In June 2023, Josh Berry was announced to be the successor to Kevin Harvick; set to take the reins of the No. 4 car in 2024. But Berry did not want to wait for next year to get his feet wet. He’s teamed up with Kevin Harvick’s former crew chief, Rodney Childers, during his recent foray into Late Model Stock car racing. These moments on the track might just be the perfect opportunity for Berry to gel with his new crew chief.

Berry himself recently acknowledged the silver lining in his early confirmation to the team, sidestepping the usual pre-season hullabaloo. He admitted that this head start has made it a bit smoother for him to acclimate to the new surroundings, absorb the atmosphere, and ease into his role in the new team.

Josh Berry is relieved that Tony Stewart got the replacement ball rolling early in the season

When quizzed about being confirmed as the successor of Kevin Harvick and avoiding the usual ‘Silly Season’ frenzy, Berry’s response was brimming with positivity. He mentioned, “Definitely a positive for sure to get all that handled early in the year and just to know what you are doing and having time to work towards it and… Soaking in and enjoy it, I guess, in a way too. It’s been it has just been a fun year, right?”

He continued, “Like a lot a lot of really exciting things happening. And finally, you know, I actually approached the end of this past season and work at the off-season and everything starting to definitely set in a little bit more and become a little more real.”

The selection of Josh Berry was not without its fair share of drama, though. At first, there were whispers that the wealth of his father paved his way to becoming Harvick’s successor at Stewart-Haas Racing. But Tony Stewart put those rumors to bed, affirming that Berry earned his spot fair and square. After all, it was Dale Earnhardt Jr who first spotted Berry’s talent on iRacing about a decade ago.

It’s been a long road for Berry to finally make his full-time Cup Series debut. But now, with a solid rapport already established with his new crew chief, 2024 might just be the year Berry truly dazzles on the track.

Watch This Story: Kevin Harvick’s Last NASCAR Race

Berry talks about his chemistry with Rodney Childers

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Having a strong rapport with your crew chief is key for any driver. Fortunately for Josh Berry, it seems he is already on the same wavelength as Rodney Childers, who will be calling the shots for him at Tony Stewart’s #4 Cup Series team in 2024. Berry opened up about their chemistry during a chat with Matt Weaver from The Guardian.

Berry shared, “I think it is good. I felt really good about everything about that. Obviously, he is a high-level crew chief, and won a ton of races, I mean, I have a ton of faith in him and so to be able to spend some time with him…we have always had a pretty good relationship, and coming to do this reaffirms all that.”

Read More: Josh Berry Divulges the Significance of Kevin Harvick Inc. Debut Amidst His SHR #4 Takeover-“To Spend Some Time With Him”

While it might be bittersweet not seeing Kevin Harvick on the track, Berry’s upcoming stint is shaping up to be an exciting new chapter to watch unfold. Do you think the 33-year-old can fill the shoes of the legendary Kevin Harvick?