Josh Berry’s Tough Break at Daytona

The 67th running of the Daytona 500 got off to a memorable start for the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team as the Wood Brothers team owners served as Honorary Starters with Eddie Wood waving the green flag to start the race. However, the rest of the race was disappointing as Josh Berry was swept up in a multi-car crash on Lap 63 and wound up finishing 37th.

Berry, who had a fast Mustang Dark Horse throughout the preliminary events at Daytona, started 29th and was running 28th when rain halted the race after 11 laps. After a lengthy delay, drivers returned to the track and ran 11 laps under the caution before a brief shower led to another stoppage. Finally, the skies cleared and the race got under way for good.

With three laps remaining in the first Stage, a wreck unfolded just ahead of Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang. He initially avoided the spinning cars, until one of them slid up the track in front of him and made contact.  There was substantial damage to the left front of the Motorcraft Mustang, and Berry headed to pit road for repairs to the cooling system, suspension, front splitter and fender. Berry returned to the track, met minimum speed and got back on the lead lap, but his mechanical problems weren’t over and he went to the garage for repairs. Berry returned to the track 39 laps in arrears, but returned to the garage for good after completing 105 laps.

Eddie Wood said that despite the disappointing outcome of the race, he and his family will long remember the reaction to their selection as Honorary Starters for the 500.

“We all were humbled by the respect shown to us by the fans, the people from NASCAR and the Hall of Fame and by [track president] Frank Kelleher and his staff,” Wood said. “And it was a great honor for me to get to throw the green flag, especially knowing some of the people, including my dad, who had done it before me. Despite our bad luck in the race, there were a lot of positive aspects of this trip to Daytona, and we’re leaving here optimistic about the rest of the season.”

Berry and the Wood Brothers team now head to Atlanta Motor Speedway for next Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400.

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.”

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
 
About Ford Performance
Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 100 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.