Every great NASCAR driver needs a mastermind behind the scenes. Someone who calls the shots strategizes pit stops, and ensures the car is in peak condition to compete at the highest level. Yes, we are talking about the crew chief. A great one can elevate a driver to new heights, while a poor fit can hold even the most talented competitor back. For Josh Berry, fresh off a win at Las Vegas, that man is Miles Stanley, the newly appointed crew chief for Wood Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Stanley’s rise to this prestigious position didn’t happen overnight. With years of experience in top teams like Team Penske, Stanley has proven himself as a sharp, analytical mind in motorsports. Now, he’s taking on a new challenge, his most difficult one yet. He will be guiding Berry and Wood Brothers Racing back to Victory Lane.
But what makes Miles Stanley the right man for the job? How did he get here? And what does his future with Josh Berry hold? Let’s take a closer look at the career of the man who might just be the next big name in NASCAR crew chiefs.
Who is Miles Stanley?
While Miles Stanley might not be a household name like some NASCAR crew chiefs, he’s no stranger to the sport. A native of Akron, Ohio, Miles Stanley built an impressive career in NASCAR over the past decade. A graduate of the University of Akron, Stanley began his motorsports journey with the Formula SAE program, where he began building open-wheel cars during his time in college.
Later, he joined open-wheel racing with Polestar Racing Group in the Champ Car Atlantic Series, even working with Katherine Legge. He transitioned to stock car racing in 2009, joining Robby Gordon Motorsports before moving to BK Racing in 2012.
Stanley has spent years developing his expertise, working with some of the best teams in the NASCAR Cup Series. His attention to detail, ability to adapt to ever-changing race conditions, and strategic mindset have earned him respect in the garage. Before joining Wood Brothers Racing, Stanley was a key figure at Team Penske, where he contributed to their success across multiple seasons. His engineering background has made him an asset, helping to optimize car performance and pit strategies.
Now, with his appointment as Josh Berry’s crew chief, Stanley is stepping into the spotlight, ready to take on one of the biggest challenges of his career.
From race engineer to crew chief: Miles Stanley’s rise in NASCAR
In 2013, Stanley joined Team Penske, where he worked as a race engineer for Joey Logano’s No. 22 team. During his tenure from 2013 to 2019, he played a pivotal role in securing 21 race wins and Logano’s first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2018. His technical expertise and ability to optimize performance earned him recognition as one of the top engineers in the sport.
Miles Stanley’s career trajectory continued upward as he transitioned to Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 team in 2020. He later served as crew chief for Team Penske’s part-time No. 33 entry with Austin Cindric in 2021, gaining valuable experience atop the pit box. By 2022, he became Team Penske’s performance engineering manager, contributing to back-to-back Cup Series championships for the organization in 2022 and 2023.
Stanley’s journey from race engineer to crew chief is a testament to his dedication and technical acumen. His time at Team Penske allowed him to develop a deep understanding of race strategy, aerodynamics, and vehicle dynamics—skills that are crucial for success in modern NASCAR.
His appointment as crew chief for Wood Brothers Racing marks a new chapter in his career. The team has a storied history in NASCAR, with 100 all-time wins and partnerships with legends like David Pearson and Cale Yarborough. For Stanley, leading the No. 21 team during its 75th milestone year is both an honor and a challenge.
Miles Stanley reciprocated Jon Wood’s feelings. “The Wood Brothers name is synonymous with the sport of NASCAR, and to be able to serve as the crew chief for the iconic No. 21 is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with Josh Berry, whose skills and enthusiasm are sure to bring great value to the team,” Stanley further added.
“Miles has built an impressive resume filled with wins and championships,” said Jon Wood, president of Wood Brothers Racing. “His commitment and track record make him a perfect fit for the No. 21 team,” he further added. This confidence underscores Stanley’s potential to elevate Josh Berry and Wood Brothers Racing to new heights in the competitive Cup Series landscape.
Will Miles Stanley’s partnership with Josh Berry be a force in NASCAR?
The pairing of Josh Berry and Miles Stanley has already generated excitement among fans and analysts alike. Berry, known for his adaptability and consistency, has proven himself as one of NASCAR’s rising stars. Miles Stanley’s technical expertise complements Josh Berry’s driving style, creating a partnership that could thrive on NASCAR’s biggest stage. “I’m looking forward to working with Josh Berry,” Stanley said. “His skills and enthusiasm are sure to bring great value to the team.”
The alliance between Wood Brothers Racing and Team Penske further strengthens this pairing. The shared resources and technical support from Penske give Stanley and Berry access to cutting-edge technology and data analytics, leveling the playing field against powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing.
Win 101 in year 75.
The legacy of @woodbrothers21 grows with help from @joshberry. pic.twitter.com/aiM930AtO8
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 17, 2025
After the win at Las Vegas in 2025, Team President and co-owner Jon Wood had a simple verdict. “Sometimes they’ll put an asterisk beside a speedway race. It’s speedway racing. He dominated those last 20 laps. Look at our track position, our qualifying, the whole package from Daytona to now, if you throw out COTA, you’re not supposed to throw ’em out, but if you do, his qualifying average is fifth. He’s either led or won in every race since. It’s not supposed to be this easy. I think that’s just a testament to his level of focus and [crew chief] Miles [Stanley]’[s} big brain.”
What does the 2025 Cup Series season hold for Josh Berry and Wood Brothers Racing?
The 2025 season is pivotal for both Josh Berry and Wood Brothers Racing. As the team celebrates its diamond anniversary, expectations are high for competitive performances on track. The addition of Miles Stanley as crew chief signals a renewed focus on strategy and execution.
Bowman Gray Stadium kicked off the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season with the inaugural Clash on February 2, 2025. This unique venue, known for its tight turns and short-track racing, set the stage for an exciting start. Josh Berry, driving for Wood Brothers Racing, showcased his skills by finishing a decent 13th, gaining momentum as he headed into the rest of the season.
The Daytona 500, held on February 16, 2025, was a thrilling race that saw William Byron take victory for the second consecutive year. Josh Berry, unfortunately, finished 37th after a DNF. The race featured multiple lead changes and dramatic moments, including a significant crash that involved several top contenders. Berry’s ability, despite the eventual fate, to navigate through the chaos demonstrated his potential for the upcoming races.
At Phoenix Raceway, Berry improved his performance significantly, finishing in 4th place. This result was a positive sign for Wood Brothers Racing as they aimed to build momentum heading into the next race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The culmination of these races led to an exhilarating victory on March 16, 2025.
Josh Berry capitalized on a strong pit strategy and flawless execution from his team, earning his first career win in the NASCAR Cup Series. The victory not only marked a significant milestone for Berry but also solidified Miles Stanley’s impact as crew chief for Wood Brothers Racing.
“I have an amazing group around me…the biggest thing I am trying to remember is to trust those around because they’re really smart and not overthink it.” Josh Berry said after his race win. Fans, too, celebrated this achievement as a testament to their hard work and determination throughout the early part of the season.
Eddie Wood agreed when he said, “We ran really well all year so far, early in the season. Things felt right. They just feel right. I think Josh fits us. Miles fits us. Everything just fits. I used to make fun of people years ago when they would talk about chemistry. Football teams, baseball, all that. Then it kind of bled over into racing. This goes back a few years. When things click, they click.”
With Miles Stanley calling the shots and Josh Berry proving his talent on the track, Wood Brothers Racing is entering a new era of competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series. Their Las Vegas victory was just the beginning, showcasing the potential of this dynamic duo. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Stanley and Berry to see if they can maintain this momentum and bring the legendary No. 21 car back to consistent success. With Team Penske’s backing, Stanley’s strategic mind, and Berry’s hunger for victory, this partnership might just be one of the most exciting storylines in NASCAR this year.
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