Wood Brothers Racing hires Berry for ’25

Josh Berry will drive the No. 21 Ford Mustang for Wood Brothers Racing beginning next season.

Berry joins the Wood family from Stewart-Haas Racing, which is shutting down at the end of the season. The 33-year-old Tennessee native is in his rookie NASCAR Cup Series season and the No. 4 team continues to impress despite the circumstances. Berry has four top-10 finishes in the last seven races.

Before signing with Stewart-Haas to replace Kevin Harvick, Berry made 12 starts in the series as a substitute driver. He drove for Hendrick Motorsports in 2023, filling in for the injured Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman. Berry had three top-10 finishes in 10 starts. Before the ’23 season, Berry made two starts in 2021 driving for Spire Motorsports.

“When you think of the history and legacy of NASCAR, it’s hard to not think of the Wood Brothers and the incredible impact they’ve made on the sport. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a small part of carrying on that legacy,” said Berry. “To be able to add my name to the list of drivers who have piloted the iconic No. 21 is something I don’t take lightly.”

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A short track ace, Berry was noticed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and drove late models for JR Motorsports. In a part-time Xfinity Series schedule in 2021, Berry won two races and was given a full-time ride in 2022 and ’23. Berry won three races and finished a career-best fourth in points in 2023.

Wood Brothers Racing returned to full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2016. Berry will be the team’s fifth driver since that season.

Founded in 1950, Wood Brothers Racing is the longest-active team in NASCAR. The organization is sitting on 99 victories in the Cup Series.

“Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with a multitude of successful drivers, and now having the opportunity to add Josh Berry to that list is a significant milestone for our team,” said Jon Wood, president, Wood Brothers Racing. “Josh brings a wealth of talent and determination, evident through his success in every level of competition, from grassroots NASCAR to present day. He fits the values of our team, and we believe that with Josh behind the wheel, we will achieve great things together on the track."

Berry will replace Harrison Burton, who has driven the No. 21 for three seasons.