Every NASCAR Cup Series Driver’s Current Contract Status in 2026
What’s Happening? NASCAR drivers, much like any athletes, have a period of free agency and multi-million dollar contracts. Based on information…
NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Berry says he will not return to Wood Brothers Racing for the 2027 season.
Berry entered the 2026 season on a reported contract year with the team after signing to drive their iconic No. 21 ahead of the 2025 season.
While Berry has had moderate success in the car, including an early win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the former CARS Late Model Stock Tour Champion says he will not return to WBR for 2027, making himself a free agent and leaving a notable seat open for the new year.
This is somewhat of a surprise, as some rumors had indicated that the team was content with Berry.
Still, ahead of what is rumored to be a potentially wild NASCAR Silly Season, WBR may be jumping on the opportunity to find a younger or more experienced driver for the new year.
The list of potential drivers could range from current Cup Series drivers, such as rumored Silly Season movers like Noah Gragson or Alex Bowman, to drivers in lower divisions looking to move up, like Jesse Love and Layne Riggs.
Still, there is no clear leading candidate for the car, especially given the team’s ties to Team Penske, with their No. 21 sporadically serving as a developmental car for the team’s prospects like Ryan Blaney and Harrison Burton over the past decade.
Of course, Penske is dealing with a Silly Season conundrum of its own, as Austin Cindric sits on a contract year alongside several drivers that NASCAR fans are quick to point out would be (at least on paper) an upgrade for the No. 2 team.
Where Berry could land is also unclear, while he has ties to Ford and Chevrolet teams, options could be limited given his age and short experience in the series.
What’s Happening? NASCAR drivers, much like any athletes, have a period of free agency and multi-million dollar contracts. Based on information…
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