Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team in NASCAR. Founded in 1950 by Leonard, Delano, and Glen Wood, the team began its operations in what looked like a tiny shack, a striking contrast to the luxurious headquarters that many modern-day race teams have today. They competed in NASCAR’s oldest division and achieved success in the Modified category, after competing on the dusty short tracks of Virginia and North Carolina during the sport’s pioneering years.

While other teams from this era have shut shop and folded, Wood Brothers Racing remains stronger than ever. In a candid conversation with Kelly Earnhardt, a prominent insider from the family revealed the secret behind the team’s longevity in NASCAR.

An insight into Wood Brothers Racing’s topsy-turvy NASCAR journey

To say that Wood Brothers Racing has impacted NASCAR would be an understatement. What began as a weekend hobby for the three brothers eventually evolved into a full-fledged NASCAR team. While Delano and Leonard Wood worked as mechanics, Glen Wood did the driving earning four Grand National victories before stepping away from the car. Such was their pursuit of excellence that they hired some of the best racers in the business, with the likes of Junior Johnson, Cale Yarborough, Fred Lorenzen, and Bill Elliott representing the team.

However, Jon Wood believes the team’s longevity narrows down to a single factor. Speaking to Kelly Earnhardt, the Wood Brothers Racing president, Jon Wood, said, “I see the way that we’ve made it this long and the successes that we’ve had, and every bit of that is because of being good people, and the ongoing relationships that they have with all these key people.”

He continued, “My dad will get text messages from Jim Farley daily, and it’s like they’re BFF, of course. He and Mr. Ford, they go to movies together during speed weeks. They’re just like normal people to them. I don’t know. It just blows my mind, but I’m terrible at that and that scares me because I see how important it is and how I struggle with it.”

In a sport such as NASCAR, cultivating strong relationships within the industry can be key to survival. It can make all the difference for sponsorships, securing manufacturer deals, as well as hiring the best drivers and crew members. Jon Wood’s explanation may go on to explain how Wood Brothers Racing has survived in a cutthroat industry. Meanwhile, other iconic teams such as Stewart-Haas Racing have been forced to shut their operations. However, despite their dominance in the 1970s, the team hasn’t been immune to struggles in recent times.

In 2008, the team lost sponsor Little Debbie to JTG-Daughtery and the Air Force to Richard Petty Motorsports, forcing them to scale back operations the following year.

Recalling the difficult time, Jon Wood said, “I think going back to part-time is what saved our business because had they tried to keep going, like a lot of teams do, we would have been done. Like we didn’t have the money.” However, Wood Brothers Racing has recovered since then, and despite parting ways with Harrison Burton, expectations are at an all-time high from Josh Berry for 2025.

Jon Wood is unsure if he can replicate his father’s success

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Plenty of pressure arises while running a family-owned racing team like the Wood Brothers Racing. A rich history and legacy weigh upon us, reminding us of the excellence we must strive for. While that may be easier said than done, particularly in an ever-evolving industry such as NASCAR, the team has managed to do a decent job for 74 years. Moreover, Jon Wood has received the prestigious mantle to race them forward.

However, the 43-year-old motorsports executive is unsure if he can live up to the expectations. Knowing that cultivating relationships is key for survival, Wood candidly said, “It’s not that I don’t like the elbow rubbing or whatever you wanna call it. I’m just not good at it.”

The former racing driver went on to say, “My wife will give me a hard time about it too, but like, I don’t have things in common with a 75-year-old former Ford executive. Ford family member. It’s harder for me to relate to guys like that, but my dad does because they grew up in the same era. They have a lot in common and I don’t.”

For Jon Wood, results on track will be key for Wood Brothers Racing’s survival in the foreseeable future. Even though Harrison Burton made it to the playoffs after a dramatic victory at Daytona International Speedway, the results were far from satisfactory for the No. 21 Ford. The hope will be that Josh Berry can turn their fortunes around in 2025, as race wins will help secure sponsorships, which will be key for the team’s long-term future in the sport.