By Jerry Jordan, Editor
In what most in the sport knew would be the eventual outcome, NASCAR driver Josh Berry has signed a deal to go racing in the Cup Series in 2024 and it is with Stewart-Haas Racing, replacing the retiring Kevin Harvick.
“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,” Berry said. “Kevin is a future NASCAR Hall of Famer, and it’s going to be a challenge trying to come after someone so successful. But I know I’m going to have an amazing group of people around me, led by Rodney Childers, to where we can hit the ground running.”
EDITOR’s NOTE: Kickin’ the Tires has Associate Editor Seth Eggert covering the press event at Charlotte Motor Speedway and he will provide updated information at its conclusion.
For Harvick, the time to hang up his driving gloves – at least full-time – comes after winning a NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2014 and amassing 60 wins to this point in his Cup career, including three trips to victory lane at the Brickyard and a win in the 2007 Daytona 500. Harvick has two NASCAR Xfinity Series (formerly Busch Series) Championships.
“Kevin Harvick has obviously set a very high bar, but Josh brings maturity, experience and, above all, a winning record to Stewart-Haas Racing. He is the right driver, at the right time, for the No. 4 team and our organization,” said SHR co-owner, Tony Stewart. “We’re incredibly proud to have Josh Berry begin the next chapter of his racing career in our No. 4 Ford Mustang.”
Berry currently drives in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports and has subbed for multiple Cup Series drivers this season, including Chase Elliott. He has eight starts with one Top 5 and three Top 10 finishes in those starts.
Team representatives said, Berry earned his 2024 seat with SHR via strong and consistent performances in the Xfinity and Cup Series just as he earned his spot in the Xfinity Series by dominating Late Model racing across a variety of grassroots series.
“Josh Berry has proven himself in the Xfinity Series and this year showed how quickly he can adapt to the cars and the level of competition in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Greg Zipadelli, chief competition officer, SHR. “He’ll be a rookie in our racecar next year, but he drives like a veteran. He puts in the work to ensure that he’s always ready for the opportunities that come his way, and we’re very happy that his next opportunity is with Stewart-Haas Racing.”