Santino Ferrucci, driver for A.J. Foyt Racing, reflected on his infamous clash with NASCAR’s Josh Berry during a Phoenix race in 2021. The incident, which culminated in Berry’s double bird gesture toward Ferrucci, remains a notable moment in the Santino Ferrucci Phoenix NASCAR clash and reveals the challenges Ferrucci faced adapting to NASCAR racing etiquette.
The 27-year-old, currently piloting the #14 Chevrolet for A.J. Foyt Racing, recalled the contact that sent Berry into the wall while they were battling up the field at Phoenix Raceway. At that time, Ferrucci was driving the #26 Toyota Supra for Sam Hunt Racing. The collision led Berry to express his frustration with a double finger gesture, which stood out to Ferrucci on a personal level.
Understanding the Phoenix Incident from Ferrucci’s Perspective
Santino Ferrucci recently discussed the 2021 incident during an appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast hosted by Dale Earnhardt Jr. He explained his lack of awareness about NASCAR‘s specific passing etiquette, which contributed to the crash with Berry.
“So I hadn’t realized what I had done. When I was racing and passing these guys, I didn’t realise that if you commit underneath, you have to run the bottom. So in IndyCar, if you’re passing someone, you just take the preferred line. I totally passed them and took the PJ 1 on the top of the preferred line and put him out on the marbles.”
—Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Racing driver
“I had no idea what I did. I had no idea that was wrong and not correct etiquette, especially that early in the race. And when I came around, Chris Lambert was my spotter, who spots the 11. He said it looks like he’s going to come give you the one finger salute, and I got the double bird, and I was like ‘wait that was for me! What did I do?'”
—Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Racing driver
Ferrucci’s reflection makes clear how his background in IndyCar shaped his approach, where passing is handled differently than in NASCAR. This misunderstanding of racecraft and etiquette contributed to the incident, highlighting the difficulties drivers face when transitioning between racing series.
Recent Performances and Career Progression of Santino Ferrucci
Following the Phoenix race, Ferrucci has continued to build his racing career with notable performances in 2025. At the 50th anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, he qualified 27th and significantly improved to finish 11th. Similarly, at the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, Ferrucci started 18th and achieved a podium finish by coming third.
These results reflect his growth and adaptability as a driver, marking steady progress after a turbulent start in NASCAR.
Emotional Response to Career-Best Finish at the Detroit Grand Prix
On June 1, Santino Ferrucci achieved his best career finish at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, improving from a 21st starting position to finish second. His climb through the field was aided by strategic tire choices and well-timed caution periods, which Ferrucci credited for the strong result.
In a post-race interview with FOX, Ferrucci expressed his gratitude and emotions about the performance, sharing insights into the challenges he faced during the event.
“First off, huge, huge shout out to this whole team. I mean, we were struggling in qualifying. I struggled. I made a lot of mistakes. I was really hard on myself yesterday because I felt like it was all on me.”
—Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Racing driver
“Pit stops were phenomenal. The stand was amazing. I mean, perfect strategy. I just got lucky with that yellow, and, man, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see a red flag because I was really struggling. I don’t know what I did with the tires, but I couldn’t get them to come back to life. But, man, Kyle was so fast today, so congratulations to him and his team on this win, and man, I’m just happy to bring Chevrolet on the podium.”
—Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Racing driver
Ferrucci’s runner-up finish at Detroit surpassed his previous best, a third place at the 2023 Indianapolis 500, and positions him 13th in the current drivers‘ standings with 248 points.
Significance of Ferrucci’s NASCAR and IndyCar Journey
Santino Ferrucci’s recollection of the Phoenix NASCAR clash with Josh Berry sheds light on the nuances and challenges that come with switching between racing formats. His honest reflection on the incident and growth evident in his recent results illustrate his evolving career trajectory. As he continues competing in both NASCAR and IndyCar, Ferrucci’s experiences underscore the importance of adapting driving strategy and etiquette to succeed.
His improved finishes and strong team performances suggest potential for further success this season, as he gains experience and learns from past challenges both on oval tracks like Phoenix Raceway and on road courses such as Long Beach and Detroit.
