“Our First Race Wasn’t Great” – Josh Berry’s Admission Leads Dale Earnhardt Jr To Applaud Jeff Gordon And Rick Hendrick As Chase Elliott’s Star Replacement Begins His Cup Series Career

Among the retirement news of Kevin Harvick, Tony Steward has announced the driver’s replacement for the next season. As we all know, it’s none other than Josh Berry, who will be seen driving the  #4 Ford Mustang starting in the 2024 season. With the Xfinity driver being the center of attention with this recent update, he was even seen as a guest on Dale Earnhardt Jr‘ podcast, where JR Motorsport owner and Berry’s boss talked about the career-changing moment for the 32-year-old. 

It all started when Chase Elliott fractured his tibia in a snowboarding accident and left his #9 car seat empty to be filled by Berry. In the podcast, Josh mentioned that he was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Tony Stewart’s team and believes that it would not have happened if it wasn’t for Chase Elliott’s injury that landed him to drive his Chevy in five Cup Series races.

Speaking to Elliot’s replacement, Dale Earnhardt Jr also gave credit to Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick have having great foresight.

Talking to Dale Earnhardt Jr, Josh Berry Gets Candid About His Overwhelming Year

Josh Berry finished 29th in the Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway when he first replaced Chase Elliott. Although the result was nothing to write home about, that night kicked off a series of events for Berry that arguably made 2023 his best year in NASCAR. And on the 464th episode of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, he came to talk about that in detail. 

Before going on the track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Josh had experience running in cup races just twice, back in 2021. As William Byron won at Vegas, Josh finished two laps behind his Hendrick Motorsports teammate. Still, seeing this, Dale Earnhardt Jr gave credit to Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick for choosing Josh. 

In the episode titled ‘Marching 4Ward’, with 4 being the charter of Berry’s next year’s car, Dale Jr said, “You got to give Alan [Gustafson], Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick checking out and all them, a lot of credit because yeah, they did have a pool of drivers they could have pulled from to try different things throughout that process. But I think that your work ethic and the amount of effort you put into it and being accountable and presentable and available”.

Surprisingly, as much as fans and everyone else was impressed with Josh doing justice as Elliot’s replacement, he wasn’t satisfied himself. 

Before Junior praised the HMS camp, Berry made a shocking revelation, saying, “So it was you know it was, it was amazing, and like I said even with that being said you know I’m so thankful for them for thinking of me and give me that opportunity and even after our first race, our first race wasn’t great by any means.” 

Sharing what issues he was facing, he said, “It was, you know, last second deal we had you know, had had no experience in the next Gen car. It was kind of a whirlwind, literally no preparation at all, and then you had an issue with the car.“

To this, Earnhardt Jr revealed that it was Josh’s efforts that left an outstanding impression on the selectors. 

There’s no doubt that Josh Berry has to put in more effort to climb the ladder of success. The reason is he didn’t come into NASCAR with any pre-existing connection. Earnhardt Jr thinks the same, and that’s why he said, “Most people that I know in this sport have a connection to it, right? Have a relationship to it, whether it’s Ken [Schrader], like me. I came up through my grandfather, my dad, and everybody, right, was involved in racing. You came from Nashville. You came from Tennessee, driving a Legend’s car. You’ve been on this road to get to this very top level.” 

Read More: Josh Berry’s Revelation About Tony Stewart Talks Makes a Mockery of Rick Hendrick & Chase Elliott Myth

Considering that Josh has no connection, Earnhardt Jr moved the conversation forward, asking him how he handles everything alone. 

Answering Dale’s Question, Josh Berry Reveals His Biggest Three Pillars of Support

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When a driver comes into NASCAR with a connection, let’s just say they have a lot less riding on them. But that wasn’t the case with Josh Berry. Acknowledging this, Dale Earnhardt Jr mentions that earlier, when he was working to reach the top level, he didn’t even have a family. However, the scenario has changed quite a bit. Not only does Berry has a family, but he also has connections in the sport. 

Speaking on that, he revealed, “I have 3 Hall of Famers that I’m going to be able to lean on right now. I’m going to have you. I’m going to have Kevin Harvick and I’m going to have Tony Stewart right that I can lean on whenever I have questions about you know anything”. 

It’s still some time before the 2024 season starts, but fans’ expectations from Josh are growing higher and higher. So what do you think? Will Josh Berry be able to build on the legacy that Harvick is leaving behind?

Watch The Story: Is Tony Stewart Responsible for Rick Hendricks Bitter Snub at Josh Berry Amid Chase Elliott Reprehension?