NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Berry recently shared insights during a media availability at Bowman Gray Stadium ahead of the Cook Out Clash, revealing the advantage he plans to leverage for a strong 2026. Berry emphasized how stability with his current team will be crucial for his upcoming performances in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Building Momentum Through Team Continuity
Josh Berry, who entered the Cup Series part-time with Spire Motorsports in 2021, has since raced for several teams before securing his first full-time seat with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024. In 2025, Berry transitioned to Wood Brothers Racing, driving the #21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, and is set to continue with them in the 2026 season. This marks his first experience competing two consecutive seasons with the same outfit.
Berry explained how this continuity has fostered stronger communication and understanding within the team. Reflecting on his growth, he stated,
“This is really the first year since I’ve been in Cup or Xfinity that I’ve really had the same group two years in a row. That made the off-season feel different since I’ve already been working with these guys and knowing them, and not establishing that communication, so I think that should be a positive as well, and we’re ready to get to the Clash.” – Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
This ongoing partnership allows Berry and his crew to avoid the usual challenges of adjusting to new teammates, enabling them to focus on refining strategies and performance. Berry also highlighted the importance of addressing the issues faced last season, emphasizing that while the team has demonstrated sufficient speed, improving consistency and decision-making is the priority moving forward.
Reflecting on a Historic First Victory and Its Unique Celebration
In 2025, Berry achieved his maiden NASCAR Cup Series win at the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Despite the milestone, he chose not to perform the typical celebratory burnout, a decision that surprised some fans and media.
During a post-race interview, Berry attributed this choice to the influence of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 2014 Daytona 500 victory celebration, paired with a practical concern for preserving the car’s condition. He remarked,
“There are a couple of reasons. Number one, over the course of the off-season, I found myself watching the 2014 Daytona 500 when Dale won. He went down to one and kind of swung around, took his stuff off, and waved at the fans. I think back to Saturday night short-track racing; we wouldn’t have that type of celebration, right? Because you couldn’t blow the quarter panels up, blow the motor, or tear the car to hell after the race.” – Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
“That’s just what I wanted to do. It’s just kind of who I am. I did a little bit of one there at the end, just kind of spun around a couple times. That’s just who I am as a person,” he added. – Josh Berry, NASCAR Driver
Season Highlights and Future Prospects
Berry wrapped up the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season ranked 16th, marking his best finish to date. His achievements included three top-five finishes, eight top-ten results, and leading 207 laps in his #21 Ford Mustang. These accomplishments, combined with his growing rapport within Wood Brothers Racing, set a promising foundation as he enters the 2026 season.
With experience, greater team cohesion, and focused improvements on consistency, Josh Berry’s NASCAR advantage is positioned to make a significant impact. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this continuity influences his performance in the highly competitive Cup Series environment.
