There are shades of the full spectrum in NASCAR. People are usually obsessed with the dizzying success of the top-ranking drivers. But some racers have not reached their full potential yet and are yet to add color to NASCAR. Josh Berry faced a slump in 2023, failing to grab a top-10 finish. He led for 13 laps in the Cup Series and made an average finish of P21.

Berry left his mark on the NASCAR legacy with success in late-model racing while driving for JR Motorsports. That sustained him in the Xfinity Series. He scored his first NASCAR win at Martinsville and later at Las Vegas in 2021. But ever since he was inducted into Stewart-Haas Racing in mid-2023, he has been struggling to keep up with expectations.

Josh Berry sagging in 2024 predictions

Berry may have jumped on the bandwagon of drivers contending for the 2024 Rookie of the Year award. But this year may not be looking so bright for him. That is the opinion of motorsport experts. The Athletic recently conducted an anonymous NASCAR garage poll. They consulted 30 experts: 20 Cup Series drivers, some crew chiefs, spotters, team owners, and a team executive.

The poll questions included potential winners, the biggest surprises, and the biggest disappointments. And, sadly, Josh Berry happened to top the third poll. People shared thoughts on why he may not be up to the mark. “I don’t think he’s bad; I think it’s just they’re gonna over-expect from that team.” … “I don’t think the team has the strength that they used to, and you’re not going to fill the shoes that he’s stepping into.”

In June 2023, Josh Berry was handed the keys to NASCAR Hall of Famer Kevin Harvick’s post. Stewart-Haas Racing announced that he would replace Harvick in the No. 4 car in 2024, ahead of the latter’s retirement. And those shoes proved to be quite hard to fill for Berry.

Read More: Dale Jr Writes off SHR Victory in 2024 but Expects JRM Products Josh Berry & Noah Gragson to Survive

Even he acknowledged that the pressure to perform on par with the 2014 Cup Series champion may be a bit much. “I can’t imagine a better opportunity for me—to get in a car that’s been as successful and iconic as the No. 4,” he said. “Kevin is a future NASCAR Hall of Famer, and it’s going to be a challenge trying to come after someone so successful.” However, while Josh Berry topped the list of big disappointments, we might as well check out who came first on the other polls.

Toppers of other lists in the garage poll

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The garage voters’ thoughts may turn out to be quite different than what fans think. The regular season championship favorite narrowed down to Denny Hamlin. The NASCAR villain’s continuous winning streak is a quite evident factor in this choice. 

“Denny is really f—— good. For all the s—show around him, Denny is lights out.” … “He’s executed on a really high level the last couple of years, and you know he’s going to be up there no matter what.”

The surprise list picked Ty Gibbs as the emerging king of NASCAR. Hailing from Joe Gibbs Racing, it seems that Denny Hamlin is turning what he touches into gold. 

People said about Ty: “He’s always been fast. I feel like he understands the cars better. He’s got a great team, great pit crew. His crew chief is experienced at the Cup level. There’s no cracks in that race team. He’s gonna have a good year.”

Josh Berry may have low prospects of winning through 2024. But his crew chief, Rodney Childers, and the SHR crew may push him towards a sure-shot victory.

WATCH THIS STORY:  Logano’s warning to Ty Gibbs: A brewing NASCAR rivalry