Josh Berry‘s storybook climb to the top ranks of NASCAR continues as the 30-year-old will run a full Xfinity Series schedule for JR Motorsports in 2022, the team announced Aug. 16.
Berry will compete for the 2022 NXS title behind the wheel of the No. 8 Chevrolet, his first full-time ride in any NASCAR Series.
The Hendersonville, Tenn., native competed in 12 races behind the wheel of the No. 8 as well as a substitute driver for fellow JRM driver Michael Annett in the No. 1 Chevrolet at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He earned his first NXS victory in April at Martinsville Speedway.
“It’s difficult to put into words what this means,” Berry said in a team release. “I’m just a local short track racer, so saying this is a dream come true seems like an understatement. I’m so grateful to Dale, Kelley, LW [Miller] and everyone at JR Motorsports. They have always believed in me. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m ready and focused on 2022.”
Berry has also competed in three races for Jordan Anderson Racing in its inaugural NXS season. In 16 total 2021 starts, he has earned four top fives and nine top 10s in addition to his victory.
Prior to 2021, Berry had only competed in eight NASCAR races, with seven of those being in Xfinity. He had two top 10s in those seven starts driving for a variety of teams.
Despite his late start in NASCAR, Berry has seen time in the cockpit in all three series in 2021. In the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Berry has made six starts between Young’s Motorsports and Rackley WAR, earning a best finish of 10th at Texas Motor Speedway. He also made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Dover International Speedway in Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Chevrolet as a substitute for Justin Haley. Berry finished 30th.
Sponsorship for the No. 8 team will be announced at a later date.
Berry joins Sam Mayer as announced full-time drivers for JRM in Xfinity in 2022. Mayer’s number has not yet been announced.
Entering his fifth year with Frontstretch, Luken Glover is the author of The Underdog House, shedding light on the motivation and performance of NASCAR's dark horse teams as they strive to fight to the top. Additionally, Glover reports for the site at various events, and he contributes in the video editing department.
A 2023 graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, Glover is a middle school math and PE teacher, as well as a basketball coach. He is passionate about serving in his church, playing/coaching a wide variety of sports, and researching motorsports history.