In a gripping showdown at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the 2025 NASCAR playoffs, Ryan Blaney praised Josh Berry’s determination after Berry nearly clinched victory. Both drivers engaged in a fierce battle that showcased Berry’s resilience, a key trait recognized by Blaney amid the high-pressure race. Despite setbacks earlier in the season, Berry’s performance at New Hampshire proved his capacity to challenge top contenders.
Berry faced early difficulties in the playoffs after consecutive last-place finishes at Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol which significantly hurt his chances for the championship. However, at New Hampshire, starting third, he overcame an early spin caused by contact with Shane van Gisbergen on Lap 82 and fought his way back through the field. Blaney noted,
“I felt so bad for those guys that first round. Everything that could go wrong went wrong.”
Ryan Blaney’s empathy underscored the setbacks Berry and his team endured before their strong rebound.
Battle at the Front: Berry’s Grit Shines Despite Tire Challenges
Berry’s return to contention at New Hampshire was marked by an impressive drive that earned him respect from Blaney and fans alike. With tire wear threatening his pace late in the race, Berry nevertheless managed to lead laps and maintain pressure on Blaney and his Penske teammates. Blaney reflected on the effort, saying,
“They showed what they’re capable of Sunday. Drove through the field to get back to second, content for the win.”
The close duel highlighted Berry’s refusal to give up, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Blaney further stressed the importance of this run for Berry’s confidence: “They needed that really bad,” referring to how the performance rekindled hope for the Wood Brothers Racing driver’s future. While Berry ultimately finished just behind Blaney, his near-victory established a clear statement about his talent and persistence despite being eliminated from the playoff contention.
How Josh Berry Maintained Composure in a High-Stakes Race
Starting third and finishing second, Josh Berry’s drive was a testament to his ability to remain composed through adversity. After a strong first stage, his race appeared in jeopardy when Shane van Gisbergen spun him on the restart during Lap 82. For many drivers, such an incident in a playoff race might spell disaster, but Berry treated it as a challenge.
His No. 21 team worked swiftly to get him back on track, and Berry continued his steady climb through the field. In the closing laps, he was battling alongside Penske teammates Blaney and Joey Logano, sometimes matching or exceeding their speed. When a caution came with 45 laps remaining due to a spin by Cody Ware, the race situation shifted dramatically.
While most crews opted for fresh tires, Berry’s crew chief, Myles Stanley, chose to keep him on track, putting the responsibility squarely on Berry’s shoulders. On the restart, Blaney quickly passed him, but Berry stayed aggressive, closing rapidly until a slight mistake in Turn 3 allowed Blaney to maintain the advantage.
Berry explained the approach to his duel with Blaney, stating,
“I was going to race him, but you’ve got to take care of him, right?”
and added,
“I try to race smart and clean. These restarts get crazy, but I wanted to give it everything I had without crossing the line.”
This mutual respect contrasted sharply with tensions seen in other playoff battles that weekend.
Contrast Between Clean Competition and Team Conflict
While Berry and Blaney exhibited respectful, intense racing, another playoff incident involved Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin. Their clash late in the race ended with Hamlin tagging Gibbs’ left rear, causing a wreck and sparking friction between the drivers. Hamlin expressed frustration on his Actions Detrimental podcast, saying,
“I don’t think we’re on the same page. What I’ve heard is that if you’re a non-playoff car, any break that you can cut your teammates, please do,”
highlighting tension over intra-team dynamics.
Ty Gibbs responded by sharing a clip from Kevin Harvick’s podcast, where Harvick remarked,
“As mature as Denny Hamlin has become and as much of a leader as he has become, I’m really surprised that he chose that action in that moment during the playoffs,”
implying Hamlin’s move was a questionable choice. This episode underscored how playoff pressure can expose fractures within a team, sharply contrasting with the Wood Brothers’ tight-knit and respectful competition between Berry and Blaney.
The divergent team cultures revealed through these incidents emphasize how drivers’ mindset and relationships can profoundly influence performance and atmosphere during the intense NASCAR playoffs.
Berry’s Performance Signals Future Promise Despite Playoff Exit
Though Josh Berry did not advance further in the playoff season, his determination and skill demonstrated at New Hampshire remind the racing world of his potential. Overcoming early difficulties and lasting tire challenges to nearly win reflects his growth as a driver able to endure pressure-filled situations. Ryan Blaney’s recognition of Berry’s grit serves as peer validation of his capabilities.
For Wood Brothers Racing, Berry’s near-win offers both a morale boost and a foundation to build upon in upcoming races, indicating that while his current championship hopes ended earlier than desired, the young driver’s future remains bright and filled with promise.
