Josh Berry’s 2025 NASCAR playoff journey ended abruptly in a fiery crash during the elimination race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night. Faced with a crucial must-win situation, Berry’s Bristol playoff exit came after a series of setbacks that have marred his postseason efforts.
Berry’s playoffs began with a disappointing last-place finish after a Lap 1 crash in the Southern 500. The following week at WWT Raceway, he was spun out by Chase Elliott and crashed on Lap 35, forcing an early end to that race. At Bristol, starting in 10th spot, Berry seemed primed for a rebound, but misfortune struck again.
Early Race Chaos Leads to Flames on Berry’s Car
Running seventh as the race entered its opening stages, Berry’s No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford encountered severe tire issues affecting many drivers. Widespread tire cording forced all competitors to pit under green-flag conditions, and rubber debris began accumulating not only on the track but also inside Berry’s right front wheel well. This buildup caused smoke to fill the car’s interior before flames suddenly erupted from the right-front fender.
Smoke and Fire Force Emergency Pit Stop
The smoke inside the vehicle severely impaired Berry’s vision as he urgently sought the pit lane. Nearly causing a track incident, he managed to reach his pit box, where the crew quickly evacuated him from the blazing car. Berry escaped unharmed, but the damage was done—his Bristol playoff exit was sealed with another last-place finish, ending his hopes for advancing in the playoffs this round.
When asked about visibility inside the car, Berry admitted,
“Not very well. Definitely started smoking a few laps before. We pitted and we tried to ride it out a couple laps, and it was getting pretty bad there. Man, just so disappointing. That was gonna be a lot of fun. That was right in our wheel house. We were moving forward. I think that’s why we were trying to stick it out as long as we can, because that could have been our opportunity. Man, its been a tough couple weeks.”
Berry Reflects on a Difficult Playoff Start
Berry candidly expressed his frustration over how the playoff round unfolded:
“Definitely not the way we wanted this first round to go. We felt like we executed well, just didn’t have the finishes. This is gonna be a tough one to watch. That was gonna be a lot of fun.”
—Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
His persistent misfortunes highlight the unpredictable nature of the NASCAR playoffs, where every lap counts and mechanical issues can abruptly end a promising run. As the postseason continues, Berry’s team will likely focus on regrouping and preparing for upcoming races with hopes of reversing their recent struggles.
