The remarkable journey of Josh Berry, a late bloomer in the NASCAR circuit, is a testament to the enduring influence of Dale Earnhardt Jr. In the light of Berry’s recent Pennzoil 400 victory, we delve into the tale of this driver’s rise, which was anything but easy or fast.
Just a year ago, the future looked uncertain for Berry when Stewart-Haas Racing ceased operations, leaving him without a team. Little did anyone imagine that he would find redemption on the Vegas track. This win, however, is merely a chapter in his ongoing saga, with struggles and triumphs intricately woven into his path to NASCAR.
Berry’s connection with Dale Jr. predates his NASCAR career, and this relationship was instrumental in shaping his journey. When joining Stewart-Haas Racing, Berry’s greatest concern was not leaving Dale Jr. in the lurch. The latter, after all, had cultivated Berry, taking him from a shop hand to a racer, offering him opportunities in late-model and Xfinity races.
Berry’s tenure at JR Motorsports wasn’t just about winning Xfinity races, it was also about the bond he built with Dale Jr. Their relationship grew stronger after Berry’s Vegas win, with Junior expressing his excitement in no uncertain terms. Berry’s humility and respect for Dale Jr. were evident when he chose not to do a burnout after winning, to avoid damaging the car.
As we gear up for the Miami race weekend, Kevin Harvick disclosed the crucial role he and Dale Jr. played in securing Berry’s spot in Stewart-Haas Racing. Their discussion revolved around how to approach Berry, who was driving for Dale Jr. at the time. They were careful not to upset Dale Jr., who has always been Berry’s staunchest supporter.
Berry’s prowess was proven with his five victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports. His first win at Martinsville in April 2021 marked the beginning of his successful streak, followed by wins at Charlotte, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Dover. These victories underscored Berry’s ability to deliver impressive results, solidifying his late but steady ascent in the NASCAR landscape.
Berry’s start in NASCAR was far from smooth. He began as a mechanic in the Xfinity shop, working his way up the ranks with Dale Jr. constantly in his corner. Berry’s dedication saw him handling multiple roles, from washing cars to preparing them for races. Dale Jr. extended his support beyond the professional realm, even allowing Berry to live with his stepmother and father.
Berry’s talent and hard work eventually got him noticed within the NASCAR community. When Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman were sidelined due to injuries in 2023, Berry stepped in, showcasing his skills and earning praise from team president Jeff Andrews. Andrews commended Berry as a solid, hardworking driver with a strong short-track background, making Hendrick Motorsports extremely proud.
The Pennzoil 400 saw Berry and Daniel Suarez locked in an intense duel. Berry, starting 7th, held his ground for 267 laps, culminating in a thrilling showdown. With 15 laps to go, a caution flipped the game, and Berry seized the opportunity, outmaneuvering Suarez, who finished 0.334 seconds behind.
Berry acknowledged the challenge Suarez posed, saying, “Daniel definitely made it difficult on me there at the end.” Suarez, on the other hand, was understandably disappointed, needing a longer run to leverage his strength.
With Dale Earnhardt Jr. as his mentor and cheerleader, Josh Berry has just begun his NASCAR journey. His tale of overcoming adversity holds promise for the future, and fans are eagerly watching to see if he can live up to Dale Jr.’s expectations. As Berry basks in his moment of glory, we can only hope he continues his winning streak in the upcoming races.