Josh Berry's breakthrough win sets a new standard, now can the Wood Brothers' single-car team truly challenge for a championship in 2026?
As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, all eyes are on the storied Wood Brothers Racing team and their driver, Josh Berry.
Entering his second year with the No. 21 Ford Mustang, Berry's 2025 campaign was nothing short of a revelation. The team, known for its rich history dating back to 1950, finally broke through in a big way last season. Berry's first career Cup Series victory was a monumental achievement, propelling him into Victory Lane and securing a spot in the playoffs. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement that this single-car operation, backed by the technical alliance with Team Penske, could punch above its weight in a field dominated by multi-car powerhouses.
That breakthrough win came at a pivotal moment for Berry, who at 35 years old is no longer a wide-eyed rookie. Now in his third full season of Cup racing overall, the clock is ticking if he's to evolve from a solid performer into a legitimate championship contender.
Last year's success raised the bar: making the playoffs and tasting victory. For an encore in 2026, repeating that feat—another win and a postseason berth—would thrill the Wood Brothers organization. But the question lingers: Are they true contenders or merely pretenders flashing occasional brilliance? Berry's age adds urgency; drivers in their mid-30s often hit their prime, but the window for title contention can close quickly in NASCAR's unforgiving landscape.
Berry's strengths are well-defined, honed from his late-model racing roots and prior Cup experience.
He's a force on short tracks, where his aggressive style and car control shine. Tracks like Martinsville, Bristol, and Richmond play to his wheelman instincts, allowing him to muscle the car through tight corners and traffic.
On intermediate ovals—the mile-and-a-half venues like Kansas or Las Vegas—he's solid, consistently running in the top 15 and occasionally sniffing the top 10.
However, areas for improvement are glaring. Superspeedways such as Daytona and Talladega have been hit-or-miss, with pack racing exposing vulnerabilities in strategy and luck. Road courses, like Sonoma or Watkins Glen, remain a weak link, where Berry's adaptation to shifting and braking zones hasn't yet matched the series' elite.
One potential game-changer for 2026 could be NASCAR's decision to increase horsepower to 750 on select tracks, particularly short tracks. This tweak aims to reduce aero dependency and emphasize driver skill—exactly where Berry excels.
More power under the hood means less reliance on clean air and more opportunities for passing via throttle control and bravery. Analysts suggest Berry might benefit more than any other driver from this change, as it aligns perfectly with his short-track prowess. If he can capitalize, expect standout performances at venues where raw talent separates the field.
The Wood Brothers' resources shouldn't be underestimated. Their partnership with Team Penske provides access to top-tier engineering, simulation data, and parts, giving them a fighting chance despite being a one-car team. Yet, broader challenges loom for Ford Performance as a whole.
In 2025, Ford's wins were sparse outside of Ryan Blaney's efforts with Penske. The manufacturer claimed just two additional victories: Berry's triumph and one from Austin Cindric, also under the Penske umbrella.
This underscores Ford's need for improvement in engine reliability, aerodynamics, and overall speed to compete with Chevrolet and Toyota's dominance. If Ford steps up, the Wood Brothers could ride that wave; if not, they'll be fighting an uphill battle.
Berry has undoubtedly earned his place in the Cup Series. His journey from grassroots racing to Stewart-Haas Racing and now Wood Brothers showcases resilience and talent. But history isn't kind to drivers at this team—turnover has been high, with past competitors like Matt DiBenedetto or Harrison Burton moving on after short stints.
The pressure is on Berry to deliver wins and playoff appearances to solidify his tenure. Consistency will be key: avoiding DNFs, maximizing stage points, and seizing opportunities in a format that rewards single-race heroics.
Looking ahead, every single-car team dreams of emulating Martin Truex Jr.'s improbable 2017 championship with Furniture Row Racing—a satellite operation that punched its way to the title. Could Berry and the Wood Brothers follow suit? It's a long shot, but 2026 feels like a crucial building block.
With refined skills on diverse tracks, horsepower boosts playing to his strengths, and potential Ford advancements, this could be the year they inch closer to contention. If Berry strings together top-fives and another victory, the narrative shifts from underdog to threat.
The season kicks off soon, and for Wood Brothers Racing, the goal is clear: turn last year's magic into sustained momentum.
In a series where parity is preached but powerhouses prevail, Berry's story is one of grit. At 35, he's not too old to dream big, but 2026 must show progress.
Fans of the No. 21 will watch eagerly, hoping this partnership blossoms into something legendary.
The Wood Brothers have the heritage; now, they need the hardware.