Josh Berry, once considered out of NASCAR’s Cup Series after Wood Brothers Racing announced his departure, has continued to impress with a string of top‑nine finishes that have propelled him into the conversation for the 2027 driver market.
The five‑race streak, during which Berry averaged a 6.2 finish, has lifted his standing to 28th in the point rankings and showcases a level of consistency not seen from a Wood Brothers driver in more than half a century.
Consequently, Wood Brothers Racing will not retain Berry for a third season in the No. 21 Ford; Jesse Love is slated to take over the seat, marking a rare shift for a team that has largely kept its drivers in place for decades.
Legacy Motor Club’s 2027 Expansion
Legacy Motor Club plans to grow to a three‑car operation in 2027, but will not keep John Hunter Nemechek behind the wheel of the No. 42 Toyota, opening a vacancy that could be filled by Berry, who is reportedly a leading candidate to replace the veteran.
Erik Jones is expected to remain in the No. 43 car for Legacy, while Riley Herbst, who lost his ride at 23XI Racing to Corey Heim, emerges as the primary contender for the third seat, adding depth to a roster that already features a strong late‑season performance from Berry.
The broader driver market also reflects the impact of Berry’s surge: he now drives a de facto fourth Team Penske entry, while the three Penske drivers all qualified for the 2024 Chase postseason, and drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano and Austin Cindric have secured multiple wins despite earlier criticism.
With Berry’s late‑season form influencing contract talks and team strategies, the coming months will likely see further adjustments as NASCAR prepares for a competitive 2027 season.