Josh Berry, a former short‑track standout who climbed from the O’Reilly Series to capture a NASCAR Cup Series championship, has recently posted a string of strong results that have put him back in the conversation for a full‑time ride.
The Money Factor in Modern NASCAR
Despite finishing seventh and fourth in his last two Cup outings, Berry remains without a confirmed seat for the 2027 season, a situation he attributes to the increasingly sponsor‑driven nature of team budgets.
Team owners have spoken with the driver about potential deals, and while some offers have hovered around three million dollars, none have materialized into a formal agreement, leaving the veteran to continue proving his worth on track.
Berry has been candid about the recent crashes he’s experienced, insisting they stem from external factors such as pit‑road mishaps or other competitors’ incidents rather than any deficiency in his driving.
If a Cup contract does not materialize, the driver has hinted at exploring alternatives like the CARS Tour or a return to short‑track competition, decisions that will also be weighed against his family’s long‑term plans.
The Wood Brothers Racing organization recently announced the hiring of Jesse Love for the upcoming season, a move that effectively closed the door on Berry’s own prospects with that storied team.
Ultimately, the driver says his future will be dictated by what offers the best combination of competitive opportunity and financial stability for his family.