Josh Berry, in his second year of full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing, has stunned the motorsport world with an unlikely victory at the 2025 Pennzoil 400 race in Las Vegas. His triumph marks the first non-drafting track victory for his team, Wood Brothers Racing, since 2017. Miles Stanley, Berry’s crew chief, admits he was taken aback by the surprise victory.
Stanley, who assumed his role as crew chief for the No. 21 Ford in 2025, had expressed his readiness to take on the new challenge the previous October. However, he was not prepared for Berry’s meteoric rise to victory. Stanley, a former Performance Engineer for Team Penske, confessed being flabbergasted at Berry’s success, which came much sooner than expected.
Wood Brothers Racing has endured a win-less streak since the early 2000s, with only four drivers securing wins during this period: Elliott Sadler in Bristol (2001), Trevor Bayne in Daytona 500 (2011), Ryan Blaney in Pocono (2017), and Harrison Burton in Daytona (2024). Stanley, who was stepping into his first crew chief role, had anticipated a quieter season.
Berry’s success pivoted on lap 195 caution, which allowed him to seize control of the race from Stage 2 winner, Kyle Larson. A final caution on lap 243 saw Berry outpace Daniel Suarez to cross the finish line first, triggering jubilant celebrations among the No. 21 team. When asked if he had expected such an outcome, Stanley candidly replied, “No, honestly, I didn’t… I was surprised. Honestly, I’m still surprised.”
The victory was particularly sweet for Berry, who had endured a challenging season with Stewart-Haas Racing before it shuttered after 16 years in the Cup Series. Stanley was impressed by how quickly Berry adapted to the new situation, stating, “Our car was really strong at the last part of the race. It was one that we earned, we didn’t have to gamble to get it. So that was cool.”
Berry, despite his previous struggles, was quick to praise Wood Brothers Racing for their role in his win. The racer, who can boast of 21 wins in the CARS Late Model Tour and the 2020 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national championship, had a less than stellar previous season. Frightening wrecks and penalties had marred his progress, leading him to lower his expectations. However, the Pennzoil 400 victory brought him immense joy and gratitude.
Berry said, “I’m just really proud of everybody on this team… I’m just so really thankful to be here. There are so many people I could thank for this moment, but to be a Cup Series winner is really special.”
The surprising success of Josh Berry has left many, including his own crew, in disbelief. It remains to be seen what other surprises the No. 21 team has in store for the upcoming races.
