Josh Berry’s Unexpected Victory
Josh Berry secured his first NASCAR Cup Series win in Las Vegas, proving that preparation and opportunity lead to success.
A Long Journey to the Top
Five years ago, Berry was a short-track racer for JR Motorsports with limited funding and little chance of making it to NASCAR’s top level.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Faith in Berry
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recognized Berry’s talent early, particularly after he won the pole for the Snowball Derby in 2022.
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Bet on Berry
In 2024, Stewart-Haas Racing took a chance on Berry, and now, in 2025, he has taken Wood Brothers Racing to Victory Lane.
Berry’s Perseverance Pays Off
Berry, now 34, finally won a Cup race after being overlooked for over a decade, making history in the process.
A Career-Altering Opportunity
Berry thought he would be a lifelong short-track racer until JR Motorsports gave him a shot in the Xfinity Series, where he proved himself.
Winning at Every Level
Berry won the NASCAR Weekly Series National Championship in 2020, the 2017 CARS Late Model Stock Tour title, and is the only driver from either series to win a Cup race.
Berry’s Love for Grassroots Racing
Despite his Cup success, Berry remains grateful for his short-track roots, as they shaped his approach to racing.
A Lucky Break in Xfinity
Berry’s Cup career started in 2021 when he filled in for an injured Michael Annett, securing his first national touring win at Las Vegas.
Proving Himself in Cup
Berry substituted for Chase Elliott in 2023 but struggled in his first race, leading him to doubt his future in Cup.
Bouncing Back from Adversity
Despite a poor debut in Elliott’s car, Berry was given another chance, which he used to secure a top-10 finish.
Finding the Right Opportunity
Berry finally got a full-time Cup ride in 2024 with Stewart-Haas Racing, but the team shut down four months later.
Wood Brothers’ Confidence in Berry
Despite Stewart-Haas closing, Wood Brothers Racing believed in Berry and signed him for 2025.
Berry’s Unique Experience
Though new to Cup, Berry’s years of racing at lower levels helped him quickly adapt.
Race Strategy Plays a Role
A caution with 25 laps to go disrupted strategies, benefiting Berry but hurting others like Kyle Larson.
Berry’s Team Takes a Risk
Berry’s crew chief made a bold strategy call, which ultimately put them in position to win.
A Well-Timed Gamble
Berry was forced to pit early due to a loose wheel, prompting his team to try an alternate strategy.
Kyle Larson’s Disappointment
Larson had the fastest car but lost due to strategy and cautions that didn’t go his way.
Christopher Bell’s Struggles
Bell aimed for his fourth consecutive win but faced pit stop issues and handling problems.
Bell’s Unexpected Pit Decision
To avoid a loose wheel, Bell’s team had him pit in a teammate’s stall, leading to a penalty.
Bell’s Race Didn’t Go as Planned
Although Bell had speed, constant setbacks kept him from competing for the win.
Ryan Blaney’s Tough Weekend
Blaney crashed in practice, ran well early, but was later involved in a major wreck.
Blaney Takes Responsibility
Blaney admitted he misjudged his surroundings in the crash, potentially causing it.
Pit Stop Issues Hurt Blaney
A slow pit stop put Blaney two laps down, making his recovery effort even harder.
A Frustrating Day for Blaney
Despite rallying back into contention, Blaney was caught in a wreck, ending his day.
Blaney Looks Ahead
Blaney was disappointed but focused on moving forward and preparing for the next race.
Kyle Busch’s Disastrous Race
Busch struggled with a speeding penalty, a loose wheel, and brake issues, finishing 33rd.
Busch Falls Out of Playoff Contention
With his poor finish, Busch lost his spot in the provisional playoff standings.
