Josh Berry reached one of NASCAR’s biggest milestones with a Cup Series victory at Las Vegas in 2025. Yet his future is now uncertain after Wood Brothers Racing decided not to exercise its option for 2027.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has described the situation as deeply personal because Berry’s path to the Cup Series was closely tied to Earnhardt’s family and JR Motorsports. “It’s heartbreaking for me because I think of Josh as family,” Earnhardt said on The Dale Jr. Download.
A Cup Win Has Not Settled Berry’s Future
Berry is 33rd in the standings following a season marked by crashes, mechanical issues, and missed opportunities. The results have complicated the outlook despite the speed he showed during his first year with Wood Brothers Racing.
Jesse Love is expected to take over the No. 21 Ford, leaving Berry facing an uncertain driver market with most Cup seats already committed. Earnhardt said he does not know where Berry’s career goes next or what opportunities may be available.
| Year | Career Moment |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Joined JR Motorsports after Earnhardt noticed his talent through iRacing |
| 2020 | Won the NASCAR Weekly Series National Championship |
| 2023 | Impressed while substituting for Chase Elliott at Hendrick Motorsports |
| 2025 | Earned his first Cup Series win at Las Vegas with Wood Brothers Racing |
A Long Connection to Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Berry moved from Nashville and initially worked at JR Motorsports as a mechanic, handling shop duties while racing Late Models at night. With limited resources, he also lived with Earnhardt’s mother, Brenda Jackson, while trying to establish his racing career.
According to sports.yahoo.com, Earnhardt recalled that Berry spent a decade racing and working alongside the organization. Their run included hundreds of victories, track championships, a national championship, and Xfinity races.
Berry later became a standout in short-track racing before receiving an Xfinity opportunity with JR Motorsports. His Cup breakthrough came after he filled in for Chase Elliott in 2023 and then replaced Kevin Harvick following Stewart-Haas Racing’s shutdown in 2024.
Why the Situation Is So Difficult
Earnhardt had supported Berry’s move to Wood Brothers Racing, believing the driver was ready for the opportunity. Berry’s Las Vegas win helped deliver the organization’s 101st victory and appeared to validate that belief.
Earnhardt said the team and driver had a solid first year together before the outlook changed. He has not pressed Berry for details, saying he respects both the driver and the Wood Brothers organization.
The Cup Series market can be especially difficult for drivers without significant personal funding, even when poor finishes are linked to circumstances beyond their control. With races still remaining, Berry has more chances to show the resilience and talent that carried him from local racing to the Cup Series.
