Josh Berry says he regrets brake-checking Ryan Blaney at Martinsville, a split-second response that damaged Blaney’s car and ended his race. Berry apologized directly to Blaney and team owner Roger Penske, but Blaney says their relationship has changed.

By the Numbers
  • Berry has raced for Wood Brothers Racing for 2 years.
  • Berry is set to join Legacy Motor Club in 2027.
Yes, But

Berry describes his move as an overreaction to contact he considered light and incidental. Blaney was surprised, particularly because the two had been affiliated teammates and had a good relationship.

State of Play
  • NASCAR penalized Berry for the brake check; Blaney’s car sustained significant nose damage and he was forced out of the race.
  • Berry has apologized, but Blaney says their relationship is “not on fire, but it’s not rainbows and sunshine.”
What's Next

Berry says he understands rebuilding trust may take time and does not expect immediate forgiveness. He believes the dispute will not escalate beyond what happened at Martinsville.

Bottom Line

Berry has owned his mistake, but the apology has not erased the damage—to Blaney’s car or their relationship.