During the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at New Hampshire, Rookie of the Year Shane van Gisbergen inflicted a costly blow on Josh Berry, creating a pivotal moment that greatly impacted Berry’s season. The collision caused Berry to spin, further complicating an already challenging playoff campaign for the Wood Brothers’ No. 21 Ford team.
The incident unfolded early in the New Hampshire playoff race, intensifying the difficulties Berry faced on the track. Already struggling after three consecutive last-place finishes, Berry’s playoff chances took another hit following the collision. Prior to the race, Berry had been eliminated from the playoffs, missing the cut for the round of 12, and his car’s unstable handling made competitiveness during the race even more difficult.
Details of the Collision That Set Back Josh Berry
Shane van Gisbergen, driving for Trackhouse Racing, made contact with Berry’s car, causing Berry to spin and lose valuable positions in the race. The No. 21’s performance was hampered as it sank to the bottom of the track aggressively, making control difficult, especially amid the race’s chaotic moments. NASCAR’s official commentary captured the critical moment:
“The No. 21 spins! @joshberry goes for a ride after contact with the No. 88.”
Van Gisbergen’s aggressive move in the early stage of the race effectively ended what remained of Berry’s hopes to advance in the playoff standings.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Strengths and Struggles in the 2025 Season
Van Gisbergen, who has been the standout rookie this year, demonstrated dominance in road course events, securing key victories at Mexico City, Sonoma, the Chicago Street Course, and Watkins Glen. In these races, he often left competitors trailing by significant margins, showcasing his road racing expertise.
However, van Gisbergen’s performance on oval tracks has been mixed. While he managed only a handful of top-15 finishes on these circuits, his achievements on road courses have earned him recognition and a strong position overall in the season. Despite this, the New Hampshire incident added a layer of tension to his racing narrative.
Van Gisbergen’s Responsibility and Reflection After Bristol
Following his disappointing result at the Bristol Motor Speedway that ended his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff journey, van Gisbergen openly accepted full responsibility for his performance. Although he had an impressive regular season with multiple wins, his form faltered during the round of 16, culminating in a 26th place finish at Bristol after qualifying 28th.
“I’m in a few minds, like happy that we had a pretty good run this year, and obviously you wanna go further. But I just didn’t perform well enough these last couple of weeks, you know,”
van Gisbergen said during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview.
“So, no one to blame but myself. Have to thank Trackhouse team, and everyone’s doing a good job. Yeah, year’s not over yet. So hopefully, keep getting good results,”
he added.
Van Gisbergen admitted to struggling with the track conditions and tire management at Bristol, which affected his overall race strategy and outcome.
Impact of the New Hampshire Incident on Josh Berry’s Season Outlook
Josh Berry’s postseason difficulties, including the New Hampshire contact with van Gisbergen, have compounded an already uphill battle following his playoff elimination. His car’s unpredictable handling severely limited his ability to contend, especially during critical race moments that demand precision and control.
Given Berry’s streak of consecutive last-place finishes preceding New Hampshire, the spin resulting from the collision underscored the volatile nature of his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign. This incident further highlights the razor-thin margins and physical risks inherent in NASCAR’s high-stakes playoff environment.
Contextualizing Van Gisbergen’s Role in the Broader NASCAR Playoff Picture
Van Gisbergen’s rookie season has been marked by flashes of brilliance on road courses, distinguishing him as a formidable competitor in specific race formats. His strong performances, including dominant wins at multiple road events, position him as a significant force in NASCAR despite struggles on oval tracks.
The New Hampshire incident reflects the intensity and urgency present in the playoff battles, where driver decisions and split-second contacts can dramatically shape season outcomes. Van Gisbergen’s ability to take responsibility for setbacks, as demonstrated after Bristol, signals a professional maturity as he navigates the pressures of his inaugural full Cup Series season.
Meanwhile, Josh Berry remains focused on overcoming these hurdles, hoping to regain momentum and improve results in future races outside the playoff context. The ongoing challenges faced by both drivers illustrate the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of NASCAR competition at its highest level.
The No. 21 spins!@joshberry goes for a ride after contact with the No. 88. pic.twitter.com/HmnPv1fUB9
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025
.@shanevg97's first #NASCARPlayoffs for @TeamTrackhouse come to an end in the Round of 16.
❌ "I just didn't perform well enough these last couple weeks. No one to blame but myself." pic.twitter.com/RpPoCHikh1
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 17, 2025
