Dale Earnhardt Jr. has shared his concern over Josh Berry’s uncertain NASCAR Cup Series future, admitting that he is heartbroken for the driver, who has worked so hard to reach this level. Berry is not returning to Wood Brothers Racing in 2027, as the organization chose not to exercise his contract and signed Jesse Love to drive the No. 21 Ford next season.
Josh Berry has had a dismal 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign, compounded by a string of unfortunate race-ending wrecks, and sits 33rd in the 35 full-time drivers in the points standings.
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Speaking on his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast about Berry’s doubtful future, Dale Earnhardt Jr. admitted that the current landscape is “crappy for guys like him”.
Here’s what Berry’s longtime mentor and former team owner said:
“I don’t know what has happened. I don’t bug Josh too much about it. I think the world of the Wood Brothers, I idolize Leonard and them, but I don’t know what has happened. It’s unfortunate because I don’t know where this goes for Josh. The landscape right now is crappy for guys like him. I don’t know what opportunities even exist. It’s heartbreaking because man, he has worked his ass off to get to this point.”
“And I think he’s proven good enough. I’m hopeful that, you know, there’s still some racing left for Josh and them to do some things this year that will bolster Josh’s opportunities.” Dale Jr. continued.
Josh Berry drove for Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports team in the O’Reilly Series before making the Cup Series debut with Stewart-Hass Racing in 2024. The following year, he moved to Wood Brothers Racing, where he had a solid first season, winning the team’s 101st win at Las Vegas and making his first-ever playoff appearance.
However, the 2026 season was completely different, as he has struggled to gain momentum due to mechanical issues, poor qualifying luck, and on-track incidents.
“I’ve never lived through a season like this”: Josh Berry reflects on a frustrating 2026 campaign
After another DNF result last week at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Josh Berry has opened up about the emotional toll the season has taken on him and expressed concerns that one season changed his reputation forever.
Berry showed top-10 speed last weekend until he was involved in an incident with Christopher Bell that ended his day early.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the race about his season, Berry said:
“I feel like people view me completely differently after this year, compared to what I’ve done up to this point. Like I’ve said, I’ve never lived through a season like this, when it’s just one thing after another – things that people don’t see, and they don’t make it on TV, and I don’t go on social media every week and post about every little thing that went wrong in our race. We just can’t catch a break, flat out”
Josh Berry still has 15 Cup Series races left this season to bounce back and prove his worth for the opportunity next season. A win or consistent results in the next 15 events will prove very helpful in improving his future.
Edited by Yash Soni
