Josh Berry wasn’t the first driver WBR approached for 2025. But he might be the most important one they could have picked
Already delivering a landmark win and showing competitive consistency, Berry is proving that second choices can still lead to first-rate results.
With the Jack Link’s 500 just ahead, fans will be eager to see if he and WBR can build on the success and keep moving forward. Because if the early results are any indication, the team may have just found their next great driver — even if it wasn’t who they thought it would be.
Regardless of how the 2025 season ultimately plays out, one thing is clear: Josh Berry has arrived as a force to be reckoned with in the NASCAR Cup Series.
His journey — from local short tracks to one of the sport’s most iconic rides — is a story of resilience, hard work, and seizing opportunities.
With his first win already under his belt, a strong relationship with his team, and a playoff berth within reach, Berry is setting himself up for a long, successful Cup Series career.
And if Talladega smiles on him this weekend, the celebration could be even sweeter.
Also Read: Josh Berry (NASCAR): Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Net Worth in 2024, New Member and More
Table of Contents
Josh Berry’s Breakout Season
Building Momentum with Wood Brothers Racing
Josh Berry’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) campaign has already delivered some major career milestones.1
Driving the famed No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, Berry captured his first career NCS victory earlier this year at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
It was a signature win that didn’t just showcase his raw talent but also demonstrated the deep chemistry he has quickly developed with his team.
For a driver who spent years grinding through NASCAR’s lower ranks and late model scene, the Vegas victory marked a culmination of persistence, opportunity, and readiness.
It also lit a fire under Berry’s season, giving him and the Wood Brothers renewed confidence as they battle some of the sport’s top teams each week.
P12 @ItsBristolBaby. Proud of everyone on the 21 team.
Thanks @MQL_Racing @woodbrothers21 @FordPerformance. Been a strong start to the year.
— Josh Berry (@joshberry) April 13, 2025
Consistency in 2025: Laps Led and Strong Qualifying Efforts
Beyond the win, Berry’s overall performance this season has been consistently impressive.
Over the first nine races of 2025, Berry has led a total of 116 laps — a solid figure for a driver still in his first full-time Cup season with Wood Brothers. He’s also proven quick on Saturdays, earning top-five starting spots in three different races.
Those strong starts have been crucial, allowing him to stay out of early trouble and control races from the front of the field.
More importantly, they signal that the No. 21 team is bringing fast cars to the track every week — a testament to the organization’s commitment and Berry’s ability to deliver behind the wheel.
Josh Berry’s Current Standings
As the Cup Series prepares for its tenth race of the season at the unpredictable Talladega Superspeedway, Berry finds himself sitting 17th in the driver standings.2
While just outside the top 16 Playoff cutline, he’s in prime striking distance.
Thanks to his Las Vegas win and consistent performances, Berry has six valuable Playoff points in his pocket — insurance that could prove critical once the postseason begins on August 31.
If he continues this pace, Berry not only has a great shot at making the Playoffs but could potentially make some noise once there, especially given the unpredictable nature of Playoff racing.
The Talladega Challenge: Superspeedway Chaos Awaits
As every NASCAR driver knows, Talladega Superspeedway is a beast of its own.
With its high speeds, close-quarter racing, and the looming threat of the “Big One” — a massive, multi-car wreck — success at Talladega often requires a mix of skill, patience, and good luck.
Heading into the Jack Link’s 500 this weekend, Berry remains cautious yet optimistic. Speaking to Speedway Digest ahead of the race, he acknowledged the unique difficulties that Talladega presents.
“Superspeedway racing is its own animal,” Berry said. “Some drivers just have a natural feel for the draft and how to position themselves in the pack. It’s a skill, and it’s something we’re continuing to work on.”
Chemistry at the Core: Berry’s Relationship with Wood Brothers Racing
One of the biggest reasons for Berry’s strong 2025 performance so far has been the tight bond he’s built with his team.
From the top of the pit box to the mechanics in the garage, the communication and trust between Berry and his crew have been outstanding.
“For us, it’s about continuing to build off the momentum we’ve had this year,” Berry explained. “The communication and chemistry within the No. 21 team has been strong, and that’s a big part of putting ourselves in a position to contend.”
In NASCAR, good communication isn’t just about driver and crew chief calls during the race; it’s about the daily grind at the shop, the long debrief meetings, and the honest feedback loops that help teams get better every week.
Berry and the Wood Brothers seem to have found that magic formula, and it’s paying dividends.
Race Strategy: What It Takes to Win at Talladega
In addition to chemistry and communication, Berry knows that handling and strategy are vital at a track like Talladega.
Unlike mile-and-a-half tracks or short tracks where individual car performance often dominates, superspeedway races are more about survival and smart decision-making.
“You need a car that handles well — one that can push, be pushed, and execute the right strategy when it counts,” Berry emphasized.
Drafting, choosing the right lanes, finding the right drafting partners, and knowing when to be aggressive versus when to lay back are all critical elements. Berry’s relatively cautious, methodical driving style might actually be a big asset on a chaotic track like Talladega.
Josh Berry’s Approach Moving Forward
As the season marches on, Berry remains focused on taking things one race at a time.3
Despite the pressure that comes with chasing Playoff spots and big wins, he stays grounded in his preparation, teamwork, and desire to improve every week.
“We know the level of competition out here is insane,” Berry said. “You can’t take anything for granted. We just have to stay consistent, stay focused, and the results will take care of themselves.”
It’s a mindset that could serve him well, especially heading into the chaotic summer stretch where points become precious and every race can swing a season’s momentum.
No Practice, No Problem: Straight to Qualifying
Adding another twist to the weekend, NASCAR’s rules dictate that Cup Series drivers won’t have a practice session before qualifying. Instead, they’ll jump straight into qualifying on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. ET.
This puts even more pressure on teams to unload with a strong baseline setup and for drivers to quickly get a feel for the track. For a driver like Berry, who prides himself on preparation and adaptability, this type of challenge might actually work to his advantage.
It will also put a premium on teamwork between the driver and crew chief, as they must rely heavily on their simulations, notes, and previous experience to make the right adjustments.
A Historic Opportunity: Adding to the Wood Brothers’ Legacy
If Berry can pull off another win — or even a strong finish — at Talladega, it would be a huge boost, not just for his Playoff hopes but for Wood Brothers Racing’s storied legacy.
The team, which dates back to 1950, is one of the oldest and most respected organizations in NASCAR history.
With 99 Cup Series wins already, every good run brings them closer to the milestone 100th win — a target that would be extra special for Berry to help achieve.
Berry understands the history he’s now a part of and often mentions how honored he feels to drive the iconic No. 21 Ford, a car once piloted by legends like David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and Dale Jarrett.
Also Read: Josh Berry (NASCAR): Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Net Worth in 2024, New Member and More
Josh Berry Wasn’t Wood Brothers Racing’s First Choice for 2025
Josh Berry is off to a promising start with Wood Brothers Racing (WBR), having already delivered a landmark win in the team’s 75th year of competition.
But as it turns out, Berry wasn’t originally at the top of WBR’s list for their No. 21 car in 2025.
In a candid interview on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, co-owner Eddie Wood revealed that another name was at the forefront when the team began planning for the future.
Chase Briscoe: The First Choice
When WBR made the decision to shake things up heading into the 2025 season, the team naturally looked toward someone already within the Ford Performance umbrella. That someone was Chase Briscoe.
Briscoe, who had driven for Stewart-Haas Racing and had deep roots within Ford’s development system, was a logical first call. As Eddie Wood explained, the history between Briscoe and Ford made him a natural fit — at least on paper.
“We had decided things were going to change [in 2025]. And of course, Ford had a relationship with (Chase) Briscoe from way back. So we met with Chase first because that was kind of the progression of it,” said Wood.
But despite early talks, Briscoe ultimately signed with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), leaving WBR back at square one.
Josh Berry’s Legacy and the Pressure to Perform
Wood Brothers Racing isn’t just any Cup Series team. With a history dating back to 1950, WBR is NASCAR’s longest-running operation.
Names like David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and Buddy Baker have driven the No. 21 car — and winning is deeply ingrained in the organization’s identity.
For a driver like Berry, joining a team with that kind of heritage brings a unique pressure. You’re not just expected to show up — you’re expected to win, compete at a high level, and add to a storied legacy. And so far, Berry seems to be handling that pressure well.
The Harvick Connection
Interestingly, Kevin Harvick himself has played an indirect role in Berry’s path to WBR. Harvick’s management group, KHI Management, represents Berry.
On top of that, Harvick has been a mentor and advocate for Berry throughout his rise from short-track roots to NASCAR’s highest level.
So, when Eddie Wood shared this story on Harvick’s own podcast, it added an extra layer of authenticity to the conversation. It wasn’t a PR move. It was a genuine look behind the curtain at how one of NASCAR’s most traditional teams made a key decision.
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From Short Tracks to the Cup Series
Berry’s road to the Cup Series hasn’t been typical. Unlike many of his peers, Berry didn’t come up through the usual developmental ladders backed by millions in funding.
Instead, he earned his shot the hard way — through relentless success in late models and the Xfinity Series.
That kind of journey gives a driver grit. It also builds appreciation for every opportunity. And that blue-collar work ethic seems to align well with the culture at WBR.
Briscoe’s Path with JGR
- While Berry is writing his story with WBR, Chase Briscoe is now charting his own course with Joe Gibbs Racing — one of NASCAR’s premier teams.
- It’s a move that could elevate his career significantly, but also one that comes with its own expectations and scrutiny.
- In many ways, both drivers landed in good spots. And while WBR originally pictured Briscoe in their car, the way things have played out seems to be a win-win for everyone involved.
- There’s something poetic about a “second choice” becoming the centerpiece of a new era.
- That’s what Berry is shaping up to be for WBR — not just a Plan B, but potentially the best possible option for this team’s future.
- Sometimes, the best decisions aren’t the first ones you make — they’re the ones you grow into. And as the 2025 season unfolds, Berry is quickly becoming more than just a replacement. He’s becoming a cornerstone.
