Josh Berry was having one of his better runs of the 2026 season when Christopher Bell got loose into turn 3 and spun the No. 21 car on lap 200 of Sunday’s (July 19) Window World 450.
Berry hit the outside wall and took his car to the garage. He was ruled out of the race and will finish 36th.
The poor result is another crushing blow in a season full of them for Berry, who entered North Wilkesboro 33rd in the Cup standings.
“I’ve worked my whole life to get in this position, and know I feel like people view me completely differently after this year compared to what I’ve done till this point,” Berry said. “I’ve never lived through a season like this, when it’s just one thing after another. Things that people don’t see, they don’t make it on TV. I don’t go on social media every week and post about every little thing that went wrong in our race. We just can’t catch a break, man, flat out.”
Berry, who won’t return to the Wood Brothers No. 21 in 2027, is looking for a ride for next season, making every race an audition for the future of his Cup career.
Berry’s accident came on a night when Ford, led by Team Penske’s Joey Logano, dominated the race. Logano has led over 200 laps so far.
“It’s just one thing after another,” Berry said. “It’s very discouraging.”
A member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA), Samuel also covers NASCAR for Yardbarker, Field Level Media, and Heavy Sports. He will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall of 2025.
Josh Berry is one of the good guys. I hope this season turns around for him & he lands on his feet next year.