Josh Berry confirmed on Wednesday that the upcoming 2026 NASCAR season will be his final year piloting the iconic No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing. The announcement came after the driver learned of the team's decision on Tuesday and spent the following day processing the news before speaking to reporters.
Berry, who was signed in 2025 to help restore the historic team's fortunes, delivered a win at Las Vegas in just his fifth start and helped Wood Brothers Racing secure an unexpected playoff berth during its 75th anniversary season. The victory was a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent year, as the driver noted his openness to new opportunities and uncertainty about his next move.
The 2026 campaign, however, has taken a sharp turn. Berry now sits 30th in the points standings with only two top‑10 finishes to his name. The downturn coincides with manufacturer Ford and its partnership with Team Penske struggling to find consistent speed, a factor Berry acknowledged while expressing confidence in his own abilities.
A Legacy of Speed
Wood Brothers Racing, founded by Glen Wood and Leonard Wood in 1950, is one of NASCAR's most storied organizations. The team has captured five Daytona 500 victories and boasts two of its founders in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The No. 21 car number joins a pantheon of legends such as Richard Petty's No. 43, Dale Earnhardt's No. 3, Jeff Gordon's No. 24, and Jimmie Johnson's No. 48.
Team officials took the opportunity to thank Berry for his contributions and to wish him success in whatever comes next. They also announced that a successor for the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will be revealed in early 2027, promising to build on the foundation Berry helped shape.
Looking Ahead
As Berry contemplates his future, he does so with a career that includes a victory at a premier track, a playoff appearance, and a place in a lineage of racing greats. Whether he returns to the cockpit under a new banner or explores other ventures, the next chapter promises to be shaped by the same determination that defined his tenure with Wood Brothers Racing.