Another Stewart-Hass Racing driver has found a ride for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Wood Brothers Racing announced on Wednesday that Josh Berry will join the team on a multiyear deal in 2025. Berry will replace current Wood Brothers Racing driver Harrison Burton in the team's number 21 Ford.
“This really feels like a great fit for me,” Berry said. “I feel like I fit their brand and who they are and how I got here, how they got here. I feel like this is a great fit. I really enjoyed our relationship with Ford and to continue that on was something that’s important to me, and I appreciate and I’m thankful to have that opportunity. And it really just means a lot to drive an iconic car like the 21.”
After initially deciding to shut down, Berry became available after Stewart-Hass Racing decided to cut back to just one team in the Cup Series, which will be under the Hass Factory Team banner. He is the second SHR driver to find a new ride after Chase Briscoe signed with Joe Gibbs Racing to replace the retiring Martin Truex Jr. Berry, who joined SHR this year as Kevin Harvick's replacement, has two top-fives, four top-tens, 70 laps led, and sits 19th in the points.
Going to the Wood Brothers doesn't seem to be a good idea for Berry, given that the Wood Brothers are struggling. However, with Truex's replacement already announced, few good rides areides available, and the Wood Brothers is the best option for Berry. Berry has yet to win in the Cup Series, and with the Wood Brothers, he'll have a decent shot at winning. The Wood Brothers have an alliance with Team Penske, which has struggled this season but is getting better as all three Penske drivers have now won this season, Penske driver Joey Logano won at Nashville, last Sunday. Hopefully, Berry is the guy who can get the single-car op to that elusive 100th win, and their first since the 2017 June Pocono race with Ryan Blaney.
As for Burton, he has struggled ever since he got into the Cup Series. This season, he has no top-fives, just one top-ten, and is 33rd in the points standings. In 91 Cup starts Burton has one top-five and five top-tens. So, where does Burton go for 2025? Front Row Motorsports seems to be the best option for Burton. According to Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, SHR driver Noah Gragson is the favorite to get one of Front Row Motorsports two open spots. If Front Row does have two spots open, then Burton should go there. Since Front Row has improved over the past few years, Burton could improve his performance by joining them. Kaulig Racing would be the next best option for Burton should he not go to Front Row, or he could go back to the Xfinity Series.
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