Full Breakdown
Josh Berry Disqualified After Thanksgiving Classic Controversy
12/1/2025, 4:22:00 PM
Disqualification at the Thanksgiving Classic
Josh Berry, a driver for Tom Usry Racing, faced a disappointing turn of events at the 25th Thanksgiving Classic held at Southern National Motorsports Park. Berry, who aimed to secure his third title in this event after victories in 2021 and 2022, initially finished in second place behind Doug Barnes Jr. However, the situation escalated when Berry's team protested Barnes' victory for unspecified reasons. In a surprising twist, Barnes and his team counter-protested Berry's result, leading to an official disqualification for Berry. The ruling indicated that Berry's team had violated NASCAR-sanctioned guidelines due to a specific part that had been inspected multiple times throughout the season without prior issues. The Tom Usry Racing team expressed disappointment but accepted the decision, stating, “While we are disappointed, we fully respect and accept the decision.”
Key Moments Leading to Disqualification
Berry's race was marred by a series of missteps that contributed to his inability to secure the win. He admitted to a critical error when he missed a clutch shift while transitioning from second to third gear, which he attributed to a mental lapse stemming from his recent experiences in different racing series. Berry stated, “I think I just spaced out, made a mental mistake there.” Additionally, he spun out after making contact with fellow driver Lee Pulliam during a restart, further complicating his race strategy. Despite these setbacks, Berry managed to recover and regain track position, ultimately finishing second before the disqualification.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the disqualification, the Tom Usry Racing team issued an apology to fans, acknowledging the ruling and the circumstances surrounding it. Berry himself reflected on the race, noting the challenges he faced and the commendable effort of his team to recover from early setbacks. He emphasized the importance of the Thanksgiving Classic as a return to his short-track roots, despite the disappointing outcome.
Criticism & Opposition
The disqualification has sparked discussions among fans and analysts regarding the fairness of the ruling, especially given that the part in question had not been flagged in previous inspections. Critics argue that the sudden enforcement of this guideline raises questions about consistency in NASCAR regulations.
What's Next for Josh Berry
As the offseason progresses, it remains unclear whether Berry has any additional races scheduled before the start of the 2026 season. The next opportunity for him to compete will be at The Clash, an unofficial season opener at Bowman Gray Stadium, where he will transition back to Cup Series racing. Berry's focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming season, where he aims to build on his experiences from the Thanksgiving Classic.
