Could a reunion between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and one of his most successful protégés, Josh Berry, be on the horizon? Berry’s rise to the NASCAR Cup Series was fueled by hard work rather than corporate backing. Starting as a racer, he climbed the ranks through JR Motorsports (JRM) under Dale Jr.’s mentorship, securing multiple titles and over 100 late-model victories. Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged Berry’s impact, stating, “Josh was a big part of that,” referring to the team’s growth.
Berry’s big break in the 2024 Cup Series came with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), but his opportunity was short-lived as SHR announced plans to shut down at the end of the season. Despite this setback, Berry found a new home with Wood Brothers Racing, driving the No. 21 car. In just his fourth race of the 2025 season, he delivered a win at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas, a victory that drew loud praise from his former boss, Dale Jr., on social media.
Interestingly, this success coincided with JRM’s debut in the Cup Series, prompting fans to speculate about a potential reunion. Despite his commitment to Ford and Wood Brothers Racing, Berry didn’t dismiss the idea when asked directly about rejoining JRM. “I feel like that door is definitely still open,” he said, noting that his relationship with Dale Jr. has grown stronger over the years.
Berry’s journey is a testament to perseverance. He began as a mechanic at JRM and worked his way up to a full-time Xfinity ride by 2022. His dedication caught the attention of Tony Stewart, who believed Berry embodied SHR’s work ethic. Though he couldn’t prevent SHR’s closure, Berry has proven his talent with the right support, as seen in his win with Wood Brothers Racing.
For JRM, moving to full-time Cup competition remains a significant challenge. Dale Jr. has often highlighted the financial and logistical hurdles, especially given NASCAR’s costly charter system. However, Rick Hendrick’s influence could play a pivotal role. Hendrick, who has been instrumental in JRM’s growth, facilitated the team’s first Cup appearance by connecting Dale Jr. with country star Chris Stapleton for sponsorship.
With Hendrick’s backing and Berry’s rising profile, the possibility of a JRM Cup Series expansion—and a reunion with Berry—remains an intriguing prospect for the future.
