Joshua William Berry Bio
Joshua William Berry (born October 22, 1990) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Wood Brothers Racing. Berry is recognized for his success in Late Model Stock Cars with JR Motorsports from 2010 to 2023, where he became the all-time winningest driver in CARS Tour history.
Early Life and Background
Joshua William Berry was born in Hendersonville, Tennessee, United States. He attended Volunteer State Community College and graduated while balancing his early racing aspirations. Before his professional racing career took off, Berry worked as a bank teller to support his ambitions. Notably, he was a classmate of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden during middle school and attended the same high school as singer Taylor Swift.
Berry’s early exposure to racing began with Legend Cars at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. His talent in late model racing caught the attention of Dale Earnhardt Jr., whom he met through an online sim racing league in 2008. This connection led to Berry signing with JR Motorsports in 2010, marking the start of his professional racing journey.
Path to NASCAR
Berry’s path to NASCAR began with his development in late model stock car racing under JR Motorsports. His consistent performances and multiple wins in regional series established him as a standout driver. Over the years, Berry transitioned into NASCAR’s national series, making his Xfinity Series debut at Iowa Speedway in 2014 with JR Motorsports. He steadily gained experience through part-time rides in the Xfinity and Truck Series, as well as appearances in the ARCA Racing Series.
His breakthrough came with a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2021, driving the No. 8 car for JR Motorsports. Berry’s perseverance and skill earned him his first Xfinity win at Martinsville Speedway that year, solidifying his status as a competitive NASCAR driver and paving the way for his eventual move to the Cup Series.
Joshua William Berry Career
Early Career (2010–2015)
Berry’s early career was marked by his success in late model stock car racing with JR Motorsports, where he became the all-time winningest driver in the CARS Tour. He competed in various regional series and gained valuable experience that prepared him for national competition. His initial NASCAR Xfinity Series starts came in 2014 and 2015, where he showed promise with solid finishes and consistent performances despite limited opportunities.
During this period, Berry also made his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2016 and competed in the ARCA Racing Series, further broadening his racing resume. His early years were characterized by steady growth and adaptability across multiple racing platforms.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2016–2022)
Berry’s breakthrough in the NASCAR Xfinity Series came in 2021 when he drove the No. 8 car full-time for JR Motorsports. That season, he secured his first series win at Martinsville Speedway, becoming one of the few drivers to win their maiden Xfinity race at that track. Berry’s performance throughout the season was strong, earning him a playoff berth and establishing him as a rising talent in the series.
In 2022, Berry continued his success with JR Motorsports, winning races at Dover and Charlotte and making the playoffs again. He clinched a spot in the Championship 4 after a victory at Las Vegas, ultimately finishing fourth in the final points standings. His consistent results and ability to perform under pressure highlighted his readiness for the NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR Cup Series and Wood Brothers Racing Era (2023–Present)
Berry made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2023, initially filling in for drivers sidelined by injuries or COVID-19 protocols. He impressed with a career-best second-place finish at Richmond and competed in the NASCAR All-Star Race Open, securing a win to advance to the main event. Later in 2023, Berry signed a multi-year deal with Wood Brothers Racing to drive the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse starting in 2025.
In the 2025 season opener at the Daytona 500, Berry faced challenges but quickly showed progress with a fourth-place finish at Phoenix, marking the Wood Brothers’ first top-five at that track in years. He earned his first career Cup Series victory at Las Vegas, a significant milestone that ended a long winless streak for the team. Despite some setbacks later in the season, Berry’s performance demonstrated his growth and potential as a Cup Series driver.
Driving Style and Strengths
Joshua Berry is known for his strong late model and short track racing skills, which translate well to NASCAR’s diverse circuits. He exhibits excellent race craft, particularly on intermediate tracks and short ovals, and has shown the ability to manage race strategy effectively. His partnerships with experienced crew chiefs have helped him develop consistency and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
Notable Races and Milestones
Berry’s first Xfinity Series win at Martinsville Speedway was a defining moment in his career. His 2022 playoff victories at Dover, Charlotte, and Las Vegas further cemented his reputation. In the Cup Series, his runner-up finish at Richmond and first win at Las Vegas in 2025 stand out as key milestones. Berry’s resilience was also evident in surviving a major crash during the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 without injury.
Joshua William Berry Career Wins
Throughout his career, Joshua Berry has accumulated multiple wins across various series, including Late Model Stock Cars, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR Cup Series. His success in the CARS Tour and breakthrough victories in NASCAR’s national series highlight his competitive edge and racing prowess.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
Berry secured his first Xfinity Series win in 2021 at Martinsville Speedway. He added multiple wins in 2022, including races at Dover, Charlotte, and Las Vegas, which helped him reach the Championship 4 and finish fourth in the standings. These victories showcased his ability to compete at a high level in NASCAR’s second-tier series.
NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
In the NASCAR Cup Series, Berry earned his first career win in 2025 at Las Vegas, driving for Wood Brothers Racing. This victory was significant for both Berry and the team, marking a return to winning form after decades. His consistent top finishes in the Cup Series indicate a promising future at the sport’s highest level.
Joshua William Berry Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While specific details about Berry’s parents are not publicly documented, his racing lineage is closely tied to his relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who played a pivotal role in his early career by signing him to JR Motorsports. This mentorship helped Berry develop into a successful driver in late model and NASCAR competition.
Personal Life
Joshua Berry is married to Ginny Berry. The couple has two daughters, Charlotte Blake Berry and Kenzie Berry. Berry balances his professional racing career with family life, maintaining a private personal life outside of the track.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Joshua Berry began his full-time tenure with Wood Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Despite a challenging start with a 37th-place finish at the Daytona 500, Berry quickly found momentum with a fourth-place finish at Phoenix, marking a significant achievement for the team. His first career Cup Series win at Las Vegas was a highlight, ending a long drought for Wood Brothers Racing and signaling Berry’s arrival as a competitive Cup driver.
Berry faced some difficulties later in the season, including a series of last-place finishes, which ultimately led to his elimination from the playoffs at the round of 16. Nevertheless, his overall performance demonstrated growth and potential, setting a foundation for future success with the team. The 2025 season showcased Berry’s resilience and ability to compete at NASCAR’s highest level.
