In the high-octane world of NASCAR, alliances are a lifeline for smaller teams. They tether themselves to larger players in a symbiotic relationship where the smaller team benefits from the technology, cars, and intellectual capital of the big leagues. In 2024, the dynamics of the grid experienced a seismic shift when Front Row Motorsports defected from RFK Racing to align with Team Penske, joining the ranks of Wood Brothers.
The impact of such alliances is twofold— they can either catapult a team to new heights or doom it to live in the shadows of the powerhouse it’s linked to. The sudden ascension of the No. 21 car of Wood Brothers, driven by Josh Berry, has raised eyebrows in the racing community, including those of Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing.
Since 2015, the Wood Brothers team has been in cahoots with Penske, with the latter providing the car, crew, and technology. Despite such an alliance, the No. 21 car has largely languished at the back of the pack, considered more of a testing ground for Penske’s stars rather than competition. However, the narrative has altered dramatically in 2025. The car, now under the control of Josh Berry, has been showing signs of a revival, exhibiting performance levels that are more akin to a Team Penske car than the perennial underperformer it has been in the past.
On his podcast “Actions Detrimental,” Denny Hamlin shared his insights on the surprising turnaround of the No. 21 car. He questioned whether the improvement could be attributed to a change in strategy by Team Penske, perhaps elevating the No. 21 car from a developmental vehicle to a full-fledged competitor.
The performances of Josh Berry in his Ford Mustang have been a testament to the transformation of the No. 21 car. Compared to his Penske counterparts, Berry has already secured two top-5 finishes and a win this season, which is a stark contrast to the team’s track record from 2018 to 2024. During this period, the team managed only one win and nine top-5 finishes.
While Hamlin delves into the intricacies of these alliances, he has also experienced his share of triumphs and tribulations. A wildly successful weekend in Vegas saw him pocket over $200,000 in winnings. However, his luck didn’t carry over to the racetrack, where a pit road speeding penalty relegated him to a disappointing 25th place finish.
Off the track, Hamlin’s fortunes have been mixed. After losing his long-time sponsor FedEx, he is potentially on the brink of securing a new sponsor in the form of Progressive Insurance. Despite the ups and downs, Hamlin’s passion for the sport remains undiminished, and his 21-year journey in NASCAR is far from over.
The rise of the No. 21 car and the shifting alliances in NASCAR is an intriguing storyline to follow. While the sudden resurgence of the Wood Brothers team may raise questions, it also underscores the transformative power of strategic alliances in the realm of motor racing. As observers, we look forward to the unfolding of these narratives, each race adding a new chapter to the thrilling saga of NASCAR.
