Dale Earnhardt Jr. has known Josh Berry for years, treating him almost as part of his own family.
When Berry’s 2024 campaign began to unravel, the veteran driver felt the weight of the situation deeply.
A season of setbacks
Berry managed only two top‑10 finishes in 21 starts, while five races ended without a finish due to mechanical troubles or accidents.
His most promising results came at Daytona and Martinsville, where ninth‑ and tenth‑place finishes hinted at potential that never fully materialized.
The disappointment was amplified by an incident at North Wilkesboro Speedway, where a clash with Christopher Bell added to the frustration.
Compounding the woes, Wood Brothers Racing announced that Berry will leave the team at the end of the year, making way for Jesse Love to take the wheel in 2027.
Berry’s brief stint with Stewart‑Haas Racing earlier in his career had already shown he could win, including a victory at Las Vegas and a playoff berth the previous season.
Despite those highlights, a string of DNFs in the Round of 16 last year left him 16th in the standings, underscoring how quickly momentum can evaporate.
For Earnhardt Jr., watching a family member struggle on the track is heartbreaking, and the uncertainty surrounding Berry’s future adds a personal layer to the professional drama.