Super-Sub Josh Berry Nets P2 Finish at Richmond

Berry after his runner up finish at Richmond. Image: Twitter, original unknown

Short track superstar Josh Berry runs full time in the Xfinity Series for Junior Motorsports and that gave him the unique opportunity to do something not many have done before. Berry got a fill in spot for the biggest race team in NASCAR. 

2020 Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott broke his leg in a skiing accident before the Las Vegas race a few weeks back and Josh has been in that seat for all but 1 race ever since. Before Vegas, Berry had only run 2 Cup Series races for Spire Motorsports and finished Top-30 in both events. But since Berry has taken over the #9 NAPA Camaro for Elliott, he has scored a 10th place finish at Phoenix and then backed that up with a vengeance at Richmond. Pit strategy left Berry out late in the race where he led his first 10 laps in the Cup Series only for the caution to fall at just the right time. 

The #9 team performed perfectly on pit road to get out second and give Berry the opportunity he needed. Berry tried to get even with eventual winner and temporary teammate Kyle Larson but just couldn't do it. Berry still held out for a runner up finish in only his 4th start in the #9 Chevrolet.

Berry is the first driver since 2004 and Kasey Kahne to finish second outside of a superspeedway in their first 6 race in the Cup Series. Berry will return to the 9 this weekend at Bristol to run on the dirt.

By: Tom Luttermoser