Josh Berry secured an exciting win in the Rackley Roofing Battle of Broadway 150 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on Thursday night, marking a significant achievement in his racing career. This victory at the 0.596-mile “big track” in Nashville highlights Berry’s skill and momentum ahead of his upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway.
Berry’s First Win on Nashville’s Larger Track
The Hendersonville, Tennessee native began his weekend by triumphing at the track where he honed his early racing skills, yet this was his first win on the larger Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway surface. Starting the race from fifth position, Berry demonstrated resilience and strategic driving, steadily moving forward despite not having the fastest car in practice and qualifying sessions. His FatHead Racing vehicle felt balanced, giving him confidence that a victory was achievable.
Strong Race Pace and Key Moves to Take the Lead
Berry’s patience paid off during the battle. After a caution on lap 48 brought a regroup, he advanced to second place by lap 60 and took the lead on lap 82, asserting control of the race. He methodically worked through the field and capitalized on favorable restarts to secure his position upfront. Berry reflected on his drive, emphasizing the importance of staying composed and focusing on the car’s handling rather than speed alone throughout the event.
I just can’t thank these guys enough at FatHead Racing, Jamie Yelton, everybody at Panini, Campers Inn, Ford, Robbie White Racing Engines, everybody that has made this possible.
—Josh Berry, Driver
Despite limited experience in Pro Late Models and only competing in his second race at this track, Berry’s victory demonstrated impressive adaptability and determination, underscoring the significance of this milestone in his career.
Late-Race Challenges and Competitors’ Performances
The race featured two pivotal cautions, the second coming on lap 105 after Aidan Potter collided with the wall and collected Stacey Crain. This caution triggered a pit stop sequence, where most drivers took their allotted two tires, setting the stage for a fierce sprint to the finish.
Last year’s winner, Trey Craig, made a calculated push during this phase, climbing the ranks to secure second place. Although he couldn’t close the gap to Berry, Craig acknowledged the challenge of racing against a driver of Berry’s caliber, who competes in the NASCAR Cup Series and brings a polished skill set to the track.
It was hard to catch him up, You know, we had to pass those four or five cars there. He was on rails, you know? He gets paid big money to do this stuff. He’s a hell of a wheelman, so he’s a tough one to catch. You know, finishing second to a Cup Series driver’s not too bad.
—Trey Craig, Driver
Early race leader Sutton, who started from pole and led the first 81 laps, faced challenges midway through the event around lap 50. Those issues prevented him from reclaiming the front, and he ultimately finished fourth. Sutton is set to compete at Nashville Superspeedway on Friday evening in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.
I really couldn’t ask for much more, I just really had some problems there with 75, 50 laps to go. Lost the lead and never really was able to catch up after that. We’ll move on to the next one.
—Sutton, Driver
Podium and Notable Finishes
Hunter Wright secured third place, rounding out the podium behind Berry and Craig. Following Sutton’s fourth place finish was Isaac Kitzmiller, who also showcased solid performance during the event. These results bring additional attention to the depth of talent competing at Nashville and set the tone for the remainder of the NASCAR weekend.
Impact of the Race on NASCAR Weekend
Berry’s victory at the Battle of Broadway 150 provides a boost as he prepares to race the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. The win at this significant short track event builds momentum ahead of the races at Nashville Superspeedway, where drivers like Berry and Sutton will compete in different NASCAR series throughout the weekend. This high-profile success underlines Berry’s rising profile in the racing community and adds excitement for fans watching the Music City’s NASCAR events.
