated through long-term sponsorships, its historic partnership with Ford, the technical alliance with Team Penske, and the enduring legacy of the No. 21 car. Few teams in NASCAR possess a comparable combination of tradition, competitiveness, and brand significance.

Legacy in NASCAR

Wood Brothers Racing has amassed over 100 Cup Series victories with 20 different drivers across eight decades of competition, making it one of the most decorated teams in NASCAR history. The team is credited with revolutionizing pit stop strategies, influencing modern NASCAR race execution.

Although WBR currently focuses solely on its Cup Series program, its long-standing reputation for excellence and its connection to NASCAR’s golden era remain unmatched. The No. 21 Ford Mustang continues to be a symbol of heritage and competitive ambition, carrying a legacy few teams can rival.

Recent Controversies

Wood Brothers Racing has largely avoided public controversies, maintaining a professional, family-first image. Recent operational challenges have centered on adapting to NASCAR’s evolving team and charter environment, including the scaling down of partnerships by Team Penske, but no direct controversies have tarnished the team’s reputation.

Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025

• 2024: Celebrated its 75th anniversary, with Josh Berry’s arrival announced for the 2025 season and Ryan Blaney securing multiple top-10 finishes in his final races for WBR, reinforcing the team’s competitive consistency in collaboration with Team Penske.

• 1 August 2025: Continues to field the No. 21 Ford Mustang with Josh Berry,  backed by strong sponsorship and focusing on returning to multi-win form while honoring its unparalleled NASCAR legacy.