NASCAR: 5 possible replacements for Kurt Busch in 2022
By Randy Smith
Possible 2022 Chip Ganassi Racing drivers: No. 4 – Josh Berry
Why not take a chance on a wild card? That would presumably would be the question one would ask when discussing an Xfinity Series driver who has run a total of 20 races in NASCAR’s three national series. But 2021 has been quite the breakout year for Josh Berry in his limited amount of races.
In his first 10 races with JR Motorsports, Berry not only got a win at Martinsville Speedway, but he finished in second place at both Darlington Raceway and Dover International Speedway. He has gotten wins before established JR Motorsports teammates Michael Annett and Noah Gragson. Capturing lightning in a bottle with Berry could be the spark needed by Chip Ganassi Racing.
In addition, Berry does technically have experience in the Cup Series, having made his debut for Spire Motorsports at Dover International Speedway when Justin Haley was ruled out due to COVID-19 protocols.
An answer to the aforementioned question of “why not take a chance on a wild card?” has actually already been given by Chip Ganassi Racing, considering Chip Ganassi brought in open-wheel legend Juan Pablo Montoya to his Cup Series team back in 2007.
With Sam Mayer set to take over the #8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series starting in the race at Pocono Raceway later this month, Berry’s future in NASCAR remains unknown.
While it would be tough to move on from a decade-long business relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr., and it’s more likely that he would get a permanent seat with JR Motorsports or even move up to the Cup Series should Earnhardt take his team there next year, a promising ride at Chip Ganassi Racing with security could be the best move for Berry.