Josh Berry approaches the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway with his playoff survival on the line, but experts believe his skill in tire management could give him an unexpected edge. As NASCAR introduces a softer right-side tire compound this weekend, Berry’s ability to preserve tires may prove crucial on the abrasive concrete track.
NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi highlighted Berry’s tire management as a potential key to victory, which would secure Berry a spot in the Round of 12. With the tougher tire wear expected, strategic pit stops and managing tire degradation could determine the outcome of this elimination race.
Bianchi emphasized on the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast that Berry’s expertise at handling tires sets him apart in this demanding race environment. He explained that where some drivers face pressure to gain points, Berry’s position forces him into a “must-win” scenario that aligns well with a strategy focused on long-term tire conservation.
Berry’s background as a strong short-track racer, developed through years competing in Late Model Stock Cars, adds to his advantage at Bristol. His rookie NASCAR season saw him leading laps with Stewart-Haas Racing at this very track, and he has demonstrated notable consistency with a top-10 finish at Richmond Raceway this season.
Currently 16th in the playoff standings and 45 points behind the cutoff, Berry is competing against other drivers such as Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Alex Bowman, all of whom are under pressure to either win or gain significant points to advance. Dillon sits just 11 points back, van Gisbergen 15, and Bowman trails by 35.
Insights on Berry’s Opportunity Amid Bristol’s Tire Wear Challenges
Jordan Bianchi outlined the unfolding dynamics of the Bristol race as a test of tire strategy. The new softer tire compound will likely cause faster wear, increasing the value of drivers who can stretch tire performance without sacrificing speed. Bianchi stated,
“If this is a tire wear race… and guys have to manage their tires or make green flag pit stops, who’s really good at managing their tires? Josh Berry.” — Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR Insider
He also highlighted Berry’s situation as advantageous for taking risks since the driver is not focused on accumulating points but on winning outright.
“This race sets up well for him, and they can take a chance because they know… like, ‘Forget points, we’re going for the win,’ and they’re in a position where if this is a tire wear race, I feel like they got an advantage because they can be on the front foot and go after it,” he concluded. — Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR Insider
Bianchi compared Berry’s position to that of other playoff contenders, indicating that drivers like Shane van Gisbergen and Alex Bowman are similarly in must-win scenarios, while Austin Dillon lies in a more precarious “bubble zone.” This context illustrates the intense pressure on all drivers navigating Bristol’s demanding conditions.
Challenges Affecting Berry’s Standings: Recent Incident at WWT Raceway
Berry’s current 16th-place playoff position is influenced largely by two early playoff races where he finished last. A significant setback occurred at WWT Raceway when contact with Chase Elliott caused an early exit for Berry, dropping him deeper in the standings.
Berry addressed the incident, suggesting there was no deliberate fault on Elliott’s part when the crash happened.
“I doubt that was on purpose. Just wrong place, wrong time.” — Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
Meanwhile, the WWT Raceway event saw Denny Hamlin finishing first, securing his spot in the Round of 12. Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe finished second, followed closely by Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, and defending champion Joey Logano, highlighting the competitiveness at the top end of the playoff field.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race: Stakes and Expectations
The Bristol night race on September 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET offers one of the most critical moments in the NASCAR playoffs, where drivers on the edge of elimination must either win or collect enough points to advance. For Josh Berry, the race is a pivotal chance to leverage his expertise and tire management skills to earn a playoff comeback.
Bristol’s unique combination of short-track racing and the new tire compound creates a scenario where drivers’ strategic choices about when and how to pit will have outsized impacts on their chances. Success here could reshape Berry’s playoff journey and shake up the driver rankings heading into the next round.
Given Berry’s demonstrated ability to manage tires effectively, his performance at Bristol could defy expectations and provide a notable upset in the playoff picture.
