Dale Earnhardt Jr. has publicly voiced his worry for his longtime friend Josh Berry, who is navigating one of the most precarious seasons of his NASCAR Cup Series career.
The latest on‑track incident saw Berry involved in a crash while battling Christopher Bell for 25th place, a moment that underscored the volatility of the current schedule.
Adding to the uncertainty, Wood Brothers Racing confirmed that Berry’s option will not be exercised for the 2027 season, paving the way for reigning O’Reilly Series champion Jesse Love to take his seat.
A partnership forged on iRacing
Earnhardt first spotted Berry’s talent during their early days on iRacing, a relationship that quickly evolved into a mentorship. Over the next decade he signed Berry to his Late Model program, a collaboration that yielded multiple victories and championships, and later brought the driver into the Cup Series with Stewart‑Haas Racing before he landed at Wood Brothers.
Reflecting on Berry’s lone win at Las Vegas and his climb to a championship threat in the O’Reilly Series, Earnhardt notes how the sport’s landscape has shifted, making it harder for drivers to secure rides on pure merit.
He admits he is unsure what opportunities remain for his friend in the national touring scene, describing the current racing environment as especially tough for drivers like Berry who need someone to hire them on merit as proven race winners.