By Cameron Bebeau, Staff Writer

Josh Berry will not return to Wood Brothers Racing’s No. 21 Ford in 2027, opening one of NASCAR’s most historic rides after a two-year run with the organization.

Berry addressed the news with a measured perspective during a teleconference that, according to Bob Pockrass, had been scheduled for a couple of days. While Berry acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future, he made it clear that he still believes he belongs at NASCAR’s highest level.

“It’s tough to have happen,” Berry said. “But at the same time, I’ve been extremely fortunate to get the opportunities I’ve had and been extremely fortunate to drive for the Wood Brothers and this team.”

The news comes less than a year and a half after Berry delivered Wood Brothers Racing its 101st NASCAR Cup Series victory, winning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in just his fifth start with the organization.

“You never know what doors might open up,” Berry said. “We’re gonna work hard to try to land on our feet and find something.”

The 2026 season, however, has been a difficult one for Berry and the No. 21 team. Following the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Berry sits 30th in the Cup Series standings with two top-10 finishes and four DNFs through 15 races.

Despite a difficult stretch, Berry pointed to the win at Las Vegas as evidence of what he still believes he can do. He said that while he does not have any expectations or plans for where he may land next, he remains open to any opportunity.

With Berry’s future now uncertain, attention turns to where the Wood Brothers may look next. The No. 21 seat is one of the most recognizable rides in NASCAR, and its connections to Team Penske and Ford make the vacancy one of the more notable pieces of the 2027 driver market.

A potential scenario being discussed involves Berry landing at Front Row Motorsports in the No. 4 Ford, with current Front Row Motorsports driver Noah Gragson potentially moving to Richard Childress Racing to drive the team’s second car. This has been discussed as part of the larger silly season picture, though neither move has been formally announced.

For Berry, the immediate focus remains on finding his next opportunity while finishing out his time with the Wood Brothers. Around him, the 2027 driver market is already beginning to take shape, with Corey Heim officially set to move into 23XI Racing’s third team and Riley Herbst viewed as the driver for Legacy Motor Club’s third car expansion team.

Berry’s exit from the No. 21 adds another major opening to that picture, signaling that NASCAR’s silly season isn’t approaching – it’s already underway.