CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Another silly season domino fell on Wednesday as the Wood Brothers announced that Josh Berry will drive the team's No. 21 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2025.
Berry will replace Harrison Burton, who has driven for the team the last three seasons. Berry is currently a rookie in the Cup Series, driving for Stewart-Haas Racing in the No. 4 entry.
“When you think of the history and legacy of NASCAR, it’s hard to not think of the Wood Brothers and the incredible impact they’ve made on the sport," Berry said in a news release. "It’s an honor and a privilege to be a small part of carrying on that legacy. To be able to add my name to the list of drivers who have piloted the iconic No. 21 is something I don’t take lightly.”
Wood Brothers Racing is the longest-active NASCAR team and has fielded entries for some of the sport's biggest names, including David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, A.J. Foyt, Buddy Baker and Neil Bonnett. The team's last victory came with Ryan Blaney in 2017.
Berry is the second driver from Stewart-Haas to secure a ride for next season. Chase Briscoe was announced as the replacement for Martin Truex Jr. at Joe Gibbs Racing. Stewart-Haas announced earlier this year it would cease operations at the end of the 2024 season, but co-owner Gene Haas said he will operate a single-car operation known as the Haas Factory Team. It's unclear who will drive that car, but all signs point to Xfinity Series regular Cole Custer getting another opportunity in Cup. SHR's other two drivers, Noah Gragson and Ryan Preece, haven't announced plans for next season.
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.