Josh Berry Set to Exit Wood Brothers Racing After 2026 NASCAR Season
Josh Berry will not return to Wood Brothers Racing for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season, marking the end of his tenure with the iconic team after the current campaign. The announcement, reported by Yahoo Sports, signals a significant change for both Berry and one of NASCAR’s most storied organizations.
Wood Brothers Racing, established in 1950 and renowned as the oldest active team in NASCAR, has seen its share of driver changes over the decades. Berry’s departure, however, comes at a time when the team continues to seek its first Cup Series victory since 2017. The move raises questions about the team’s future direction and who will fill the seat of the famed No. 21 Ford in 2027.
- Josh Berry joined Wood Brothers Racing ahead of the 2025 season, bringing with him a strong pedigree from the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
- The team has had a rotating driver lineup in recent years, as it works to regain its competitive edge in the Cup Series.
- Berry’s performance with the team has been closely watched by industry observers and fans alike, given the Wood Brothers’ legacy and the competitive nature of modern NASCAR.
While no official reason for Berry’s exit has been disclosed, the decision comes amid a highly dynamic driver market and ongoing team development efforts across the Cup Series. Wood Brothers Racing has not yet announced Berry’s replacement for the 2027 season, fueling speculation about potential candidates and the team’s strategy moving forward.
The news underscores the ever-changing landscape of NASCAR, where driver-team relationships can be brief and transitions are often shaped by performance, sponsorship, and long-term vision. As the 2026 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Berry and the Wood Brothers close out their chapter together—and on what comes next for both parties in a sport defined by constant evolution.
Sources
- [1]Yahoo Sports