The motor racing world has erupted in celebration following the underdog victory of Josh Berry at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas on March 17, 2025. His win, the first of his NASCAR Cup Series career, set the entire NASCAR universe alight, from his contemporaries to the sport’s legends.
Berry, who began his career on the iRacing circuits, was thrust into the limelight when he replaced suspended driver Noah Gragson in 2023. This led to a pivotal turning point in his career, which culminated in his stellar performance at the Pennzoil 400, driving the iconic No. 21 Ford for the esteemed Wood Brothers Racing.
His triumph has been met with overwhelming support from his peers. Austin Cindric, a fellow Ford driver, praised Berry’s skill and determination: “He’s done each step of the way right and obviously had the car today and got the job done. It’s cool to see, and cool to see the guys in the shop that are excited; the Wood Brothers and everybody.”
Berry’s close friend William Byron, who came in fourth, also expressed his delight at Berry’s victory, reminiscing about their shared iRacing history. The outpouring of support wasn’t limited to his contemporaries. Richard Petty, a NASCAR legend, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., a respected figure in the industry, both commended Berry’s humble celebration.
Berry’s journey to success was marked by determination and perseverance. He started his racing career in 2020 at Ace Speedway, where he competed in the Late Models for Junior Johnson Motorsports. Following a suspension for causing an accident during a CARS Tour event, Berry made a spectacular comeback, clinching over 20 wins and the 2020 NASCAR Weekly Series title.
His impressive performance caught the attention of Dale Earnhardt Jr. at JR Motorsports, propelling him to the Xfinity Series. In 2021, he won his first race at Martinsville, and by 2022 he was a full-time driver, tallying up five victories and a spot in the Championship 4.
Berry’s victory at Las Vegas wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a testament to his journey, his resilience, and his indomitable spirit. His humility and gratitude were evident as he stood atop his car, soaking in the crowd’s adoration, a moment he attributed to the influence of Dale Jr.’s iconic 2014 Daytona 500 win.
Despite the challenges he faced, from his humble beginnings as a bank teller to financing his racing dreams out of pocket, Berry’s triumph was monumental. It was a dream realized, a dream that once seemed distant and unreachable. As Berry left the track, his victory was likened to George Clooney’s triumphant exit in the movie Ocean’s 11, leaving fans eager for more of Berry’s exciting performances.
In a world where perseverance and determination often go unnoticed, Josh Berry’s story serves as an inspiration. His victory at Las Vegas wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a testament to his journey, his resilience, and his indomitable spirit. His story is a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a little bit of luck, dreams can come true, even in the face of adversity.