Josh Berry engaged in a thrilling showdown with Ryan Blaney during the final laps of the New Hampshire race, as part of the playoff Round 2. Berry, driving for Wood Brothers Racing, started third and finished second, despite numerous challenges throughout the race. The intense competition between Berry and Blaney highlighted their determination in this crucial stage of the season.
Early Challenges and a Strong Recovery
Berry maintained a top-three position in the first stage, but his momentum was disrupted on Lap 82 during a restart in Stage 2, when Shane van Gisbergen spun him out. This incident threatened to derail Berry’s promising day, but he and crew chief Myles Stanley quickly regrouped to keep the No. 21 car competitive.
As the race progressed, Berry consistently matched and sometimes exceeded the pace of the Penske drivers Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano. His strong performance showed resilience, especially as he stayed poised to challenge for the win despite earlier setbacks.
Tactical Decisions and the Final Restart Drama
With 45 laps left, a spin by Cody Ware bunched up the field. Most drivers chose to pit for fresh tires, but Stanley made a bold call to keep Berry on track, which put him in the lead. This strategic move transferred the pressure onto Berry to hold off challengers on older tires.
When the race restarted, Blaney quickly moved into second place and overtook Berry with 39 laps remaining, looking poised to break away. Berry mounted a strong response, closing the gap to just one car length. However, a mistake in Turn 3 cost Berry critical momentum, effectively ending his bid for the victory.
I was going to race him, but it’s definitely a tough situation. You have to take care of him, right? That’s how I try to race anyway. These restarts and stuff, I try to do the best I can and be smart, and it’s tough out there sometimes. I was going to race him hard but clean,
Berry said after posting a solid average finish of 8.3.
Technical Alliances Break Previous Dominance
The performance of Berry’s Wood Brothers Racing car and the Penske team stood out in New Hampshire as their alliance gave them an edge over the competition. This was a notable shift from the earlier playoff round where Joe Gibbs Racing held a firm grip on the lead positions. The collaboration between these teams brought a new dynamic to the track, elevating the level of competition significantly.
Josh Berry and Wood Brothers Racing may no longer be championship eligible, but they needed a day like Sunday in New Hampshire.
“This is definitely what we’re capable of …”
— Kelly Crandall, NASCAR Reporter
Drama Among Joe Gibbs Racing Teammates
While Berry and Blaney’s intense but respectful duel captivated fans, tensions simmered among Joe Gibbs Racing drivers. Ty Gibbs, running 11th on Lap 110, was involved in a significant clash with teammates Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell. As Gibbs held position, Hamlin attempted an aggressive pass that resulted in contact, sending Gibbs crashing into the Turn 1 wall and triggering a caution.
Hamlin expressed his frustration openly, and Gibbs responded defiantly, saying Game on before retiring to the garage with damage that ended his race. This collision underscored a growing divide within JGR between drivers contending for the championship and those with less at stake in the title battle.
Respectful Rivalry Contrasts with Internal Team Strife
The contrast between Blaney and Berry’s clean competition and the discord among JGR teammates was stark. Both drivers respected each other’s effort and focused on winning, showing professionalism even amid intense racing. Meanwhile, the friction between Hamlin and Gibbs raised questions about their ability to maintain unity moving forward in the playoffs, which could have consequences for team strategy and performance.
Something good is going to happen for Josh Berry soon. pic.twitter.com/OmsMBnF6WS
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) September 21, 2025
Josh Berry and Wood Brothers Racing may no longer be championship eligible, but they needed a day like Sunday in New Hampshire. “This is definitely what we're capable of …” https://t.co/Dv620xWI0n
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) September 22, 2025
