Josh Berry is set to join Wood Brothers Racing in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, following the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing. Berry, currently ranked 19th in the standings, will be taking over the seat from Harrison Burton, who has struggled in his time with Wood Brothers.
With Stewart-Haas Racing shutting down at the end of the season, Berry and Chase Briscoe are among the drivers who have secured new deals. Wood Brothers president Jon Wood expressed his confidence in Berry, citing his strong results and Ford affiliation as key factors in the decision-making process.
Despite his success, Berry will not be bringing his crew chief along to Wood Brothers Racing. This will mark his third team in three years, after a brief stint at Stewart-Haas Racing following the retirement of Kevin Harvick.
The closure of SHR led to Berry and other drivers seeking new opportunities for the 2025 season. Berry’s performance has improved over the course of the season, with seven top-16 finishes in the last ten races. His partnership with crew chief Rodney Childers was cut short due to SHR’s closure, but the Wood Brothers team is working to finalize a new crew chief for the upcoming season.
During his time at JR Motorsports in 2023, Berry gained experience working with different crew chiefs, which has helped him articulate his needs in the car. This adaptability has been a key factor in his success as a rookie in the Cup Series.
While Berry’s move to Wood Brothers Racing has been confirmed, there are still drivers from SHR, such as Noah Gragson and Ryan Preece, who are seeking rides for the 2025 season. The NASCAR offseason is typically a time of transition, with teams finalizing their lineups and preparations for the upcoming year.
As the NASCAR Cup Series continues to evolve, drivers like Josh Berry are navigating the changing landscape to secure their places on the grid. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with new faces and teams stepping up to the challenge of competing at the highest level of stock car racing.