Josh Berry, competing in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, faced a devastating setback during Sunday’s Bristol race when his No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Mustang caught fire on Lap 77. With smoke filling his cockpit, Berry had no choice but to pull off the track, instantly ending his chances of advancing further in the playoffs.
Berry, who earned his playoff spot by winning at Las Vegas earlier this season, safely exited the car but was left disappointed as his breakthrough championship pursuit was cut short. At the time of the incident, he was among eight drivers running on the lead lap but was positioned below the cutoff line, requiring a strong finish or a win to progress into the Round of 12.
Details of the Fire and Its Impact on the Playoff Field
The trouble began when the brake rotors overheated and ignited, forcing Berry to pit immediately. The smoke inside his cockpit made continuing impossible and created a dangerous environment. This unexpected failure doomed his race and playoff hopes, making him the first driver eliminated from the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The event, known as the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, still continued as other racers battled for the remaining spots for the next playoff round.
Berry reflected on the incident after the race and told USA Network,
“It definitely started smoking a few laps before we pitted. We tried to ride it out a few laps. It was getting pretty bad there. Just so disappointing. That was going to be a lot of fun.”
—Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
With three more drivers to be eliminated by the end of this race, the focus at Bristol Motor Speedway remains on those still fighting to move into the next stage of the playoffs.
Josh Berry’s Rise: From Free Agent to Wood Brothers Racing Champion
Josh Berry’s journey to becoming a full-time Cup Series driver took an unexpected route. Last year he raced for Stewart-Haas Racing but was left searching for a team after it shut down its program. Wood Brothers Racing quickly signed Berry after parting ways with Harrison Burton, who moved to the Xfinity Series with AM Racing. This opportunity provided Berry a full-time ride with NASCAR’s oldest racing team.
Berry’s first Cup Series victory came on March 16, 2025, when he led Wood Brothers Racing to their 101st win at Las Vegas. That triumph was a milestone for both Berry and the team, earning him a spot in the playoffs for the first time in his career.
After his Las Vegas win, Berry expressed his excitement, stating,
“Everybody with Wood Brothers Racing gave me a great car and we just battled and battled, and man, it was our day,”
“I just can’t believe it. It was such a battle with Daniel (Suarez) there at the end. Beating and banging at a mile-and-a-half (track) is crazy!”
—Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
This victory gave Berry momentum heading into the playoffs, though his recent misfortune at Bristol now forces him out of contention.
What Lies Ahead for Josh Berry and the Playoffs
Although Josh Berry’s playoff run ended early, he can still aim for victories in upcoming events outside the playoff structure. The championship battle will continue through six more races before culminating at Phoenix on November 2. Until then, the Bristol race will be remembered for its intense competition and the sudden, fiery end to Berry’s breakthrough season.
The elimination reshapes the playoff landscape, intensifying the battle among the remaining drivers who are striving to secure their spots and ultimately compete for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
