Possible 2024 Landing Spots in Cup for Josh Berry

Larry McReynolds let it leak on NASCAR XM radio Friday that Josh Berry would go full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024. Larry added that the news would break in Charlotte on the Coke 600 weekend at the end of May. I reached out to a few sources in several big teams of which 2 at different teams said, "He's coming here." Now of course, that's not much help. 

With that being said, let's take a look at a couple of the best options available for Berry coming in 2024.

Wood Brothers #21 Mustang

Harrison Burton during Dover Practice. Image: Harrison Burton Twitter

The Wood Brothers are a legendary team in NASCAR. Being the oldest team still racing in the sport, they've got a long... storied history. 2022 the team added former Toyota driver Harrison Burton to the 21 team, in the 46 races since, Burton has scored 2 Top-10 finishes (compare that to 9 in 2021 with DiBenedetto). The 21 team is in the need of some new blood. Josh Berry could be just what they need. I see this as a less likely option, but an option nonetheless.  

Stewart-Haas Racing #4 or #10

Kevin Harvick’s Hunt Brothers Pizza Dover car. Image: SHR

With Kevin Harvick retiring for sure and Aric Almirola potentially... That's 2 very good cars coming available. Berry is a big name in the sport right now so the #4 (over the 10) could be a big beacon shining in the near distance for Berry. A solid ride, good sponsorship base and a guaranteed opening could be just what Josh may be looking for in his first full-time Cup season. Likelihood? Highest. 

Joe Gibbs Racing #19

Martin Truex Jr's Dover car at the shop. Image: JGR Twitter

It's no secret that Martin Truex Jr has talked of retiring, apparently Coach Gibbs made him an offer to stay in the 19 car for 2023 and clearly that worked. But what of 2024? If he does decide to hang it up, that leaves a PRIME Toyota car open for the taking. Berry being a big name could help motivate sponsorship and his obvious talent doesn't hurt either. 2 Top-10s in a top Cup ride show what he could accomplish. Likelihood? Meh.

Spire Motorsports

Corey LaJoie's Fraternal Order of Eagles Car at Dover. Image: Spire Motorsports

Spire is that little team that is setting out to do big things. The team scored their first win in 2019 at Daytona with Justin Haley in the 77 car and in 2021 brought in a second car for Corey LaJoie in the #7 and the team has slowly but consistently improved since day 1. Spire now fields cars for Ty Dillon and their anchor driver Corey LaJoie, but if Lajoie was to move on like some think he may to a bigger team, that could leave a decent and growing ride open for Berry. Likelihood? Meh. 

JR Motorsports #88(?)

Dale Jr's Hellmann's Mayonnaise car from 2022. Image: JRM

Again on the list of "not a secret", Dale Jr has spoken for some time about his desire to run a team in the Cup Series. Getting a charter seems to be the only thing holding JR back at the moment, but what if they secretly acquired one from say.... Rick Ware Racing? Berry could stay with his long time employer and Jr could get his dream of owning a Cup team with a very solid driver. The team has a paint reveal on May 25th at JRM for Dale's Hellmann's #88 Xfinity car... But that date could potentially have a little more to it. Likelihood? ​Higher than you might think.

By: Tom Luttermoser with input from SFM Staff