Josh Berry’s first NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was a career-defining moment—but what stood out just as much as the victory was what he didn’t do after taking the checkered flag. Instead of celebrating with a smoky burnout, Berry went old school. He waved to the fans.
That simple choice caught the attention of rising star Connor Zilisch, who couldn’t help but poke a little fun.
Josh Berry’s Thoughtful Choice Over Tradition
Driving the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, Berry grabbed his first Cup Series win in style. But once the race ended, he skipped the typical tire-shredding celebration. Instead, Berry soaked it all in and saluted the crowd.
Later, Berry explained his thinking. He said he was inspired by Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s win in the 2014 Daytona 500.
“I found myself watching the 2014 Daytona 500 when Dale won. He went down to one and kind of swung around, took his stuff off, waved at the fans,” Berry said.
Josh Berry was asked why he chose not to do a burnout celebrating his first Cup win. Gave a couple reasons, saying he was inspired by @DaleJr 's celebration after the 2014 Daytona 500 as well as his roots on short tracks and wanting to savor the moment.
"I wanted to enjoy it. I… pic.twitter.com/7Z4xSSnz4a
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) March 17, 2025
But that wasn’t the only reason.
Berry, who spent years working on his own race cars, said he didn’t want to wreck the car just for a burnout.
“I think back to Saturday night short-track racing—we wouldn’t have that type of celebration because you couldn’t blow the quarter panels up, blow the motor, tear the car to hell after the race,” he said.
“I’ve spent my whole life working on my own race cars, building race cars, got my ass chewed a couple times for doing burnouts when I shouldn’t and tore stuff up. I just want to soak in the moment.”
Connor Zilisch Playfully Calls Him Out
While plenty of fans respected Berry’s throwback celebration, 18-year-old NASCAR prospect Connor Zilisch had a little fun with it.
Zilisch, one of the sport’s brightest young talents, joked on social media that if he ever won a Cup race, there’s no way he could resist lighting it up.
“Couldn’t be me,” Zilisch wrote, sparking laughs and debate among fans.
Was Berry showing respect for his car and team, or did he miss a golden opportunity to celebrate NASCAR style?
No matter which side fans land on, Berry’s win—and the way he marked it—will be a memorable part of his journey. Whether he sticks with the low-key wave or eventually gives in to the temptation of a burnout remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure—Zilisch will be watching, ready to call him out again if he skips it.