For the first time in Josh Berry's young NASCAR Cup career, Wood Brothers Racing driver will enter the 2026 season with something he's never had before—the same crew chief he worked with the previous year. ' Berry, who was with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024 before joining the Wood Brothers in 2025, is looking forward to a smoother transition this time around.
With the same group, same crew chief, same engineers, and everyone else, it feels like they're not starting over as much. This has made the off-season feel a little longer because you're not doing as much random stuff that you've got to check off.
Berry's team knows that their statistics need improvement from last season, where they acquired the team's 101st and Berry's first career Cup victory at Las Vegas. They are looking to address issues on pit road, mechanical problems, and decision making towards the end of races.
Berry believes that this change will make the Wood Brothers a victory contender at shorter tracks, which was probably their strongest last year. The new engine package is set to debut in the February 1 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where Berry has a strong track record.
m ET on Fox.
The continuity between Josh Berry and crew chief Samuel Stanley will likely be a key factor in their success this season, as it allows them to fine-tune their strategy and make adjustments without having to relearn each other. With the new engine package, Berry is confident that they can become a strong contender at shorter tracks.
