In the high-octane world of NASCAR, Josh Berry, a self-made racer hailing from Tennessee, has been making waves. Having begun his journey in racing under the wing of Dale Earnhardt Jr. at JR Motorsports (JRM), Berry’s rise to fame was fueled by sheer tenacity rather than hefty corporate backing. His contribution to the development of JRM has been significant, with Dale Jr. himself acknowledging Berry’s instrumental role in shaping the program.
Berry had the golden chance to showcase his prowess in the 2024 Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR); however, his dreams were abruptly halted when SHR announced their closure. Despite this setback, Berry bounced back, landing a role in Wood Brothers Racing’s No. 21 car. In just four races in the 2025 season, he clinched a Cup win for NASCAR’s oldest racing team at the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The possibility of a reunion between Berry and Dale Jr.’s JRM is now creating a buzz in NASCAR circles. JRM made their Cup debut this year, sparking speculations of a full-time return. Fans have been envisioning a scenario where Berry would again race for JRM, despite his current ties with Ford and Wood Brothers Racing. In a recent interview, Berry hinted at the probability of rejoining JRM, stating that his relationship with Dale Jr. has remained strong and the door for a potential return is still open.
Berry’s journey in NASCAR is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport. He started his career as a mechanic in JRM’s Xfinity program, gradually earning his place as a full-time racer. He raced for the first time in JRM’s No. 5 car back in 2014 and landed a full-time ride in the Xfinity Series in 2022. Despite not having the support of big sponsors or a prominent family name, Berry carved his way to NASCAR’s premier series through sheer hard work and passion.
Berry’s performance in SHR’s iconic No. 4 car caught the eye of Tony Stewart, who saw him as a perfect fit for the team. Despite Berry’s best efforts, SHR couldn’t stay afloat. However, his stint with Wood Brothers Racing showcased his abilities when given the right resources and environment.
The question now is whether JRM, with Dale Jr. at the helm, will take the plunge into full-time racing in the Cup Series. Here, Rick Hendrick’s expertise could prove invaluable. Hendrick has been instrumental in Dale Jr.’s transition to team ownership and has played a pivotal role in expanding JRM. The transition from the Xfinity to the Cup Series is fraught with challenges, including NASCAR’s costly charter structure and limited slots. Despite these hurdles, with Hendrick’s guidance and the potential return of Berry, JRM might just make the ambitious leap.
Hendrick, the force behind the partnership between Dale Jr. and Chris Stapleton, which allowed JRM to field their car at Daytona 500, could be the key to JRM’s full-time entry into the Cup Series. From facilitating the formation of JRM after Dale Jr.’s departure from DEI to orchestrating the team’s first-ever Cup Series race, Hendrick has been a key player. It wouldn’t be surprising if he played a significant role in JRM’s leap to full-time racing in the Cup Series. As the NASCAR world watches in anticipation, only time will tell what lies ahead for Berry, JRM, and the Cup Series.