Josh Berry’s tenure with Wood Brothers Racing concluded unexpectedly as the team opted to promote rookie Jesse Love for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series, leaving the veteran driver without a seat despite a victory in the 2025 Pennzoil 400 that secured his playoff berth.
The news sparked immediate speculation, particularly after Michael McCarthy, known in the paddock as “Large,” publicly praised Berry as the ideal successor to Kyle Busch at Richard Childress Racing, a move that could reshape the No. 33 lineup.
The Road Ahead for Josh Berry
Berry, who was described by teammates as the “loneliest guy in the field” during a Richmond driver’s meeting, has shown resilience, but the sudden vacancy at RCR has reignited debates about his next steps amid a crowded driver market.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Hendrick Motorsports announced Connor Zilisch will take the wheel of the No. 33 car in 2028, a decision that indirectly opens the door for Berry to potentially fill the spot left by Kyle Busch, whose recent pneumonia‑related death has left a void in the series.
Austin Hill, who temporarily assumed the No. 33 seat after Busch’s passing, has already demonstrated his capability, yet the team’s long‑term plans remain unsettled as they evaluate both internal and external options.
For Berry, the coming months will be a test of patience and ambition; while he contemplates a possible move down the NASCAR ladder, the prospect of returning to the sport’s premier division with RCR offers a compelling narrative for fans and analysts alike.
If Berry does land at RCR, the move would not only affect his own career but also ripple through the driver market, potentially reshaping alliances and sponsor strategies across the circuit.