Darlington Raceway has long been special turf for the Wood Brothers. The team’s first Southern 500 victory came with Cale Yarborough in 1968, the start of a rich Darlington record that includes eight total NASCAR Cup Series victories at the track.
Now, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team look to add to that history as they open the 2025 Cup Series Playoffs in Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500.
The postseason features 10 races across four rounds. In each of the first three rounds — comprised of three races apiece — four drivers are eliminated from championship contention, setting up a final four to race for the title at Phoenix Raceway.
Berry enters Sunday night’s Southern 500 ranked 13th in the standings and needs to gain at least one position by the conclusion of the Round of 16, which wraps up Sept. 13 at Bristol Motor Speedway, in order to advance. Playoff drivers who win during any round automatically advance.
Still, Berry believes the No. 21 team is poised to contend.
“I feel good about it, especially when you look at that first round,” he said. “Darlington has been a really good track for me. We ran well there this year and last year. Gateway was good for us last year and we blew a tire, and obviously the Penske cars have been really strong there.
“I think we’re lined up to have success. We just have to go out and execute. That’s the biggest thing. We need to execute a little bit better on Saturdays. We need to start a little closer, qualify a little better and it’s going to be important to get Stage points, but I feel as good as I ever have going into this deal.
“I think everybody is going to look at us and say, ‘Oh, they’re going to be out in the first round,’ and I don’t think so.”
Practice for the Cook Out Southern 500 is set for 9 a.m. ET Saturday, followed by qualifying at 10:10 a.m. on truTV.
Sunday’s 367-lap, 501.32-mile race will go green just after 6 p.m. ET with coverage on USA. Stage breaks are scheduled for Laps 115 and 230.
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 101 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.
