History was made at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway! Josh Berry secured his first-ever Cup Series win at the Pennzoil 400, securing the 101st triumph for NASCAR’s oldest team, the Wood Brothers Racing. It’s a result nobody would have predicted going into the race, especially with Christopher Bell on the verge of winning four in a row and Kyle Larson’s dominance at the 1.5-mile oval in recent years.
However, the No. 21 Ford was the first to cross the checkered flag, prompting wild celebrations by Berry’s pit crew. As expected, the Tennessee native was elated at the outcome, giving credit where it was due in the post-race interview.
Josh Berry finally living the NASCAR dream
It only took Josh Berry five races. Yes, you read that right. The 34-year-old became the 20th driver to win at Wood Brothers Racing after battling hard at the 1.5-mile track. On Lap 254, the former SHR driver battled Daniel Suarez for the lead, eventually taking the lead and pulling away to a 1.35-second margin. It would be an understatement to say that Berry’s triumph is an underdog story, as nobody would have touted the Tennessee-based racer to even challenge for the win, let alone with it in Sin City.
Giving credit where it’s due in the post-race interview, Josh Berry couldn’t help but say, “I mean, it’s just incredible. They’ve just been so good to me. It’s just been a great relationship. Everybody at Wood Brothers Racing but Team Penske as well, everyone has welcomed me with open arms. Tried to help me in accelerating this learning process as much as they can. I really can’t say enough about Miles Stanley. He’s so good at what he’s doing. We have a great thing going on together.”
With the curse lifted, Josh Berry will feel optimistic about the season ahead. The racer has secured a playoff spot, a prospect that was looking increasingly unlikely with every passing race. By avoiding wrecks, having clean pit stops, and making bold passes, the No. 21 Ford driver has taken home a big win, putting his Next-Gen struggles behind him. Could a triumph have been possible without Team Penske’s technical alliance with Wood Brothers Racing? Unlikely. But the 34-year-old will not be complaining as he makes his way to the podium.
There’s nothing like the first one. @joshberry is now a NASCAR Cup Series winner! He talks with @JamieLittleTV after climbing out in Vegas. pic.twitter.com/Z5rZ7CFlql
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 16, 2025
With just 53 Cup Series starts, Berry is already being considered as somewhat of a journeyman. He made his debut as a substitute at Spire Motorsports in 2021 before returning to the Cup Series in a similar capacity for Hendrick Motorsports and Legacy Motor Club in 2023. Eventually, he earned a full-time seat with Stewart-Haas Racing, only for the team to shut shop at the end of the year. It’s been quite a journey for the racer, who couldn’t have asked for a better start to his Wood Brothers Racing career.
Wood Brothers Racing add another first-time winner
The struggles have been real. Wood Brothers Racing has been through it all, ever since the team was formed in 1950. From financial struggles, changes in leadership, to struggling with inconsistent performances and driver changes. It’s been a topsy-turvy road for the NASCAR team, who have struggled to adapt to the modern stock car racing series landscape. Last year, Harrison Burton’s triumph at Daytona ended an eight-year-long winless streak, with Ryan Blaney getting the last win in 2018.
Surprisingly, the last five drivers (including Berry) to win with the No. 21 car are all first time winners. Revealing what the result means to the team, the Tennessee native said, “I’m just really proud of everybody on this team. This is a great group. They build great race cars and it’s just been a privilege to drive for them. I’m just so really thankful to be here. There are so many people I could thank for this moment, but to be a Cup Series winner is really special.”
Now that Josh Berry has secured a triumph at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the No. 21 Ford team can rest easy, knowing that a playoff spot is assured. While a battle for the championship may seem a bit premature at this stage of the competition, stranger things have happened in the world of NASCAR. Wood Brothers Racing will now hope that the 34-year-old will build on this performance and have a deep playoff run towards the end of the year.
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