Josh Berry Eliminated from NASCAR Playoffs After Bristol Cockpit Fire

Josh Berry's 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run ended dramatically and prematurely at Bristol Motor Speedway after his No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Mustang suffered a brake rotor failure that caused a fire and heavy smoke in the cockpit, forcing him to pit and retire from the race. This marked Berry's third consecutive last-place finish in the Round of 16, following a first-lap crash at the Southern 500 and a crash at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. Despite qualifying well and showing strong early performances, mechanical failures and accidents derailed his postseason hopes. Berry was one of only eight drivers on the lead lap at Bristol but needed a win or a strong finish to advance, making the fire-induced DNF a heartbreaking end to his campaign. The incident involved tire rubber buildup causing the fire, and Berry described trying to continue before visibility deteriorated, ultimately prioritizing safety by exiting the vehicle. His playoff elimination underscores the intense challenges and misfortunes he faced during this critical phase of the season.