Superstitions run thick in the blood of NASCAR, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., a titan of the sport, is no exception. His recent reliance on these beliefs to aid Josh Berry’s triumph at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway demonstrates his deep-rooted connection with the young champion.
Earnhardt Jr. and Berry share more than just their love for racing; their relationship traces back to Berry’s initial days in the sport. Before becoming a competitive racer, Berry lived with Earnhardt Jr.’s family, a testament to their profound bond. Berry’s journey from the Late Model program to the Xfinity Series was closely watched and supported by Earnhardt Jr., who stated that Berry’s victory felt akin to watching his own kin triumph.
This profound connection was evident when Berry, driving the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing car, was on the brink of victory at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Earnhardt Jr., overwhelmed by the moment, resorted to his habitual superstitions, hoping to sway luck in Berry’s favor.
The race was a nail-biter, with Berry up against Daniel Suárez in the No. 99 Chevrolet. Despite trailing by 0.8 seconds with just five laps left, Berry executed a flawless restart, propelling him forward. He managed to surpass Suárez and cross the finish line 1.3 seconds ahead on lap 267. Meanwhile, Earnhardt Jr., too anxious to watch, relied on his superstitions to guide Berry to victory.
On his podcast, Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. confessed his nerves, stating that he had to resort to mundane household chores to handle the suspense. He couldn’t stand to watch Berry’s final laps, opting instead to take out the trash. The tension only dissipated once he received a Facetime call from Berry, celebrating from the victory lane.
Their shared victory was a testament to their bond, shaped by years of ups and downs. Berry’s humble beginnings as a short-track racer from Hendersonville, Tennessee, to his debut at the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports in 2014, have been nurtured by Earnhardt Jr.’s unwavering support. Even after Berry moved to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2023 and the team’s subsequent dissolution in 2024, Earnhardt Jr. remained his firmest ally.
Berry’s triumph at the Pennzoil 400 on March 16, 2025, was a shared milestone, illustrating the resilience of their relationship. Earnhardt Jr.’s investment in Berry, from virtual races to NASCAR’s inner circles, was validated by this victory. For Berry, it was proof that perseverance, coupled with a mentor’s support, could catapult him from Tennessee’s dusty tracks to NASCAR’s grand stage. The win wasn’t merely a personal achievement; it embodied their collective journey, a bond forged in the heart of racing.
