"They'll probably ask": Josh Berry opens up about family anxiety about his NASCAR future

Stewart-Haas Racing rookie Josh Berry has shed light on the anxieties faced by him and his family as he navigates an uncertain career path. The 33-year-old driver had signed for SHR this season but now faces uncertainty surrounding his future.

One of the late bloomers of NASCAR, former JR Motorsports driver Josh Berry made his Cup Series debut in 2023. The Hendersonville, Tennessee native drove the No. 8 Chevy for JRM for two seasons in the Xfinity Series, reaching the Championship 4 field in 2022 and securing another playoff qualification in 2023.

Following a crucial 2023 campaign, which saw him compete in 10 Cup races alongside fulfilling his Xfinity Series duties, Josh Berry signed with Stewart-Haas Racing. The 33-year-old stepped in the No. 4 Ford as the replacement for the retiring Kevin Harvick.

However, his performance this season has been underwhelming, and he faces slim chances of making the playoffs. Adding to his troubles, Stewart-Haas Racing announced earlier this month their decision to sell three of the four Cup charters and discontinue their operations.

This upheaval has undoubtedly impacted Berry and his family deeply. In a candid conversation with Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass, Berry was asked about his family's reaction to his uncertain future. When queried if his family inquires about his plans for the next year, Berry responded,

"They'll probably ask. Yeah, they'll probably ask."

The SHR driver elaborated on the stress this situation brings, stating:

"It's kind of part of it. I can't say I really saw this coming when — I think it was this week, we announced it a year ago that I was going to drive the 4 [car]. It's been interesting times for sure. We've really been running well the last couple of months and that's made it a lot easier for me."

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Josh Berry's family going through tough times "together"

When asked by Pockrass if it is harder on his wife and family than on him or if they all experience the ups and downs together, Berry remarked:

"We've been a part of this together for a long time. We started this late model racing on Saturday nights and never really felt like we would be at this point."

Berry added:

"I really thought I would be a career short-track racer for a long time. Just a lot of things worked out in my favor."

Josh Berry emphasized the collective experience his family shares in facing these challenges. He added:

"I've got so many people along the way that have helped get me opportunities and given me opportunities — and I've made the most of them, too. It's been a ride, but we're going through it together and it'll be fine."

Josh Berry is ranked 19th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings. He has 357 points to his name after 18 races.