Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and three-time Daytona 500 champion, isn’t mincing words about Josh Berry’s rapid ascent. Days after Berry’s maiden NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas, Hamlin doubled down on his belief that the 34-year-old is far from hitting his ceiling.
Berry’s victory, a chaotic, 32-lead-change triumph, secured Wood Brothers Racing’s playoff berth and silenced doubts about his transition from late-model grind to Cup contender. For Hamlin, it’s proof that raw, asphalt-nurtured talent still thrives in a sport increasingly dominated by dirt-track converts.
Denny Hamlin’s Stamp of Approval on Josh Berry’s Growth
Hamlin’s podcast, Actions Detrimental, became a rallying cry for Berry’s underdog narrative.
“I watched him just a few years ago winning late model races and to see him win now a cup race just a few years later,” Hamlin said.
“It’s just it’s very gratifying to see guys from my discipline and how I grew up being successful in the cup series,” he added, referencing Berry’s late-model roots. The jab at dirt racing’s recent dominance wasn’t subtle, but neither was his praise.
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Berry’s Las Vegas win, fueled by a gutsy pass on Daniel Suárez with 19 laps left, showcased more than speed. It highlighted adaptability. Hamlin noted Berry’s Phoenix third-place finish as a precursor:
“I think what it says to me is that he’s continuing to learn right he’s not plateauing.” The 23XI co-owner’s endorsement carries weight, given his own 54-win Cup résumé and keen eye for talent.
But Hamlin’s admiration isn’t just about results. It’s about pedigree. Berry, a former sim-racer turned bank teller turned national Weekly Series champion, represents the self-made ethos Hamlin champions.
“It’s like it’s not all about dirt folks like you can come from a something other than dirt and be successful,” Hamlin said.
Playoff Warning and Hamlin’s Own Redemption Arc
While celebrating Berry, Hamlin issued a caution to rivals:
“Like the way he’s running, he’s not just taking a spot. He’s someone that could go in there and win get into a couple of rounds deeper than just round of 16, the way he’s running.” Berry’s 13th-place standings position belies his threat level. With a playoff spot locked, his consistency of two top-fives in five races, proves he’s no fluke.
Hamlin’s focus, however, isn’t solely on others. His 29-race winless streak gnaws. “It sucks,” he admitted after finishing 25th at Las Vegas. A pit-road speeding penalty compounded frustrations, but his praise for Berry underscored a broader truth—NASCAR’s evolving hierarchy rewards relentless learners.
Meanwhile, Berry’s rise contrasts sharply with Christopher Bell’s stumble. Bell, eyeing a record-tying fourth straight win, faltered to 12th in Vegas. Hamlin noted the irony: A veteran’s patience trumped a phenom’s momentum.
For Hamlin, Berry’s story isn’t just refreshing, it’s a blueprint. As he chases his elusive first championship, the message is clear: Plateauing isn’t an option. Not for Berry. Not for anyone.