Has Wood Brothers Racing ever won a championship? A look into NASCAR’s oldest active team

AUTO: NOV 05 NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Source: Getty
AUTO: NOV 05 NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Source: Getty

Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team in NASCAR as the team was founded in 1950 by the Wood brothers Ray Lee, Clay, Delano, Glen, and Leonard. The team came into existence only a couple of years after NASCAR was founded in 1948 and ran its first Cup Series races in 1953.

Yet, despite being the oldest team and having close to 75 years of racing heritage, Wood Brothers Racing hasn't won a single championship. Since its inception, WBR has participated in 1,761 Cup Series races and won 100 of them with 43 of those wins coming courtesy of NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson.

1973 was arguably the best season in the team’s history as Pearson won 11 races that year. However, he could only manage to finish 13th in the championship as he participated in only 18 out of the 28 races.

AUTO: JUN 07 NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 - Source: Getty
AUTO: JUN 07 NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 - Source: Getty

Wood Brothers Racing is renowned for fielding the iconic #21 car in the NASCAR Cup Series. Glenn Wood himself drove the #21 in WBR's debut Cup race in 1953, and the number has remained synonymous with the team ever since, solidifying its status as a iconic symbol in the sport.

For the most part, WBR has been a single-car team and it was only in 1985 that they started participating in all the Cup series races on the calendar. This in turn prevented the team from a shot at glory during the dominant era with David Pearson.

Wood Brothers Racing has only managed to win three races since the dawn of the 21st Century. The team ran with Harrison Burton during the 2024 season and the 24-year-old brought much-awaited glory to the team, winning their most recent race at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.


Wood Brothers Racing prepare for their Diamond Anniversary during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season

Wood Brothers Racing is currently owned and run by Glen Wood’s children and grandchildren: Leonard Wood, Eddie Wood, Kim Hall, Jon Wood, Jordan Hicks, and Keven Wood. The team prepares to celebrate its 75th consecutive year of fielding a car in NASCAR during the 2025 season and the owners of the team spoke about the special occasion.

AUTO: FEB 03 NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum - Source: Getty
AUTO: FEB 03 NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum - Source: Getty

WBR President Jon Woods said, (via Speedsport)

“As we prepare for 2025, we’re reflecting on the moments that have shaped our team over the past 75 years while also looking to the future.We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with our fans, partners, and those in the NASCAR community who have contributed to our story over the years.”

Co-founder Leonard Wood added,

“The Wood Brothers Racing story is one of passion and perseverance. We’ve seen NASCAR evolve through the decades, and we’re proud to have played a role in shaping its history.Celebrating 75 years gives us a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and to thank the fans who have supported us every step of the way.”

Wood Brothers Racing announced Josh Berry as the driver of the #21 Ford, replacing Harrison Burton who moves to drive full-time with AM Racing in the Xfinity Series.

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Edited by Pratham K Sharma
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