Josh Berry is Our Grassroots Racer

How did we feel when we were approached about our sponsorship of Josh Berry in the Stewart-Haas No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at Darlington’s Throwback Weekend?

Excited. Honored. And not at all surprised.

Because when it comes to picking a driver who exemplifies what it means to be a grassroots racer who’s worked his way to the sport’s top series, there’s no better pick than our guy.

Berry’s grassroots pedigree is undeniable. He’s a long-time short track racer who’s done a little bit of everything, including serving as a crew chief and his own mechanic, on occasion. He’s the all-time winningest driver in CARS Tour history, and won a national championship in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series. He’s worked his way up through the ranks, and the former bank teller says he wouldn’t take anything for his journey.

“I think my story’s pretty unique in that I spent most of a decade racing these short tracks,” he said. “I’m not gonna lie, there were days when I thought I’d never make it to NASCAR’s top three series. I was lucky enough to get an opportunity through JR Motorsports to get some experience in the Xfinity car and made the most of it, and now I’m Cup racing. I wouldn’t do anything different. Not one bit. I loved every bit of my path to being here and the years of racing these short tracks, working on my own racecar, taking it to the racetrack, and I loved every part of everything I did and obviously had a ton of success. I think everything in life, if you work for it and put your hands on it, it makes it a little more meaningful.”

Berry’s career has included several stops at the historic short tracks of South Carolina, including wins at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. As he turns his attention toward the Pee Dee, he thinks of historic tracks in that area, too.

“When I think Florence, I think back to Myrtle Beach Speedway,” Berry said. “I spent a lot of time racing there over the years. Fortunately when Myrtle Beach went away the promoter there purchased Florence Speedway and began operating there, and really what that meant was a lot of us started making the trip to Florence to support him in what he was doing because of what started at Myrtle Beach. It’s just been a really fun place. He’s done a great job with it and it’s just been a fun place to race.”

He's hoping to have a little fun at Darlington Raceway next month, too. And he loves the idea of honoring his crew chief, Rodney Childers, and Childers’ former glory as a short track late model champion himself.

“I think it’s really cool,” he said. “You think back to iconic paint schemes that you raced against or that you ran, and for me, a throwback is kind of unique. I think it’s a great opportunity to incorporate your partners and do something fun and special.”

Berry said honoring Childers’ car was a great choice.

“I’m not one to throwback to myself,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t think I’m there yet. Maybe one day. But to me, it’s about using the opportunity to make it special to your partners. I’m thankful to Harrison’s for being a part of this, for being willing to change up their paint scheme, their branding, and their colors a little bit to be a part of this. It really means a lot to us. And obviously, to incorporate Rodney and his success at the grassroots level just really makes it fun. I think it’s going to be a special weekend for him, and hopefully we’ll have a great day.”