Josh Berry and Miles Stanley, the new driver and crew chief for the Wood Brothers’ No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang, have lots of history behind them as they race this week at Daytona International Speedway, the track where the team has found the most success in its 75 years in NASCAR.
The Woods have run 138 points-paying Cup Series races on the 2.5-mile track, more than at any other venue, and have won there 16 times, tops among tracks on the circuit. Five of those wins came in the Daytona 500, the Great American Race, with 10 more coming in the 400-miler later in the year and one in a points-paying qualifier in 1970. The most recent Daytona win came last August in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 with Harrison Burton driving.
Now, as the team kicks off its 2025 regular season and its 75 Anniversary celebration, Berry and Stanley, who had a strong showing in the non-points Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium two weeks ago, have been busy preparing for the sport’s showcase event.
“Daytona is its own animal,” Berry said. “It’s a unique place. It’s the biggest race of the year for us, one that the entire industry circles as a bucket-list win.”
It’s also the first points-paying event of the season, and it comes at a track known for multi-car crashes that can put a team in the garage early and with only a handful of points to show for weeks of preparation.
“You want to start the season strong from a points perspective and avoid putting yourself in a hole by wrecking out early,” Berry said. “There’s a lot to think about, and for me, this will be my second Daytona 500. I’m with a new team and working with a different spotter than last year, but one I’ve had experience with before. A big focus has been strengthening communication between myself, Miles (Stanley), Jason (Jarrett, the spotter) and the entire team.”
The trio is well aware of their team’s legacy at Daytona, and that will be on their minds when they take to the track this week.
“The Wood Brothers have an incredible history at Daytona, and I’m excited for the opportunity to chase another Daytona 500 win for the No. 21 during the team’s 75th anniversary season,” Berry said.
The first practice session at Daytona is set for Wednesday morning at 10:05. Pole qualifying for the Daytona 500 follows at 8:15 p.m. The first of two 150-mile Duel qualifying races that set the majority of the starting line-up for the 500 is scheduled to get the green flag at 7 p.m. on Thursday, with the second starting at approximately 8:45 p.m. The second practice session of the week is planned for Friday at 5:35 p.m., and the final, Happy Hour session is set for Saturday at 3:05 p.m.
The 67th running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled to get the green flag on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Stage breaks are planned for Laps 65 and 130 of the 200-lap race. Fox Sports 1 will carry the TV coverage of the first two practice sessions, pole qualifying and the qualifying Duels. Fox Sports 2 will broadcast Saturday’s final practice, with coverage switching to FOX for the Daytona 500.
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.
