It is a no-brainer that Dale Earnhardt Jr and his NASCAR team JR Motorsports have been a goldmine of talent. The team only competes in the lower formats of the sport and is yet to purchase a charter and make its headway into the elite format, the Cup Series. Nevertheless, this does not restrict the team from creating the finest drivers and providing them the wings to compete in the elite section of the sport.

Apart from William Byron, Noah Gragson, and Chase Elliott, one other driver who has been able to realize his dreams through the help of Dale Earnhardt Jr is Josh Berry. From identifying him over iRacing to opening a lot of doors for him which led to Stewart-Haas Racing, Junior has been like a godfather for Josh Berry.

It seems that the bond that both individuals share with each other even transgresses the bond of marriage between Junior and his wife, Amy Earnhardt. This was discernible in the latest Q&A series on Instagram.

Dale Earnhardt Jr spills the beans on why he chose his protégé over his wife

The 2024 Cup Series season will surely be a pivotal year for the rookie driver Josh Berry, as he slowly prepares himself to tread in the elite format of NASCAR. However, this opportunity would have seen the light of day, had Junior overlooked the potential of Josh Berry and failed to provide him an opportunity in the world of stock car racing. Owing to this fact, it is apparent that the bond that Berry and Junior share transcends beyond the mere title of owner-driver.

Moreover, it seems that this faith overpowers the marital bonds shared between Dale Jr and his better half Amy. This notion was obvious in the latest episode of High Rock Hot Seat, presented by the alcohol brand of the Earnhardt couple. The Instagram post was added with the words, “Introducing Americas hottest new show – The High Rock Hot Seat! We ask hard hitting questions and find out whose answers match @dalejr. So, who do you think is more likely to take Dale’s advice, @mrsamyearnhardt or @joshberry88.”

The question being, “Who is more likely to take your advice?”

The choice for Dale Jr and Josh Berry was the substitute driver of HMS, Josh Berry, while Mrs. Earnhardt chose herself.

Learning about his wife’s choice, Junior expressed, “It’s Josh. I mean Amy has easily her mind made up and this is kind of what I wanna do. I will give my advice, but she is going to do what she wants.”

“He is not wrong,” Junior’s wife asserted.

Watch This Story: Dale Earnhardt Jr Recounts the Expense of Greatness

An optimistic Josh Berry reveals what he looks forward to in his debut season from SHR

Nevertheless, as the upcoming season approaches Josh Berry is optimistic about the fact that his experience as a substitute driver at Hendrick Motorsports would provide the necessary impetus and would guide him to deliver favorable results in the Stewart-Haas Racing team. 

In an interview with the MRN Crew Call, Berry asserted, “I am really excited for that challenge, I think it is something that I am prepared for. And I know most of all that I am going to have a great group. The group with Kevin and Rodney and thereby Stewart-Haas has been the symbol over the years. It’s top-notch group and that’s what I am excited for to know that Yes I am going Cup race, but to go to a established group like Rodney has formed with the four team, it eases my mind a lot.”

“I know that they (SHR) are going to be excited and ready to help me continue to grow as a driver and do all the things I learned throughout my time at HMS, things that I need to work on. And we’ll be ready for the next year when it comes,” Berry asserted.

With this being said, it will be interesting to see how Josh Berry is able to perform in a Cup Series championship-winning team and whether he is able to make his mentor Dale Earnhardt Jr proud of him in the upcoming season.

Read More: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Issues Another Wake-Up Call for Former Team and Toyota