Josh Berry, driving for the historic Wood Brothers Racingteam, currently sits in the NASCARplayoff field but below the cutline as the postseason progresses. Ahead of the second race in the Round of 16, Berry opened up in an interview with Jeff Gluck’s 12 Questions segment, challenging widespread views about his competitive nature.
Despite being known for his short-track background and often described as a laid-back driver who is “happy to be here,” Berry firmly rejected that characterization, emphasizing his strong drive and ambition.
Fierce Competitor from Short Tracks to the Cup Series
Berry highlighted that anyone who has raced against him on short tracks knows how intense and motivated he is behind the wheel. He shared,
“As a competitor, I’m super competitive, super motivated, and have high expectations for myself and my team,”
reinforcing that his hunger to win has fueled his success. He insisted that this mindset has not changed since moving into the NASCAR Cup Series.
The 34-year-old Hendersonville, Tennesseenative explained that many fans focus on his story of rising through short-track racing to reach the Cup level and assume he is simply grateful just to be competing at that stage. However, Berry stated clearly,
“But I don’t view it as ‘I’m just happy to be here.’ I want to be up front. I want to be competitive.”
Competitiveness Extends Beyond Racing
Berry also shared how his competitive spirit emerges in everyday life, especially during games with his five-year-old daughter, Mackenzie. He admitted that when she focuses, she can easily outplay him, saying,
Image of: Josh Berry
“If she’s locked in and paying attention, she will take me down,”
adding a personal and lighthearted dimension to his intense competitive nature.
Playoff Challenges and Upcoming Crucial Races
Currently positioned 16th in the standings and 19 points away from advancing, Berry faces a difficult path in the playoffs. The upcoming races at Gateway and Bristol will be pivotal for his postseason campaign. His history at these tracks shows mixed outcomes, with a 36th-place finish once at Gateway and an average finish of 17.7 in three Bristol appearances, underscoring the narrow margin for error as the competition intensifies.
Berry secured his playoff berth with a regular-season victory at Las Vegas, but a disappointing 38th-place finish at Darlington during the first playoff race put him in a challenging position. Gateway now represents his next chance to regain momentum and stay alive in the postseason.
Implications for Berry’s NASCAR Future
Josh Berry’s determination to dispel misconceptions about his competitiveness signals his seriousness about succeeding at the highest level of NASCAR. As he continues to battle for playoff survival, his tenacity and focus on performing well in critical races are vital. How he navigates the pressure at Gateway and Bristol could significantly influence his standing, while demonstrating to fans and competitors alike that his reputation as a fierce and ambitious driver is well-earned.
