“That’s Really Tough” – Kyle Larson Reveals HMS Underdog’s Stress as Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Pride Fired From NASCAR

With Legacy Motor Club facing a social media misstep from one of their drivers, a certain driver has seized the opportunity to step up and take the wheel of the #42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Fate has favored him throughout the season, as unforeseen circumstances involving Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman’s mishaps paved the way for him to race in eight events in the 2023 Cup Series. And 2021 Cup champion Kyle Larson has his own opinion on the matter.

In a heart-to-heart with Frontstretch’s Stephen Stumpf after the Qualifying race at Michigan, NASCAR superstar Kyle Larson opened up about the relentless challenges faced by Josh Berry as he navigates through adversity and changes.

Kyle Larson’s has candid insights on racing adversity

Larson began by acknowledging the hurdles his teammates, Alex and Chase, faced as they struggled to reclaim their rhythm after overcoming injuries earlier in the season. Despite the setback, the #5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver has witnessed glimpses of their former glory, with both drivers showing promising improvements in recent weeks. As an organization, HMS fought tooth and nail to regain its dominance, even if it didn’t appear as formidable as its fans were accustomed to.

During a recent interview with FrontStretch, the dirt track racer was also asked, “Josh Berry is stepping in for Noah Gragson in his car. Do you feel like it’s hard when you’re a driver and you only have like 24 hours’ notice? Josh Berry has done this before for Hendrick. It’s a pretty solid driver, but you know, hey, race tomorrow. That’s pretty quick.”

“Yeah, I don’t know. I haven’t been in his situation—Josh’s in a stock car. There’s been plenty of dirt races where I’m like – oh, we’re going to go run this track, you know, earlier that day where I think it’d be quite a bit different when you’re trying to you know – your mindset’s fully focused, focused on Xfinity and then you get the call to run a cup car the next day. You gotta make yourself fit in this guy’s seat and insert, and you know the pedal position, all that. So, I would assume, you know, that’s really tough, but Josh has got experience with it, so no better guy to call up than him.” Kyle stated.

As the dust settles and the spotlight turns to Berry, fans and experts wonder if he can do more than fill in for others. His track record speaks volumes – three top-10 finishes in his eight showings, including a remarkable second-place finish at Richmond that set a personal Cup Series record. Adding to his accolades, Berry clinched victory at the All-Star Open in North Wilkesboro.

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But it’s not the first time Josh Berry has risen to the occasion.

Josh Berry is the go-to guy for NASCAR’s toughest calls

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Earlier in the season, when Chase Elliott was sidelined due to a frosty mishap on the snowboarding slopes, Berry stepped up to the plate as a stellar pinch-hitter for Hendrick Motorsports. He repeated the feat when Alex Bowman faced a spine-jarring incident in sprint car racing, solidifying his reputation as the go-to guy.

Beyond his skills behind the wheel, Berry’s story is one of perseverance and seizing opportunities. As the heir apparent to Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024, Berry has proven that hard work and determination pay off. Taking over from Noah Gragson in the #42 car at Legacy Motorsports, Berry has shown that he has the talent and embodies the values of a team that seeks excellence.

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For Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports, Berry was the reliable substitute in the #9 Xfinity Series car when Earnhardt Jr. moved up to the Cup Series. This journey from replacement to the spotlight has been nothing short of remarkable, and it has endeared him to fans and earned the respect of fellow racers.

As the NASCAR season approaches its thrilling conclusion, all eyes are again on Berry. With Legacy Motor Club updating their followers about the starting positions for the upcoming race, anticipation is high. Can Josh Berry go beyond filling shoes and carve his own legacy?