As the IMSA engine sounds take over the Daytona airwaves, the NASCAR Cup Series still remains a little under a month away. The final team to make the playoffs in the countdown is up now. The Wood Brothers managed to nab their 100th win and playoff spot, which turned out to be the only highlight of last season. After 3 years of Harrison Burton, the team decided to bring in Josh Berry to pilot the iconic 21 car. With 25 Days to Daytona left to go, can Josh Berry help right the ship for the Wood Brothers Racing #21 team?

The #21 Team

Driver: Josh Berry

Crew Chief: Miles Stanley

Sponsors: Motorcraft/Quick Lane, DEX Imaging, Tire Pros

2024 Statistics: 2 Top-5s, 4 Top-10s, 96 Laps Led, 22.7 Average Finish

2025 Season Preview

A (Hopeful) Return to Competitiveness

When Harrison Burton was plucked to be the Wood Brothers driver in 2022, there was a bit of surprise and skepticism about the choice. What was understood as a long-term project turned into a disaster. After 3 seasons, it was clear that Harrison Burton was not the driver (at this time) for the ride. With the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing, Wood Brothers managed to tab Josh Berry for the 21. Although his rookie season turned out less than stellar, there is enough good showings there to have hope for 2025.

Unproven Crew Chief

While some longingly wished Rodney Childers would join Josh Berry, ultimately the crew chief position went to Miles Stanley. A long time race engineer for Team Penske, Stanley will return to the pit box for the first time since 2022. 2025 will mark Stanley’s first fulltime season as a crew chief. With his success as an engineer, there is optimism for Stanley to be a successful crew chief. However, Berry struggled at times with Rodney Childers as his crew chief. That does not imply that Berry and Stanley will struggle together this season. Yet, it does not build significant confidence.

Where Does Wood Brothers Lay?

Since Ryan Blaney’s tenure in the 21, where to place the Wood Brothers in the hierarchy of teams has been a quandary. The team is seen as the fourth Team Penske car, yet the performances do not always match. Paul Menard and Matt DiBenedetto were fringe playoff drivers. Meanwhile, Harrison Burton ran with the back markers almost every week. Despite the Penske association, it has been a bit since the 21 has been a formidable competitor. Will that be different this year with well-regarded Josh Berry behind the wheel? Narrative wise, that seems to be the case. However, fans will not know until the rubber hits the track.

Daytona 500 Outlook

In limited Cup starts on superspeedways, Josh Berry has failed to score a Top-10. At Daytona, his best finish was in 2023’s Coke Zero Sugar 400, finishing 22nd as he subbed in for a suspended Noah Gragson. His Daytona struggles also appeared in his Xfinity Series career. Through 5 Daytona starts, Berry has failed to collect a Top-15. Based on his record, superspeedway racing is not Berry’s forte.

With that said, Josh Berry is now joining (via team alliance) the best superspeedway team in the Cup Series. Although the Ford allegiance should have helped last year, being quasi-teammates with Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Cindric can only elevate Berry, at least until the last 10 laps. Qualifying should be a strength for the team, as the Fords usually lay down quick laps. How well the new Wood Brothers driver works with his Penske teammates can be previewed in the duel. As for the Daytona 500, do not expect Josh Berry to prevail as the winner. However, he could come home with his best Daytona finish.

Days to Daytona Countdown

40 Days: Team Penske #22; 39 Days: Team Penske #12; 38 Days: Hendrick #24;

37 Days: 23XI Racing #45; 36 Days: Joe Gibbs Racing #20;

35 Days: Hendrick Motorsports #5; 34 Days: Hendrick Motorsports #9

33 Days: Joe Gibbs Racing #11, 32 Days: Henrick Motorsports #48;

31 Days: Joe Gibbs Racing #19; 30 Days: Team Penske #2;

29 Days: Trackhouse Racing #99; 28 Days: RFK Racing #6;

27 Days: Trackhouse Racing #88; 26 Days: Joe Gibbs Racing #54