Dale Earnhardt Jr. supports Josh Berry and Rodney Childers in their search for a new team after the closure of SHR

Dale Earnhardt Jr. endorses Josh Berry and Rodney Childers amid the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing

In a surprising turn of events, Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) announced its dissolution at the end of the 2024 season.

Known for its impressive track record, this North Carolina team has seen significant changes over the years.

Among those affected are driver Josh Berry and crew chief Rodney Childers, who are now looking for new opportunities.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a prominent figure in NASCAR, has shown strong support for it Berry and Childers during this transition period.

The rise and fall of Stewart-Haas Racing

Stewart-Haas Racing was founded in 2009 when Tony Stewart joined forces with Gene Haas and took a 50% stake in the team.

Over the years, SHR has achieved notable success, including two Cup Series championships – one by Tony Stewart in 2011 and one by Kevin Harvick in 2014. However, the team’s fortunes have declined as their last cup race victory dates back to 2022 in Richmond, secured by Harvick.

Challenges and changes at Stewart-Haas Racing

The departure of high-profile drivers and sponsors has had a significant impact on SHR. The team has struggled to maintain its competitive advantage, leading to the decision to cease operations.

This move has caused many within the organization, including Berry and Childers, to look for new opportunities.

Rodney Childers and Josh Berry: a promising partnership

• Rodney Childers joined SHR in 2014 and quickly made an impact, winning a Cup Series championship with Kevin Harvick in his debut year. Over the years, Childers has been instrumental in countless victories.
• In 2024, Josh Berry replaced Harvick as driver of the No. 4 car, with Childers as his crew chief. Despite the team’s impending closure, Berry and Childers have expressed a strong desire to continue working together.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been vocal in his support for Josh Berry and emphasized the importance of keeping him in the Cup Series.
• On his podcast, Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. spoke. expressed his belief in Berry’s potential and advocated for teams with new charters and drivers to consider him.
• As the 2024 season progresses, both Berry and Childers are motivated to pick up wins. Childers’ confidence in Berry is evident in his statement: “Josh Berry will not fail under my watch.”
• This determination underlines the duo’s commitment to securing victories and demonstrating their capabilities, making every race a crucial opportunity for Berry to prove his worth.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s emotional response on Josh Berry’s first win in the Xfinity Series

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Josh Berry share a deep and unique bond dating back to 2008, where their paths first crossed in an online sim racing competition.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a veteran NASCAR driver, quickly recognized Berry’s exceptional racing talent.

This recognition marked a turning point in Berry’s career as he soon signed a contract with JR Motorsports, Dale Jr.’s racing team, to compete in late model races.

The journey to success

Josh Berry’s journey with JR Motorsports has been marked by significant achievements. He grabbed the 2017 CARS Late Model Stock Tour Championshipdemonstrating his racing talent.

His winning streak continued with the 2020 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series titlethus cementing his status as a formidable competitor in the racing world.

In October 2020, JR Motorsports announced that Josh Berry would move to the Xfinity Series starting with the 2021 season. This announcement was a major milestone in Berry’s career and set the stage for greater challenges and opportunities.

A memorable first victory

Although Berry was initially signed for twelve races in his debut season in the Xfinity Series, he made a remarkable impact early on.

In only his sixth race at Martinsville Speedway, Berry earned his first Xfinity Series victory. This victory was not only a personal triumph for Berry, but also an emotional moment for Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s emotional response

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was overwhelmed with emotion after Berry’s victory. Looking back on the moment, Dale Jr. shared. his feelings and said, “I mean, I cried like he was my brother.

It’s hard to describe the emotion, but it was incredible.” This heartfelt response underscored the deep bond and mutual respect between the two racers.

Dale Jr.’s words, delivered via Speed ​​Sport, emphasized the importance of Berry’s performance and the profound impact it had on him.

After Josh Berry’s impressive debut season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. the decision to promote him to racing full-time in the #8 Chevy for the 2022 season. This promotion was a testament to Berry’s talent and potential, as well as Dale Jr.’s confidence. in his capabilities.

The impact of mentorship

The relationship between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Josh Berry is an example of the impact of mentorship in sports. Dale Jr.’s guidance and support played a crucial role in Berry’s development as a racer.

By identifying Berry’s talent early and providing him with the necessary resources and opportunities, Dale Jr. To shape Berry’s career trajectory.

As Josh Berry continues to build his career in the Xfinity Series, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring racers.

His story is a testament to the power of talent, hard work and the support of a dedicated mentor. Under the continued guidance of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Berry is ready for further success in the racing world.