After enduring three consecutive last-place finishes in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 16, Josh Berry is no longer in contention for the championship. However, his recent performance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway demonstrated that drivers outside the Playoff still play a crucial role amid the high-stakes competition. Berry balances competitive racing with respect, embodying the principles of doing everything possible without causing damage or jeopardizing team alliances.
Maintaining Control While Racing Close to Playoff Competitors
During the closing laps of the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Josh Berry, driving for Wood Brothers Racing, engaged in a tense battle for the win against his Team Penske teammate and Playoff contender, Ryan Blaney. Despite the intensity, Berry refrained from aggressive tactics that could have risked their cars or relationships, earning Blaney’s appreciation after the race.
Berry described his approach in a Ford Racing media call, saying,
“I was pushing hard to do everything I could to keep Ryan honest,”
and added,
“I made him work for it, for sure, but I knew… I was gonna have to be careful. I had to make sure nothing bad happened.”
His strategy highlights a disciplined balance between hard racing and mindful caution, especially critical when teammates are involved.
Challenges in Playoff Racing: The Thin Line Between Aggression and Consequence
Berry’s measured conduct contrasts with incidents involving other teams, notably Joe Gibbs Racing. During Stage 2 of the same race, Ty Gibbs’ aggressive interactions with teammate Denny Hamlin escalated tensions, culminating in Hamlin making contact that sent Gibbs crashing on lap 110 at Turn 2. The clash underscored the fragility of intra-team dynamics during playoff pressure.
Although Joe Gibbs chose to let their drivers settle their differences independently, Hamlin has pressed for management intervention to resolve the ongoing friction. Berry recognizes the importance of keeping these battles controlled.
He explained,
“We’re racing for ourselves and our teams and our partners… but you’ve got to take care of those guys,”
emphasizing,
“It’s bigger than you. There’s a company with hundreds of employees.”
Berry’s insight reflects the real-world consequences of reckless competition within team environments and contractual partnerships.
Berry’s situation is particularly delicate since Wood Brothers Racing maintains a technical alliance with Team Penske, sharing data and collaborating in meetings with Blaney, Joey Logano, and Austin Cindric. Berry noted,
“It can create a pretty toxic environment if you don’t hold the drivers accountable,”
and added,
“You don’t want to be in a situation like [the Gibbs camp].”
Communication and Trust Between Allied Teams
The bond between Wood Brothers Racing and Team Penske is strengthened by clear communication and mutual respect. Berry does not take this trust for granted, acknowledging the effort invested in preventing conflicts. He stated,
“They do a good job of that here… communicating well and establishing that that type of stuff isn’t gonna happen.”
For drivers like Berry, who are racing without Playoff status, the challenge is to compete fiercely while avoiding unnecessary risks. His personal motto is to earn respect rather than demand it, a philosophy that has been evident throughout his rookie season with the Wood Brothers team. Despite facing the setback of three consecutive Did Not Finishes (DNFs), Berry maintains focus and composure.
He summarized his approach succinctly:
“You move onto the next one,”
adding,
“Whether you win or wreck, everybody goes to work Monday for the next race.”
His resilience paid off at New Hampshire, where he recovered from an early spin in Stage 2 to lead laps and ultimately finish second, just behind Blaney. Berry intends to carry this mindset into upcoming races at Kansas and the Roval, where playoff stakes intensify.
Racing with Purpose: Balancing Intensity and Respect
Berry emphasized the importance of hard racing tempered with consideration for teammates.
“You race your teammates hard — we’re racing everybody hard,”
he said,
“But it goes a long way if you just cut your guy a break and hopefully receive it on a later day.”
His old-school approach to racing stands out in today’s NASCAR Cup Series, where playoff collisions have become commonplace.
Berry’s journey to the Cup Series followed a less traditional path, teaching him to compete with focus without burning bridges. This method may not generate viral moments on social media, but it cultivates trust within the team and the broader racing community, something Berry deems more valuable than fleeting attention.
His approach reinforces the idea that success in NASCAR extends beyond winning individual races; it depends on maintaining relationships, protecting partnerships, and racing with a broader perspective that recognizes the value of stability and teamwork.
TENSIONS. ARE. HIGH. 👀
Denny Hamlin voices some frustration while battling with teammate Ty Gibbs. #NASCARPlayoffs
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— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 21, 2025
