NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Berry recently shared insights on the newly introduced In-Season Challenge, a mid-season tournament bringing together 32 drivers to compete for a $1 million prize. This event marks an important addition to the Cup Series schedule, aiming to heighten competition and excitement during the season.
The tournament will take place over five races beginning in Atlanta, structured as a knockout-style contest. The lineup will be determined by the top 32 drivers after the race at Nashville Superspeedway, with seeding decided through three preliminary rounds. The final race will occur at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, pitting the last two competitors against each other for the grand prize.
Before the upcoming Cracker Barrel 400, Wood Brothers Racing’s newcomer Josh Berry spoke about whether the lucrative reward might shift drivers‘ focus away from their consistent season-long goals.
“I think we all pay pretty close attention to it once it gets rolling. I think it is going to be exciting to follow and watch. I am sure we will go into the weekends knowing who we are paired against. Obviously, there is a lot of money on the line and potentially a lot of money on the line for a fan if they have a perfect bracket. I think it will be cool to follow. It should be fun.” Berry responded
Berry replaced Harrison Burton in the Wood Brothers Racing #21 Ford for the 2025 Cup Series season and has quickly made an impact. The former Stewart-Haas Racing driver notched his first Cup Series win this year at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and has two top-five finishes so far. Currently, he ranks 17th in the driver standings, trailing RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher by just five points.
How Josh Berry Views His Changed Reputation Since Joining Wood Brothers Racing
After being left without a ride last season when Stewart-Haas Racing exited the Cup Series, Josh Berry was offered the opportunity to join Wood Brothers Racing for 2025, taking the seat previously held by Harrison Burton. Burton, who won the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, paved the way for Berry’s arrival with his own noteworthy success.
Since transitioning to Wood Brothers Racing, Berry has noticed a significant shift in how he is regarded by both fellow drivers and the broader NASCAR community.
“I think last year a lot of people looked at us as underperforming and now we’re over performing,” Berry said. “It changes just like that. The perception has changed completely.” Berry told NBC Sports
Upcoming Cracker Barrel 400 Sets Stage for In-Season Challenge Progression
The Cracker Barrel 400, scheduled for 7 PM Eastern on Sunday, June 1, will be a pivotal race not only as a Superspeedway event but also as the moment when the field for the In-Season Challenge is finalized. Fans can watch this critical race live via Amazon Prime Video, witnessing both the ongoing Cup Series action and the unfolding tournament drama that emphasizes strategic racing and mental resilience.
Josh Berry’s reflections on the In-Season Challenge mindset highlight the balance drivers must maintain between pursuing race victories and focusing on high-stakes elimination rounds. As this competition develops throughout the season, it could reshape driver approaches and fan engagement in NASCAR’s evolving landscape.
