Josh Berry gets JR Motorsports win 100 at Thanksgiving Classic
LUCAMA, N.C. (BVM) – Josh Berry had a historic night that ended with him winning the Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park. The NASCAR Xfinity Series driver – who got his start in late model stock car racing – also took home the $50,000 for winning the race.
Along with the large prize winnings, the first–place finish also marked Berry’s 100th victory with JR Motorsports. The company is co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., which is why it is also fitting that Berry won the race in the iconic Bass Pro Shops No. 3 paint scheme.
It was made famous by the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. and was once again leading the pack and crossing the finish line first. For long-time Nascar fans, including Berry and his spotter Lee Pulliman, it was a special moment.
I grew up a diehard Earnhardt fan. Pretty cool to spot and help with race strategy on the iconic #3 @BassProShops @DaleJr Chevy. Way to wheel it @joshberry pic.twitter.com/y116JbTsWx
— Lee Pulliam (@LeePulliam11) November 28, 2022
The nostalgia didn’t just stop there. Jeb Burton, son of former NASCAR driver Ward Burton and nephew of NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, was also in the race. Ward and his brother Jeff would know what it’s like to go up against the Bass Pro Shops No. 3 as they both raced against Earnhardt Sr.
Berry wasn’t sure if he would be back following his victory last year but as he told reporters after the race, when Mike Diaz made the purse $50,000, they couldn’t pass it up. Then during the day, his normal spotter, Robert Arch, was unable to spot for Berry due to exhaust fumes from his own Limited Late Model race. That opened the door for four-time NASCAR Weekly Series champion Pulliman to be spotter.
Josh Berry wins $50,000 in tonight’s Thanksgiving Classic at @SNM_Park !! pic.twitter.com/lzPBxQihJo
— Short Track Pictures (@ShortTrackPics) November 28, 2022
The race itself was full of twists as each team tried to strategize how to handle the four tires they were given. It made the race interesting, according to Berry, who opted to change his earlier than originally planned but the decision paid off.
Berry has also recently been the 2020 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Champion
and the 2017 CARS Late Model Stock Tour Champion.