Overview
- Wood Brothers Racing announced on June 10 that it will not exercise Josh Berry’s option for 2027, leaving the No. 21 chartered Cup seat open.
- Berry will continue driving the No. 21 through the rest of 2026 while he pursues new opportunities after a season of mixed results that has him near 30th in the standings.
- Analysts and reporters identify several possible fits for Berry in 2027, including Hendrick Motorsports as a longshot because Alex Bowman is in a contract year, Richard Childress Racing because its lineup is unsettled after Kyle Busch’s death, Front Row Motorsports as a realistic Ford-aligned option, and a possible return to JR Motorsports.
- A recent rumor mentioned on a NASCAR podcast suggested Jesse Love as a potential Wood Brothers replacement, but that report is unconfirmed and should be treated as speculation.
- Team decisions will hinge on charter value, manufacturer partnerships and existing contracts, so Berry’s next move could trigger further roster shifts and affect prospects who are waiting for full-time Cup opportunities.