“She was a grade above me”: Josh Berry opens up about his past life involving Taylor Swift

Modified Mar 20, 2025 22:00 GMT

Taylor Swift (left) and Josh Berry (right). Source : IMAGN

Josh Berry, in a conversation with veteran NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, revealed his history with pop icon, Taylor Swift. Berry mentioned that they studied together and Swift was a grade senior to the Wood Brothers Racing driver.

Berry secured his first win in the Cup Series at the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The win secured a playoff spot for him and a second year in running for his team, Wood Brothers Racing. With nine laps to go, Berry overtook Daniel Suarez (who finished in the second spot) with a margin of 1.35 seconds. Driving the #21, Berry began his career as a mechanic for Dale Earnhardt Jr’s JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series and worked his way through short-track racing. He previously worked as a bank teller and the win brought out facts from his life before he was a full-time NASCAR driver.

One such fact about his life is that he studied in the same high school as Taylor Swift. In a conversation with Pockrass, Berry discussed his time studying with Swift.

"She wasn't a classmate. I think she was grade above me. But yeah, it's one of those things you mention one time and you don't realize when you mention how big of a deal it's really going to be. It's kind of like, hey, tell us something interesting about yourself. And you mentioned it and it turns into a way bigger deal than you expect", said Josh Berry (1:14 onwards).

Expand Tweet

Swift first gained prominence as a country music singer-songwriter before moving to pop music, where she achieved success with albums like “1989” and “Reputation”. Swift has won 14 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most celebrated musical artists. She won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year four times, making her the only artist to do so.

Josh Berry set to pay homage to F1 legend Jim Clark

Josh Berry is set to honor racing legend Jim Clark at the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race in Darlington. Berry will be piloting the Wood Brothers Racing's No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse with a special green Lotus paint scheme. This scheme is a tribute to Clark's iconic 1965 Indy 500-winning Lotus 38, which featured a Ford engine, marking Clark's final victory in the Champ Car racing series.

NASCAR journalist, James Newby reported the news on X and penned:

"Josh Berry will run a tribute scheme to Jim Clark, who won the 1965 Indy 500, during this year's race at Darlington. Clark drove a Lotus featuring a Ford engine."

Expand Tweet

Clark, a British racing driver who competed in Formula 1 during the 1960s, left an indelible mark on motorsports despite his untimely death at age 32 in 1968. During his Formula 1 career, Clark secured two championships, 25 wins, and 32 podiums, becoming known for his distinctive green Lotus F1 car.

About the author

Born and raised in Pune, India, where a strong emphasis on education instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. My academic journey led me to Amity University in Noida, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. This foundation in communication arts ignited a passion for storytelling and a keen understanding of audience engagement.

The allure of cinematic storytelling further captivated me, prompting me to pursue a Master's degree in Filmmaking from the prestigious University of Glasgow. This enriching experience honed my critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling me to dissect narratives, understand the nuances of performance, and craft compelling narratives of my own. During my time in Glasgow, I honed my writing skills as a contributor to the university newsletter, covering a diverse range of topics from local sporting events to film screenings and reviews. This experience cultivated my ability to research, analyze, and articulate my thoughts in a clear and engaging manner.

My interests extend beyond the world of film, encompassing a diverse spectrum of sporting passions. From the exhilarating world of Formula 1 to the thrilling spectacle of NASCAR, I find myself captivated by the raw power, strategic brilliance, and human drama that unfold on the racetrack. My passion for sports, coupled with my deep understanding of storytelling, provides a unique perspective that I aim to bring to my writing about NASCAR.

I am eager to share my insights and passion for this exhilarating sport with a wider audience. My background in film, coupled with my experience as a writer and my deep-seated love for competition, equips me to craft compelling narratives that capture the essence of NASCAR – the speed, the strategy, the human element, and the sheer thrill of the race.

Know More

Edited by Rupesh