Josh Berry’s chance to move forward in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs was dashed on Saturday during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Berry needed a victory to advance, but his No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford Mustang caught fire after 80 intense laps, forcing him out of the race.
Tire Wear Sparks Fire and Early Pit Stops
The fire started after severe tire wear plagued drivers throughout the event, with the right front tire area of Berry’s car igniting—likely due to accumulated tire rubber. Berry managed to steer his damaged car back to pit road, but the flames quickly intensified, making it impossible for his team to extinguish the blaze. Crewmembers had to abandon all efforts as smoke surrounded Berry’s vehicle while he was assisted to safety.
Tire issues affected multiple drivers early on, with polesitter AJ Allmendinger among the first to encounter serious tire problems. Following him, racers including Riley Herbst, Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, and Denny Hamlin all made unexpected pit stops due to the same tire wear phenomenon. The tire conditions mirrored those seen during the 2024 Food City 500 at Bristol, which also resulted in a chaotic and demanding race.
Impact on Playoff Standings and Driver Outcomes
Berry became the first competitor to exit the event and consequently missed the opportunity to progress to the Round of 12 in the playoffs, ultimately finishing in 39th place. His early elimination not only ended his playoff run but also underscored the challenges drivers faced under harsh track conditions during the night race.
Known for his roots near NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel, who has covered NASCAR since early 2024 for Yardbarker and joined the National Motorsports Press Association in October 2024, highlighted the severity of these conditions that shaped the race’s unpredictable pace. Beyond motorsport, Samuel also covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker.
Challenges of Bristol’s Tire Wear and What Lies Ahead
Bristol Motor Speedway’s unique surface and the aggressive racing style demand exceptional tire management and strategic pit stops. The extreme tire degradation during this race greatly influenced the outcome and put drivers’ durability and teams’ quick responses to the test. As the playoffs continue, Berry’s exit serves as a reminder of how swiftly fortunes can change under such strenuous conditions at Bristol.
