NASCAR: Xfinity Series has a new title contender for 2022

JR Motorsports announced that Josh Berry will run the full 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule, making the team title contenders next season.

After a successful part-time stint in the first half of the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Josh Berry and JR Motorsports have accumulated enough sponsorship to run the full 2022 schedule in the #8 Chevrolet.

In his 16 Xfinity Series starts in 2021, including 13 with JR Motorsports, Berry has posted nine top 10 finishes, including four top five finishes, and an average finish of 16.1. He secured his first career win at Martinsville Speedway.

Following his popular win at the Martinsville Speedway, Berry stepped into the spotlight and garnered additional opportunities and sponsorship.

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The 30-year-old Hendersonville, Tennessee native has since made six Truck Series starts with Young’s Motorsports and Rackley W.A.R., three other Xfinity Series starts with Jordan Anderson Racing and a Cup Series start with Spire Motorsports. Tire Pros also increased their sponsorship commitment.

Berry achieved great success in his 11 seasons with JR Motorsports’ late model program, winning 89 races as well as several track and series championships. Now that JR Motorsports have finally been able to secure full funding for him, he will be able to compete for an Xfinity Series championship in 2022.

In the team’s announcement, JR Motorsports team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. stated the following.

"“This moment is something we’ve been working toward for a long time. Josh took full advantage of the opportunity he had this year in the No. 8 car. He went out, raced hard, and earned every bit of this. With all he’s accomplished on a limited schedule, I can’t wait to see what he can do in this series full time.”"

Based on his success on a part-time schedule without practice on many new tracks, Berry should be considered a 2022 Xfinity Series title contender, and the #8 car should have the speed to contend for wins, particularly on the tracks one mile or less in length.

While he still has more to learn about the Xfinity Series cars and racing on the bigger tracks, Berry has displayed his adaptability as a driver. His ability and willingness to learn make him a legitimate challenger for the championship in 2022.