Rumor Mill: Did a NASCAR Spotter Just Tease Josh Berry’s Replacement?

What’s Happening?

With Wood Brothers Racing’s iconic No. 21 open for the 2027 season, NASCAR fans may have found another clue as to who could take over the ride this offseason.

Last week, NASCAR fans got their first true surprise of NASCAR Silly Season when Josh Berry announced he would not return to Wood Brothers Racing in 2027.

While Berry is now left searching for a ride, fans have set their sights on his replacement, asking whether the new driver of the No. 21 could be a Cup Series veteran or a rookie.

Following a recent episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, race fans in the online NASCAR community think they may have another piece of the puzzle, with a potential clue thrown out about who is replacing Berry.

During this episode, amid a discussion about the WBR’s 2026 plans, 23XI Racing spotter Freddie Kraft said of the replacement, “I think everybody’s going to love the new driver.”

For the most part, this could be a throwaway line from Kraft. Still, given the laugh from his co-hosts, most fans are suspicious that he could be hinting that Richard Childress Racing prospect Jesse Love might be the leading candidate to replace Berry.

Would Love to WBR Make Sense?

It’s no secret that Jesse Love wants a shot at full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing, and if given the opportunity to get in the good graces of a team closely affiliated with Team Penske, who’s to say that Love wouldn’t jump at the chance?

Of course, there are factors to this decision, as Love’s name has been tied to many other teams, including Legacy Motor Club and Richard Childress Racing.

Both rumored teams have detractors. For one, LMC is rumored to be pursuing Riley Herbst for its third full-time entry in 2027.

On RCR’s side of the court, their sponsors for the No. 33 include several age-restricted products, with insiders suggesting Love, who is 21, is still too young a driver in the eyes of these sponsors.

Still, the discussion around Love joining WBR has long since moved beyond subtle hints, with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic suggesting that the reigning NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion could be a candidate for the car.

In their statement announcing that they would not pick up Berry’s option for the 2027 season, WBR noted, “We will announce who will be driving the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in 2027 soon,” suggesting that the team has already made a decision.

All that’s left is to wait and see if these rumors are true.

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