Josh Berry Opens Up About His Relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. After Emotional Las Vegas Win

Josh Berry Opens Up About His Relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. After Emotional Las Vegas Win

Josh Berry’s first NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was a moment years in the making, but perhaps no one was prouder than his longtime mentor, Dale Earnhardt Jr. After Earnhardt shared a heartfelt reaction to Berry’s breakthrough victory, the driver of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford took a moment to reflect on their dynamic—one built on respect, shared passion, and a deep-rooted short-track mentality.

A Special Bond Between Berry and Earnhardt Jr.

Berry’s rise through the NASCAR ranks has been unconventional, earning his shot in the Cup Series through sheer determination and success in late models under the JR Motorsports banner. Earnhardt Jr. has been a vocal supporter of Berry, believing in his talent long before mainstream NASCAR took notice.

Following Berry’s win at Las Vegas, Earnhardt Jr. shared his joy on social media, writing:

“I’m damn near in tears. Just so happy. Proud of @JoshBerry.”

That outpouring of emotion didn’t go unnoticed by Berry, who acknowledged how much Earnhardt’s guidance has meant to his career.

Why Berry Chose Not to Do a Burnout

After his victory, many fans were surprised that Berry chose not to celebrate with a traditional burnout. When asked about it, Berry cited two major influences: Earnhardt Jr.’s own victory at the 2014 Daytona 500 and his own short-track roots.

“I remember watching Dale in 2014, and he just parked it at the start-finish line, soaking it all in,” Berry said. “That really stuck with me. I also come from short-track racing, where we don’t always tear up our equipment after a win. I wanted to take a moment to appreciate what we had just accomplished.”

Berry’s approach was a nod to Earnhardt Jr.’s philosophy of embracing the moment, as well as an homage to his grassroots background.

A Mentor’s Pride

Earnhardt Jr. has long been an advocate for drivers like Berry, who work their way up without major financial backing. After seeing Berry get his first Cup win, Earnhardt’s reaction made it clear just how much he values their relationship.

“He earned it,” Earnhardt said on his podcast. “Everything about that win was classic Josh Berry. Smart, patient, and executed when it mattered.”

What’s Next for Berry?

With his first Cup Series win under his belt, Berry has solidified himself as a true competitor at the highest level. But beyond the stats, his victory also symbolized something greater—a validation of perseverance, a testament to Earnhardt Jr.’s belief in him, and a reminder that sometimes, the long road to success makes the win even sweeter.

For Berry, the Las Vegas victory was more than just a trophy—it was proof that he belongs. And for Earnhardt Jr., it was a proud moment, watching a driver he’s mentored for years finally reach the pinnacle of NASCAR success.