Silver lining to Josh Berry being let go by Wood Brothers led to his next ride

Josh Berry found out in June that he wouldn't be returning to the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford for 2027. He broke the news himself on a call with the media.

The pickings were slim for Berry and any other drivers searching for a NASCAR Cup Series opportunity in 2027. But as the regular season came to a close, Berry, who had long been eliminated from Chase contention, began to heat up. He's finished inside the top 10 in six consecutive races.

The ship had long sailed on the Wood Brothers rescinding their decision and bringing Berry back. Defending NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love will drive the famed No. 21 Ford next year.

As for Berry, the extended time he had to find a ride for 2027 ended up being his saving grace. LEGACY Motor Club officially announced Berry as the driver of its No. 42 Toyota for next season, completing the organization's Cup lineup alongside mainstay Erik Jones and fellow newcomer John Hunter Nemechek.

"In a way, thankfully I knew early enough in the year that that gave us some time to figure out what was next for us," Berry said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "We had a lot of great conversations over the last few months. Obviously, nothing materialized out of all that, which, in the grand scheme of things worked out for the better, really.

"We spent a lot of time wondering what was next and thinking about what was going to happen. Ultimately, it led to this extremely good run we've been on in the 21 car with our results and our speed and turning around our season in a way back to what our expectations are and what we feel we're capable of."

Berry said his recent hot streak opened some doors that he "didn't really see coming."

"It took a few things falling through and not working out for to land in this scenario," Berry said.

John Hunter Nemechek, the current driver of the No. 42 for LMC, had previously had a deal to return to the team in 2027. Obviously, those plans changed.

"Excited to be a part of LEGACY Motor Club," Berry said. "And obviously stay in the Cup Series."