Josh Berry Aims to Use His HMS Success to Save Tony Stewart’s Sinking Ship

Josh Berry, a new addition to the NASCAR Cup world, is gearing up to take a giant leap from Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) to Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in the forthcoming season. Following Kevin Harvick hanging up his helmet after the 2023 season, Berry, whose talents were honed in the crucible of HMS, finds himself at a thrilling fork in the road, ready to wield his learnings to craft an impressive SHR debut.

The accomplished racer, fresh off a silver medal finish at the Toyota Owners 400, hinted that he plans to blend the wisdom acquired at HMS with the unique ethos of SHR, possibly igniting a vibrant, novel synergy on the track. As the heat of anticipation intensifies, all eyes are peeled on Berry, curious to see how he’ll channel his experience and outlook to steer his future with SHR in NASCAR. This intriguing query was addressed by Berry himself in a fascinating chat with Kyle Rickey.

Josh Berry is excited to start his journey with SHR

Navigating the turbulent waters of team-switching in NASCAR hasn’t always sailed smoothly for drivers, be it due to owner-related squalls, or the chilling winds of sponsorship shortages, as faced by Kyle Busch. Indeed, while Busch commenced his voyage with RCR with a triple crown of victories, such glories don’t wave their flags for everyone. The reality underscores that the movement from one crew to another can sometimes rock the boat.

However, Berry, buoyant with optimism, appears ready to anchor this transition, steered by the self-assurance and adaptability ingrained in him from his previous Cup Series odyssey. Berry’s name became a beacon in the racing world as he stepped in for wounded HMS helmsmen during the 2023 Cup Series. 

When queried about the effects of his early Cup Series successes and how he’ll chart his course with these lessons at SHR, Berry responded with a distinctive cocktail of humility and ambition. He said, “I think it was a great opportunity.” 

Assured of his preparedness for the forthcoming tide, Berry largely attributes this to the formidable crew at his helm.

“I am really excited for that challenge, I think it is something that I am prepared for. And I know most of all that I am going to have a great group. The group with Kevin and Rodney and thereby Stewart-Haas has been the symbol over the years. It’s top-notch group and that’s what I am excited for to know that Yes I am going Cup race, but to go to a established group like Rodney has formed with the four team, it eases my mind a lot.”

Additionally, the young helmsman lavished praise on his tenure with Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), acknowledging the vital navigational aids he gathered during his stint with them. He said, “I know that they (SHR) are going to be excited and ready to help me continue to grow as a driver and do all the things I learned throughout my time at HMS, things that I need to work on. And we’ll be ready for the next year when it comes.”

For the time being, Josh Berry might just be the beacon to guide Tony Stewart‘s floundering vessel back to safe harbors. But was Josh Berry offered to be a part of SHR because of his talents, or was it something else?

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What some may not know is that Josh Berry, now a renowned name in the NASCAR world, was discovered over a decade ago on the virtual racing platform, iRacing, by the one and only Dale Earnhardt Jr. Impressed by his skills, Earnhardt gave him a trial run and subsequently brought him on board to steer his Late Model.

As per autoweek.com, upon hearing of Berry’s transition from Hendrick Motorsports to the Stewart-Haas team, the rumor mill started churning out speculation. The gossip suggested that Berry, courtesy of his father’s deep pockets, was poised to slide into the vacancy left by Kevin Harvick’s departure. However, Tony Stewart, the co-owner of the Stewart-Haas team, was quick to pour cold water on these rumors. 

He said, “I’m not interested in some kid’s father coming in and buying their way into a (NASCAR) Cup Series ride. I’m not at all interested in it. Josh has put in the time and effort necessary to make the most of every opportunity that has come his way. These are the qualities that champion drivers are based on; getting there is not simple.”

It goes without saying that NASCAR enthusiasts are on tenterhooks, hoping to witness Berry replicate the same kind of triumphs he enjoyed in his HMS days.

Read More: Denny Hamlin Tears Apart Josh Berry 2.0’s NASCAR Team for Costing Him a Win