Every human being who has treaded on the earth has surely had their fair share of highs and lows in their life. But it can’t rain forever, and good days are bound to come. It’s just about having a little bit of faith and patience. And these virtues surely did pay their dues, to Josh Berry as he is set to make his full-time debut in the Cup Series race for the 2024 season.

But the wait for Berry to arrive at this juncture was too long. And surely this has raised concerns about self-doubt in the driver. And perhaps this resonated the most with Dale Earnhardt Jr when he felt at a certain time he would lose out his seat. Dale Jr. even expresses these concerns in an interview with NASCAR. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr expresses his admiration for Josh Berry as he is paired up with an experienced crew chief

Josh Berry in his time as an Xfinity driver as well as a substitute driver for Hendrick Motorsports drivers, has surely exhibited his talent as a racer. He has proved that he has the tenacity to be a driver in the elite format of the Cup Series. But JR Motorsports along with Dale Earnhardt Jr had recognized Berry’s talent, back in the day.  

And in the interview, when asked, “What’s gonna make him successful to race on Sundays not just on the tracks but his mental attitude, the type of guy he is, and just knowing what he has to look forward to?”

To this, Junior responded, “I don’t think that I will with a better crew chief than Rodney Childers. Rodney and Josh are very similar in the late model ranks. Rodney really appreciates Josh because of how they experience sort of the same things, trying to make it to the Cup level, Rodney was a very talented race car driver and did not get those breaks right.”

“But Josh was able to do some of those things and I think Rodney is connected to him in some unique way. So that will be a very big part of any success they have in the future but you know obviously Tony supporting the team and his belief in Josh.”

Dale Jr also added, “Josh knowing that and looking up at Tony and Zippodelli and even Harvick all of them believing in Josh, and supporting Josh is going to make him more confident when he goes out on the racetrack.”

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Plugged in to win: Dale Jr reflects on his past with Josh Berry

There is no doubt, in fact, Earnhardt Jr has been successful as a NASCAR driver. Even without a Cup Series championship, the driver has gone on to create history for the world of NASCAR. But there have been instances when he felt like the doors of the Cup Series would close upon him. And he reflects on the same instances for Berry. 

Jr Motorsports owner added, “A driver is emboldened and full of confidence when he knows everybody around him really wants him to be the guy. And when you lose that, you have lost it all, you feel like you are on an island but it seems to me that everybody’s really feeling like Josh.”

But Dale Jr has the utmost belief in his driver. He asserts the fact that Berry is more than ready to take his seat as a Cup Series driver. Berry has ticked all the boxes and his own voice when it comes to racing. He has the required knowledge about cars and is not a simple naive driver. But he also assures the fact to Josh Berry that he will be partly responsible for the results that the team churns out.  

Junior reaffirms the fact, “He is ready and plugged in to win and I believe that will happen.” 

The pressure that is already thrust upon Josh Berry is surely heavy. But the performance that he has exhibited in the few Cup Series race, has already made him a fan favorite. It’s just fans have to wait for the next season, to witness Josh Berry’s style on the tracks of NASCAR.

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