Phoenix Raceway was the stage for a historic moment in NASCAR’s enduring legacy. Wood Brothers Racing, NASCAR’s most seasoned team, made a triumphant return to prominence after a challenging few years. They qualified and secured a top five finish for the first time in four years, sweeping aside financial hurdles, limited resources, and adaptation struggles that had seen them fall behind in the competitive Cup Series landscape.
As Josh Berry took the driver’s seat, the team began to emerge from the shadows. The 34-year-old ignited the track at ‘The Desert Oddball,’ gaining commendation from veteran crew chief Rodney Childers, signaling a promising future for the team.
Berry’s journey has not been without its trials. Following a turbulent stint with Stewart-Haas Racing, the Tennessee native found himself seeking new alliances when the team folded. Wood Brothers Racing offered him a lifeline, despite their reputation for underperformance at the highest level, a reputation only slightly salvaged by Harrison Burton’s surprise victory at the Daytona International Speedway in 2024.
The Cup Series season began on a low note for Berry, but a turning point seems to have been reached. After a fourth-place finish at Phoenix Raceway, the No. 21 Ford driver reflected, “Yeah, I felt like myself again, honestly. We’ve been grinding for the last year or so. This team has been excellent, and working with my teammates like Joey (Logano) and Ryan (Blaney) has been incredibly beneficial. I believe this is just the beginning.”
Rodney Childers, Berry’s former crew chief, echoed the sentiment, saying, “So proud of this dude. Definitely the first of many.” Within four weeks, Berry and his No. 21 crew, guided by crew chief Miles Stanley, have made remarkable strides, a far cry from their lackluster start to the season.
Berry demonstrated a significant performance upgrade at Phoenix, vaulting from 34th in practice to qualifying fourth for the Shriners Children’s 500. He clinched sixth and tenth places in the first and second stages, respectively, amassing vital points. Berry maintained an average running position of 9.1 on the 1-mile track, culminating in the fourth top-five finish of his career.
The Phoenix race was as strategic as a chess match. Teams were given two sets of optional tires, in addition to six new sets and one scrubbed set of prime tires. Many speculated on the tire strategy that teams would deploy for a competitive edge. Berry confirmed these theories, highlighting the tactical nature of the race. He noted, “It’s not always the track. Sometimes you just got to work and figure out the combination that puts on a good show.”
The option tires provided more grip but wore out more quickly, necessitating pit stops. In contrast, prime tires, though offering less grip, were more durable, benefiting drivers aiming to outpace their rivals by lasting longer on the track. Berry’s strategic fourth-place finish at Phoenix Raceway propelled him up 12 spots in the drivers’ standings, placing him 21st with a total of 73 points. This performance proves that Berry and Wood Brothers Racing are a formidable combination to watch out for in the upcoming races.
