The Wood Brothers have struggled to find consistent success in recent years, and their performance in the NASCAR Cup Series has been far from their storied past. With a technical alliance with Team Penske, the No. 21 Ford should be more competitive, yet it often falls short of expectations. Now, with Josh Berry set to take over in 2025, the question is: Is he the right driver to turn things around?
Berry has proven himself as a capable driver, particularly in the Xfinity Series, where he secured multiple wins and consistently ran up front with JR Motorsports. His brief time in the Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024, however, has been a mixed bag—though some of that can be attributed to SHR’s overall struggles. Berry has shown flashes of potential, especially as a driver who excels with experience-based adaptability rather than aggressive raw speed.
For the Wood Brothers, the challenge isn’t just about finding the right driver—it’s about maximizing the Penske alliance and improving overall performance. The No. 21 car has been a revolving door of drivers in recent years, from Paul Menard to Matt DiBenedetto to Harrison Burton, none of whom found sustained success. If the team doesn’t improve its infrastructure and strategy, Berry may find himself facing the same uphill battle.
Ultimately, Josh Berry is a solid choice, but he’s not a guaranteed solution. His ability to provide strong feedback and consistency could help, but the Wood Brothers need to elevate their entire program. If they don’t, even a talented driver like Berry might struggle to make a lasting impact.
