NASCAR driver Josh Berry has confirmed his departure from Wood Brothers Racing, marking the end of his tenure with the team in 2027. This decision signifies a new chapter for both Berry and the racing organization, as they each prepare to move in different directions following the conclusion of the upcoming season.
NASCAR Driver Josh Berry to Conclude Tenure with Wood Brothers Racing in 2027
Darlington, South Carolina, USA – On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Josh Berry, the 35-year-old NASCAR driver, officially announced that he will not be continuing with Wood Brothers Racing beyond the 2027 season. This confirmation comes as Berry prepares to complete his second full NASCAR Cup Series season driving the No. 21 Ford for the team.
Berry's current standings place him 30th overall among drivers, having secured two top-10 finishes in his 15 starts this season. Reflecting on the decision, Berry noted, "You hear the rumor mills start going, so I'm not going to say that I was completely caught off guard. I didn't exactly feel great about it. I probably would have said myself I was probably 50-50 in what was going on." He expressed gratitude for his time with the team, stating, "I've been extremely fortunate to get the opportunities I've had, and been extremely fortunate to drive for the Wood Brothers and this team. And unfortunately, it's going a different direction."
His career with Wood Brothers Racing began with a significant highlight in 2025, when he clinched a victory at Las Vegas in only his fifth race with the team. This season, his most notable achievement has been a ninth-place finish at the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 15. Prior to joining Wood Brothers Racing, Berry competed in his inaugural full-time Cup Series season with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024. He also boasts a strong record in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he claimed five wins across the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The impending split opens up new possibilities for Berry's future in NASCAR and will undoubtedly prompt speculation regarding who will take over the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing in 2028.
The world of professional sports, particularly auto racing, is constantly evolving, and this announcement serves as a vivid reminder of its dynamic nature. The decision for Josh Berry and Wood Brothers Racing to part ways, despite his early success, highlights the strategic and performance-driven considerations that teams and drivers must continually navigate. It underscores that even talented athletes with notable achievements must adapt to new circumstances, whether due to team restructuring or the pursuit of fresh challenges. This development will undoubtedly spark interest in Berry's next move and the future direction of Wood Brothers Racing, emphasizing the competitive spirit and constant quest for excellence that defines NASCAR.
