Josh Berry Admits Late Model Racing Is Getting Hard Due to NASCAR After “Embarrassing Mistake” at Thanksgiving Classic

Wood Brothers Racing driver Josh Berry has shared his thoughts on drop in Late Model Racing form after 2025 Thanksgiving Classic.

Josh Berry Admits Late Model Racing Is Getting Hard Due to NASCAR After “Embarrassing Mistake” at Thanksgiving Classic

Josh Berry (Via @MQL_Racing/X)

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Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry made a carer for himself in NASCAR taking advantage of the impressive years he had in the Late Model Racing Series. It paved his way to JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series and now in the top tier, a Cup winner at the age of 35. But the success at the premier division came with a cost.

Josh Berry realized this after the 2025 Thanksgiving Classic crown at Southern National Motorsports Park. He finished second in the race, after two big mistakes in the race costing him the opportunity to secure the third win at the venue. The first mistake was him failing use the clutch, causing a significant crash, after he spaced out.

Yeah, man, the first one, honestly, I think I just didn’t use the clutch. I’ve had trouble with, you know, going to Cup cars and spending time in those cars and then coming back here. And I think I just spaced out and made a mental mistake there. I just didn’t use the clutch and didn’t get it in fourth.

Josh Berry said via Matt Weaver.

This made him realize he needs to be more focused on the Late Model side, as his he is less in tough with the style of racing due to his NASCAR commitments. The second mistake that resulted in a spin was a regular racing incident, which could have been avoided. These two incidents combined cost him the opportunity to make history.  

And, you know, I tore up some cars there. That was pretty embarrassing. But after that, it was fine. And yeah, the restart with Lee—honestly, I don’t really know. I haven’t seen it, obviously. But I felt like I was cleared down and got right into it.

Josh Berry added.

Josh Berry doesn’t have any plans to race till the NASCAR clash

In the same interview, he was asked about his plans till the start of the 2026 NASCAR season and he asserted that racing is not in the schedule. He admitted that he loves racing in couple of races in the Late Model series, but doesn’t have the same amount time as he used to invest in it.

Josh Berry
Josh Berry (Via IMAGO)

Yeah, no, just the Clash is next up for me. It’s been fun coming and doing this. You know, once or twice a year is good enough for me at this point. But it’s always fun to come back here and just be fast and competitive and qualify well and race well.

Josh Berry said.

He then reiterated that things get harder and harder for him every time when he comes back from NASCAR, but he still cherishes it. Berry loves that he that despite all the struggles he is competitive, and strong enough to win races.  

I always say it gets harder and harder every time I come back and do this. It feels so much different. But just to pop in with these guys like that and run as competitive as we did and have a shot at the thing is pretty cool.

Josh Berry added.

The comments from the Wood Brother Racing driver shows he is determined to continue racing for wins in the lower series, but at the same time he is also taking enough break to get himself ready for the 2026 season. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the racer in the coming days.

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