Josh Berry earned high praise from seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson after clinching his first Cup Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 16. The win was historic for Wood Brothers Racing, NASCAR’s oldest team, which is celebrating 75 years in the sport. Berry secured the victory after an intense battle with Daniel Suárez following a restart with 19 laps remaining. It marked Wood Brothers Racing’s 101st Cup Series win.
Berry, who piloted the famous No. 21 Ford, impressed many in the NASCAR community with his performance. And, as mentioned, one of those was Johnson, who posted a heartfelt message for Berry on his X account.
Josh Berry’s Cup Victory Earns Jimmie Johnson’s Praise
Johnson took to social media to commend Berry’s win and hard work. He said, “What a memorable day for the sport of @NASCAR and our fans. We witnessed a racer, live the dream and collect his first W in the big show. Well done @joshberry! Couple that with the history of the @woodbrothers21, while celebrating their 75th year in the sport. There’s only one thing left to do. Let’s raise a glass!”
What a memorable day for the sport of @NASCAR and our fans.
We witnessed a racer, live the dream and collect his first W in the big show. Well done @joshberry!
Couple that with the history of the @woodbrothers21, while celebrating their 75th year in the sport.
There's only…
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) March 17, 2025
Berry spent much of his career competing on local short tracks. But Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has long admired Berry’s talent, gave him an opportunity in the Xfinity Series. Racing for JR Motorsports, Berry won five races and set himself up for the bigger stage.
In 2024, Berry earned a full-time ride in the Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing. However, when SHR shut down at the end of the season, Berry became a free agent, and Wood Brothers Racing seized the opportunity to sign him.
Just five races into his time with the team, Berry delivered his first Cup Series victory at Las Vegas.
After his win, Berry told The Associated Press, “I’m just thankful to be in the situation. I am driving fast race cars. With my experience on the short tracks, you think that’s where you’re going to win. But if I’ve learned anything in this sport it is that you never know when it’s going to be your day.”
He added, “Everybody with Wood Brothers Racing gave me a great car and we just battled and battled, and man, it was our day. I just can’t believe it. It was such a battle with Daniel there at the end. Beating and banging at a mile-and-a-half (track) is crazy. But whoever was going to get out front was probably going to win.”