Josh Berry is gearing up for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season with renewed momentum, returning to the Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 team after securing his first Cup victory in 2025. Having mostly kept the same crew and support staff, Berry expects to build on last year’s progress without the disruptions that come with changing teams.
Berry’s ascent in the NASCAR Cup Series began in 2021 with Spire Motorsports, and since then, he has driven for four different teams. Last year marked a significant breakthrough when he transitioned from Stewart-Haas Racing to Wood Brothers Racing, achieving eight top-10 finishes, clinching a win at the spring Las Vegas Motor Speedway race, and earning a playoff spot.
During a press teleconference ahead of the 2026 Cook Out Clash, Berry, now 35 years old, reflected on his offseason routine and underscored how continuity within his team helped reduce the usual hurdles tied to adapting to new environments.
“The last couple of years in the Cup Series have been with two different organizations, and now going back to this and having the same group, the same crew chief, the same engineers, really the same everybody, so it just kind of builds more fluidity. It doesn’t feel like you’re starting over and learning each other as much,” Josh Berry said (via NASCAR.com).
“It’s made the offseason maybe go a little bit longer, maybe a little bit more refreshing because you’re not doing as much random things that you have to check off in the offseason,” he added.
Berry praised his ongoing partnership with crew chief Miles Stanley, believing Stanley will continue refining the No. 21 team’s performance in their second year working together.
Assessing 2025 Challenges to Aim for a Stronger 2026 Campaign
The 2025 season featured a mixture of highs and lows for Berry. Despite a promising start highlighted by his Las Vegas victory, he experienced difficulties during the playoffs and concluded the year 16th in overall points. Nevertheless, Berry showed clear growth, leading over 200 laps throughout the season and achieving better results than in past years.
Reflecting on last season, Berry and his team reviewed areas needing improvement, focusing particularly on races where their final position did not reflect the performance they delivered on track.
“There were plenty of races where the finish didn’t indicate the type of day we had, so that’s been our focus, is looking through some of that stuff and trying to figure out what we could do better and put ourselves in better positions to get the finishes we deserve,” Josh Berry stated.
Specific challenges included an incident at Martinsville where Berry led laps but was pushed back in the field due to a pit road collision and alternator problems. His playoff run was inconsistent, including three last-place finishes in the Round of 16 races. At Bristol, a fire in his No. 21 car abruptly ended his championship hopes, while at Darlington Raceway, persistent car bounce and grip issues led to an early crash.
Berry believes that steering clear of risky maneuvers that previously compromised results will be critical to earning more top finishes as the season begins on February 15 with the Daytona 500.
What Stability in Team Dynamics Means for Berry’s Progress
Maintaining the same core group of crew members, engineers, and leadership gives Berry a level of stability that could enhance both his and the team’s performance. His comments highlight the value of familiarity and trust in building a competitive edge within NASCAR’s demanding environment.
Berry’s partnership with crew chief Miles Stanley will be key as they strive to optimize strategies and car setups to capitalize on the lessons learned in their first year together. This cohesion may reduce the physical and mental fatigue associated with constant changes, allowing a sharper focus on race preparation.
Looking Ahead: Prospects for Berry and Wood Brothers Racing in 2026
As Josh Berry enters the 2026 NASCAR season with the Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 team, the combination of prior experience, a supportive and consistent crew, and an eagerness to improve on past setbacks positions him as a driver to watch. His 2025 campaign established a foundation that, with refinement and steadiness, could translate into more consistent top-10 finishes and deeper playoff runs.
The team’s focus on addressing previous mistakes and strengthening car performance will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike. The upcoming season, starting at Daytona, is expected to test how effectively Berry and his team apply their knowledge to achieve higher finishes and maintain competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series.
