Full Breakdown
Josh Berry’s Exit from Wood Brothers Racing Marks First Major Move of NASCAR’s 2027 Silly Season
6/11/2026, 11:33:35 PM
Core Event: Driver Change Announcement
On June 10, 2026, driver Josh Berry confirmed that Wood Brothers Racing will not exercise its option to retain him for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series. The Zoom press conference indicated Berry will finish the 2026 season in the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse before seeking a new ride.
Background & Context: Berry’s Path to the No. 21
Berry, 35, rose from the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series—where he won three races and placed fourth in 2022—to a 2024 Cup rookie season with Stewart-Haas Racing. After Stewart-Haas closed, Wood Brothers Racing signed him for 2025. He delivered the team’s first Cup win since 2017 at Las Vegas, reached the 2025 playoffs and finished 16th overall.
Data & Statistics: Recent Performance Metrics
- 2025: one win (Las Vegas), eight top-10s, runner-up at New Hampshire, playoff appearance.
- 2026 (15 races): two top-10s (9th at Daytona, 10th at Martinsville), 30th-31st in points, four DNFs, best finish 15th at Michigan, and his 100th Cup start at Pocono.
Official Statements & Responses
Wood Brothers Racing thanked Berry, confirmed the decision not to retain him, and said a new driver for the No. 21 will be announced soon. Berry expressed disappointment, gratitude and said he will work with Kevin Harvick Inc. on future options. Team Penske offered no comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans and analysts cited Berry’s four DNFs and limited top-10s as reasons for the team’s change, noting a performance drop from 2025. Rumors linked Jesse Love to the seat, and speculation grew about younger Ford-aligned drivers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list Berry at either 30th or 31st in points after 15 races. No details on the 2027 replacement driver have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm obviously disappointed about that. They've been amazing to work with.” — Josh Berry, driver
- “The sun came up today. It might've felt like it might not have. But the sun came up this morning and it's a new day. You land on your feet and go to work.” — Josh Berry, driver
- “We thank Josh Berry for all he’s done for Wood Brothers Racing and our partners over the last two seasons.” — Wood Brothers Racing, official statement
- “We’re going to work hard to try to land on our feet and find something. Don’t really have any expectations or plans for what that might be. Certainly open to really anything.” — Josh Berry, driver
What’s Next: Open Seat and Free Agency
The No. 21 Ford remains a coveted Ford seat for 2027. Media speculation mentions Jesse Love and other Ford-aligned prospects. Berry’s team at Kevin Harvick Inc. will pursue opportunities, while Wood Brothers Racing will announce its replacement later in the offseason.
