Josh Berry, driving the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse, encountered a serious challenge late in the Bristol NASCAR race when smoke began filling the cockpit. About seven or eight laps before pitting, smoke started to appear and grew increasingly dense until it was nearly black by the time Berry entered pit road. The source was a fire likely triggered by something catching on the brakes or rotor area, causing flames and heavy smoke to surround his car.
Handling the Smoke and Fire Risks on the Track
Berry reported that the fire did not reach inside the cockpit, but the smoke was overwhelming. He noted that the flames seemed confined to the fender well, preventing more serious damage or injury. Despite this, the incident was very discouraging given how competitive the car had been earlier in the race. Berry felt confident the car was well-suited for Bristol’s conditions and was disappointed the fire forced him to stop when the race was still promising.
Impact on Playoff Hopes and Performance
The fire incident added to a frustrating streak for Berry, who reflected on how his playoff hopes have suffered despite strong qualifying and competitive car performance. He acknowledged the series of setbacks, including three last-place finishes in recent weeks, were largely due to bad luck rather than skill or preparation. Berry emphasized the team has consistently delivered good cars but has been repeatedly undermined by unforeseen problems.
Technical Explanation Behind the Fire
According to Berry, the fire likely started when tire rubber or cords wrapped around a rotor or brake component, igniting a blaze in the wheel area. This mechanical issue has unfortunately caught several cars off guard during the intense Bristol night race. Berry also shared that tire wear was unexpected, with lap times slowing earlier than anticipated due to developing track conditions and worsening “marbles” – small bits of rubber buildup on the racing line.
Safety Measures and Immediate Response
Trying to manage the situation, Berry slowed the car to reach the pit box where his crew could assist. Despite his visibility being severely impaired by smoke, he successfully limped back to the pits. He confirmed the fire didn’t feel hot inside the cockpit, but the smoke was thick and fast spreading. Track safety crews took precautions to extinguish the fire, and Berry later received medical checks at the care center, which showed all vital signs were normal.
Reflecting on the Race and Season Challenges
Berry expressed deep frustration about the string of misfortunes affecting the team, stating it’s difficult to fully convey the disappointment. He acknowledged the strong performance the team has shown throughout the season, including qualifying well and running near the front. Incidents like the fire at Bristol, the contact at Darlington, and recent crashes have hindered their playoff push. Berry believes that under different circumstances, they had a legitimate chance to win this race.
Looking Ahead with Determination
As the season nears its conclusion, Berry hopes to improve on consecutive last-place finishes and regain momentum. He noted that his crew chief, Len, was surprised by the recent string of poor results, hinting at the team’s potential if luck and reliability align. The dramatic Bristol incident underscores the unpredictable nature of NASCAR and the resilience required to compete at this high level.
AJ Allmendinger’s Unexpected Pole Position Highlights Playoff Stakes
AJ Allmendinger secured an unexpected pole position for the Bristol playoff race, setting the stage for a highly competitive Night Showdown that will determine who advances in the NASCAR Cup Playoffs Round of 16. This development adds intensity to the event, emphasizing the fine margins between success and setbacks experienced by drivers like Berry.
