The Power of Belief: Dale Jr. Bet on Josh Berry, and He Delivered!

A Gamble That Paid Off

In the high-octane world of NASCAR, success often depends on more than just raw talent. It requires opportunity, belief, and someone willing to take a chance on an underdog. That’s exactly what Dale Earnhardt Jr. did when he placed his faith in Josh Berry—a driver who was once overlooked by the NASCAR establishment but is now proving his worth on the biggest stage.

From racing on short tracks to securing a full-time NASCAR Cup Series ride, Berry’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. But this rise to prominence wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering belief of Dale Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer and the owner of JR Motorsports (JRM).

This is the story of how one man’s faith in an underrated driver changed both of their careers forever.

1. The Early Days: Josh Berry’s Tough Road to NASCAR

 A Short-Track Specialist with No Clear Path

For years, Josh Berry dominated short tracks across the country, particularly in Late Model Stock Cars. However, despite his success, he struggled to find a path to NASCAR’s highest levels. Unlike many of today’s rising stars, Berry didn’t come from a wealthy background, nor did he have major sponsorship money backing him.

2011-2014: Berry won multiple Late Model races under the JR Motorsports banner, but his chances of moving up remained slim.
2015: He made select NASCAR Xfinity Series starts but lacked the funding for a full-time ride.
2016-2019: Despite continuing to dominate short-track racing, Berry was repeatedly passed over for younger, well-funded drivers.

 Dale Jr. Saw Something Special

While others overlooked him, Dale Earnhardt Jr. knew Berry was special. Unlike many NASCAR team owners who focus solely on funding and sponsorships, Dale Jr. valued raw talent.

“I saw a lot of myself in Josh,” Dale Jr. once said. “A guy grinding it out, winning races but not getting a shot. I knew if I could give him the right opportunity, he would prove everyone wrong.”

But even Dale Jr. couldn’t just create a ride out of thin air. He needed to find a way to get Berry into a top-level car and show the world what he was capable of.

2. The Big Break: Dale Jr. Gives Berry a Shot in Xfinity

 2021: The Defining Moment

Everything changed in 2021 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. finally gave Berry a legitimate chance. When JR Motorsports needed a driver for select races in the No. 8 Xfinity Series car, Dale Jr. made a bold decision—he chose Berry over better-funded drivers.

Berry didn’t waste the opportunity.

April 2021: Berry scored his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Martinsville Speedway, a track known for rewarding pure driving talent.
Consistent Top Finishes: Despite running a part-time schedule, Berry finished in the top 10 multiple times against full-time competitors.
Earned Respect: His performance forced NASCAR teams to take him seriously.

 The Turning Point for Berry and Dale Jr.

Berry’s success wasn’t just a win for him—it was validation for Dale Jr. as an owner and talent scout. Many had questioned whether Earnhardt’s investment in short-track racers like Berry was worth it. But with each impressive run, Berry proved Dale Jr. right.

“Dale gave me my shot when nobody else would,” Berry said. “I wasn’t some 18-year-old with a big sponsor. I was a guy who had put in years of work, waiting for this moment. And I wasn’t going to let him down.”

3. The Next Step: A Full-Time Ride at JR Motorsports

 2022-2023: Berry Becomes a Contender

Following his breakout performance in 2021, Dale Jr. rewarded Berry with a full-time ride in JR Motorsports’ No. 8 car in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

2022: Berry won three races and made it to the Xfinity Series Playoffs.
2023: He continued to impress, showing that his short-track skills translated to intermediate and superspeedway tracks.

Unlike many up-and-coming drivers, Berry wasn’t reckless or overly aggressive. His driving style was smart, calculated, and methodical—something Dale Jr. always admired.

 Filling in for NASCAR Cup Series Stars

Berry’s biggest opportunity came in 2023, when he was called upon to fill in for injured Cup Series drivers Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman at Hendrick Motorsports.

Top-10 Finishes: Berry held his own against NASCAR’s best, finishing inside the top 10 multiple times.
Proved He Belonged: His performance caught the attention of top NASCAR teams.

By the end of 2023, Berry’s dream was finally within reach—he had earned a full-time Cup Series ride for 2024.

4. The Ultimate Payoff: Berry Lands a NASCAR Cup Series Ride

 Stewart-Haas Racing Takes Notice

In a sport where opportunities are rare, Josh Berry’s persistence finally paid off. Thanks to his success in Xfinity and as a substitute in the Cup Series, he was signed by Stewart-Haas Racing to drive the No. 4 car in 2024, replacing the retiring Kevin Harvick.

From Short Tracks to the Big Leagues: Berry had made it—he was now a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Dale Jr.’s Faith Rewarded: The driver he believed in from the start had reached the highest level of stock car racing.

Dale Jr.’s Legacy as a Talent Scout

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always been more than just a racer—he’s a mentor, team owner, and one of the best talent scouts in NASCAR. His decision to bet on Berry was not just a career-defining moment for Berry but also a testament to Dale Jr.’s vision.

“Dale Jr. saw something in me when no one else did,” Berry said. “Without him, I wouldn’t be here today.”

The Power of Belief in NASCAR

Josh Berry’s story is a reminder that talent, hard work, and belief can overcome financial disadvantages. In a sport where money often determines opportunity, Dale Earnhardt Jr. proved that raw skill still matters.

Berry went from a short-track racer to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Dale Jr. took a risk, betting on talent over sponsorship dollars.
That bet paid off in a way that no one could have imagined.

Now, as Berry prepares for his full-time Cup Series career, he carries the legacy of Dale Jr.’s faith in him.

Will he become NASCAR’s next superstar?
Can he win races at the Cup level?
One thing is certain—Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s belief in Josh Berry has already changed NASCAR history.

And that is the power of belief in racing. 🚗💨