In the high-stakes world of NASCAR racing, the spotlight is often on the drivers, but it’s the strategic genius behind the scenes that can truly elevate a competitor’s performance. For rising star Josh Berry, this crucial role is played by the astute Miles Stanley, Wood Brothers Racing’s newly appointed crew chief. Fresh from a triumphant win at Las Vegas, Stanley and Berry have solidified their partnership, showcasing the potential of this dynamic duo in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Stanley’s journey to this prominent position is a tale of years of dedication and hard work. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, Stanley’s love for motorsports started in college where he built open-wheel cars as part of the Formula SAE program. This passion led him to join Polestar Racing Group in the Champ Car Atlantic Series, and eventually to stock car racing with Robby Gordon Motorsports in 2009. His career then took him to BK Racing in 2012.
Stanley’s meticulous attention to detail, ability to swiftly adapt to the changing demands of a race, and strategic mindset soon made him a respected figure in the NASCAR Cup Series. His engineering prowess and knack for optimizing car performance and pit strategies were instrumental in Team Penske’s success across various seasons.
Now, stepping into the limelight as Josh Berry’s crew chief, Stanley is ready to take on one of the biggest challenges of his career.
Stanley’s move from race engineer to crew chief has been nothing short of impressive. His tenure at Team Penske from 2013 to 2019 saw him contribute to 21 race wins and Joey Logano’s first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2018. Recognized as one of the top engineers in the sport, Stanley’s technical acumen and performance optimization abilities have been a driving force behind his success.
His upward trajectory continued as he shifted to Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 team in 2020 and later served as crew chief for Team Penske’s part-time No. 33 entry with Austin Cindric in 2021. By 2022, his role expanded to include performance engineering manager, contributing to back-to-back Cup Series championships for Team Penske in 2022 and 2023.
Stanley’s appointment as crew chief for Wood Brothers Racing opens a new chapter in his illustrious career. Leading the iconic No. 21 team during its 75th milestone year is both an honor and a challenge for Stanley.
The synergy between Stanley and Berry has already created a wave of excitement among fans and analysts. Berry, known for his consistency and adaptability, coupled with Stanley’s technical brilliance, forms a formidable partnership. This alliance is further strengthened by the shared resources and technical support from Team Penske, giving Stanley and Berry access to cutting-edge technology and data analytics.
The 2025 season marks a critical juncture for both Berry and Wood Brothers Racing. As the team celebrates its diamond anniversary, expectations are high for competitive performances on track. The addition of Stanley as crew chief signals a renewed focus on strategy and execution.
With Stanley’s strategic expertise, Berry’s driving prowess, and Team Penske’s backing, this partnership is poised to make significant waves in NASCAR this year. Their victory at Las Vegas serves as a thrilling beginning, showcasing the potential of this dynamic duo. As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Stanley and Berry to see if they can maintain this momentum and bring the legendary No. 21 car back to consistent success.
