‘Good Racer but Not Great!’ Kyle Petty Gives Josh Berry a Brutal Reality Check Amidst Desperate 2027 Seat Search

Wood Brother Racing announced recently that 2026 would be Josh Berry’s final season with the team, as they have signed young RCR driver Jesse Love to replace the No:21 Ford driver for 2027 and beyond. This has left the veteran in a desperate search for another seat, an unfortunate situation he has found himself in often through out his career.

Ex-racer Kyle Petty recently talked about the uncertainty over the driver’s future on the NASCAR Inside the Race show and had a really blunt opinion. He things Wood Brothers made the right call to replace the ex-JRM driver, considering other than finishing in the top-10 in the last four races, he has been P27 average driver throughout his stint with the Ford side.

I think Josh Berry is a good race car driver. I don’t think Josh Berry is a great race car driver. He averaged like a 27th place finish in the first 21 races of the year and now he’s averaged fifth.

Kyle Petty said on his show.

Josh Berry's recent success isn't an audition for his next ride… you audition for your next ride every time you sit your butt in a race car.

New episode of Inside the Race drops later today. pic.twitter.com/0J5JEEdnNX

— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) August 24, 2026

Further defending the controversial decision, Kyle Petty highlighted how Jesse Love has huge potential, considering his age and talent, compared to Josh Berry who passed his 30’s. Other than the legends such as Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, every other who is past their 30’s knowns a bitter truth, every race is an audition for them.

I think the potential that a Jesse Love has, the potential that these younger drivers have, there’s a lot more blue sky for them than there is for Josh Berry. When you get to 29 or 30 now, if you’re not winning races, sorry. We’re not all Jeff Gordon. We’re not all Jimmie Johnson who go to a place and stay your entire career. You audition every time you set your butt in one of these things for what your next ride is going to be.

Kyle Petty added via NASCAR Inside the Race.

Desperation has made Josh Berry a more aggressive racer

One key factor that changes, leading to Berry becoming more productive on the track is his aggression. He has always been a respectful driver that didn’t make aggressive moves unless necessary, but right now he is taking every risk there is and is hoping that drivers would give him aa break understanding his situation.

I don’t know. I mean, just like I’ve said the last few weeks, I’m not doing anything different. I mean, maybe I was a little rougher today than normal. I don’t really like—I don’t necessarily like racing like that, but, I mean, these guys know what I’m up against right now.

Josh Berry said.

He knowns everyone in the garage respect him for being a clean racer, but that doesn’t mean it is sustainable for him use aggression as he is often using right now. Right now he doesn’t have another option other than to showcase his talent and hope the right team owners, who is willing to take a gamble on him, sees it.

I mean, I think they—and most of them have a lot of respect for me, so I think they understand. And, you know, it’s not something—knocking everybody out of the way as soon as you get to them is not something that’s sustainable over the course of a cup season. But I think in this scenario, I mean, it’s just fighting for everything you can.  

Josh Berry added.

The comments from the veteran racer are on point and shows how the sponsorship environment is affecting the future, as well as racing style, of drivers that are talented but not stars or popular enough. It would be interesting to see how long it would take the racer to find a seat for the 2027 season.

Also Read: “Just Watch the Races!” Josh Berry Sends a Clear Message to Cup Owners after New Hampshire P3