Josh Berry Opens Up About Dale Jr.’s Influence on His NASCAR Career
Josh Berry recently shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the impact of his former boss, Dale Earnhardt Jr., on his NASCAR journey. In a candid statement, Berry acknowledged both the opportunities and challenges that came with Dale Jr.’s involvement in his career.
Berry, who spent years driving for JR Motorsports before making the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series, credited Earnhardt Jr. for giving him a platform to showcase his talent. However, he also admitted that having such a high-profile mentor sometimes created added expectations and scrutiny.
“Dale Jr. took a chance on me when no one else would,” Berry said. “He believed in me, gave me a shot, and without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. But at the same time, I know people sometimes saw me as just ‘Dale Jr.’s guy,’ and that came with its own set of challenges.”
Berry emphasized that Earnhardt Jr.’s influence was always rooted in support rather than control. “He never tried to dictate my career path. He just wanted me to succeed,” Berry added. “I had to prove myself every step of the way, and I think we did that together.”
Now racing for Stewart-Haas Racing in the Cup Series, Berry is focused on carving out his own legacy while remaining grateful for the opportunities that Earnhardt Jr. helped provide. “I owe him a lot, but at the end of the day, it’s up to me to make the most of it,” Berry concluded.
Berry’s comments highlight the complexities of having a legendary figure in your corner—both a blessing and a challenge as he continues to build his career in NASCAR’s top series.
