“The nice thing about teamwork is that you always have others on your side” — this quote is perfect for Josh Berry and his crew chief, Rodney Childers. Childers has supported the SHR driver throughout his journey, vowing that Berry wouldn’t fail under his watch and he did make sure he performed well. Now with SHR closing, Berry has succeeded at the level where he can take another seat and in 2025 will join Wood Brothers Racing.

While Berry’s future is clear, the same cannot be said about Rodney Childers. While many suggested that the duo is a package, things aren’t unfolding in that path. Moreover, the crew chief’s emotional comments do give birth to some doubts. 

The Rodney Childers and Josh Berry saga might come to an end

Stewart Haas Racing’s end is for sure a blow to Rodney Childers, who has spent years dedicated to his role. After investing so much time and effort, the team becomes like a family. So, naturally, the harsh truth that he will not race with Josh Berry or SHR anymore must have been a bitter pill to swallow. In a recent interview, Childers openly shared his emotions as he came to terms with the team’s closure. 

Matt Weaver highlighted Childers’ statement he gave to Sportsnaut. Childers said, “I’ve cried at least once every week because it’s hard for me to picture racing without them if that makes any sense at all. Like, I’ve raced with Cheddar (Robert Smith) and all these guys, the same car chief and shop foreman.” And when Matt Weaver reposted it, Childers even hearted the post. 

For Rodney, Stewart Haas Racing was more than just a team over the past 15 years; it was his family. Making matters worse, the widely-held assumption that he and Berry would join a new team as a package now seems like a distant dream. In a recent exchange, Bob Pockrass hinted at this, responding to a fan on X who wrote, “If Rodney doesn’t go with [Berry], I’m going to start throwing hands.” Pockrass’ reply, “Might need ice for your hands,” hence suggested that a joint move is pretty unlikely.

As one of the top crew chiefs in NASCAR, Childers will undoubtedly have opportunities, but whether he will be with Wood Brothers Racing remains uncertain. But Berry meanwhile said something else, and that has sparked some hope!

Josh Berry hints at a possible reunion with current crew chief at Wood Brothers Racing

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Josh Berry joined SHR just in 2024 and took the seat of Kevin Harvick. It was not easy to fill in the shoes of someone at the level of Harvick, however; he had the support. When he joined SHR, he didn’t just take over Harvick’s car but also his crew chief, Rodney Childers. As for the news of the perfect crew chief and driver duo separating, Josh Berry indicated that Wood Brothers Racing and Team Penske are looking at internal and external candidates to find the fit that best aligns with the #12 and the #22 cars. Recently speaking with SiriusXM, Berry touched upon his relationship with Childers and even hinted at ongoing discussions that might indicate there is still a chance fans could see the duo together next season.

Josh Berry said via SiriusXM, “I’ve had a great relationship with Rodney and Rodney is going to meet with them. And it’s gonna come down to all these things put together. Everyone deserves a fair opportunity at it. I know that they’re gonna put through it and talk amongst themselves and make the best decision and really that’s what it’s gonna come down to.”

Rodney Childers is one of the best crew chiefs in NASCAR and his input to a team would do any team good. Even if he doesn’t join Wood Brothers Racing, he has plenty of choices. He could join FRM, which has acquired one of the SHR charters. and given that Childers has experience in working with teams from the ground up, he could help them navigate how to get to the front of the pack. He could also join the Haas Factory team, and continue his relationship with SHR in some manner at least. 

23XI and Trackhouse Racing also need experienced people in their teams to become championship-worthy, hence a great spot for one of the best crew chiefs in NASCAR. So what do you think? Will Childers join Wood Brothers Racing or will he have to join somewhere else?