Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 16 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Josh Berry

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

No. 21 Car – Wood Brothers Racing

2025 Stats

Standings	16th
Wins	1
Points	2,150
Stage Points	85
Stage Wins	1
Laps Led	207
Lead Lap Finishes	20
Average Finish	21.7
DNFs	9
Races since last win	31

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Josh Berry made the playoffs in 2025 because of the win-and-you’re-in rule, after he scored his first and only Cup Series victory at Las Vegas.  While another win isn’t completely out of the cards for him in 2026, Josh Berry is going to need to keep his car a bit cleaner in order to try and qualify for The Chase.  With 9 DNFs last year (second only to Cody Ware), that severely hurt his point totals.  Success is probably a cleaner year with less crashes, and more consistency.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

It’s funny that Berry’s lone win came at Las Vegas, as he’s actually known more as a short track driver.  For some reason, he’s always been great at Las Vegas, and with it being on the schedule twice, he could score another win there in 2026.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

Berry most likely stays winless in 2026, particularly because of the equipment he’s in, and because the Cup Series field is pretty stacked.  Staying in the Top 20 of the final standings is probably where he finishes.

Bold Prediction?

Berry wins BOTH Las Vegas races in 2026.