May 14, 2021 | By Lee Spencer

Josh Berry to make his Cup Series debut with Spire Motorsports at Dover

Coming off of a breakout season in a limited NASCAR Xfinity Series run with JR Motorsports, Josh Berry will make his Cup debut this weekend at Dover International Speedway with Spire Motorsports.

Berry, 30, replaces Justin Haley, who is sidelined due to NASCAR COVID-19 protocols and unable to fulfill his duties in the No. 77 Diamond Creek High Alkaline Water Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE in Sunday’s Drydene 400.

The 2020 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series Champion scored his first NXS win at Martinsville Speedway last month.

“First off, I hope Justin is doing well and I can’t wait to compete with him in a few weeks at Charlotte in the Xfinity Series,” Berry said. “I can’t thank Spire Motorsports enough for giving me the opportunity to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time. This is a great opportunity for me, and I am going to do my best to give the team a solid finish Sunday afternoon.”

Berry, who hails from Hendersonville, Tenn., has one win, two top-five and six top-10 finishes in 15 Xfinity Series starts. Last year, Berry scored 27 wins in 40 late model starts.

“We’re excited to provide Josh Berry with the opportunity to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut this weekend at Dover International Speedway,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson.

“It’s a little bittersweet because Justin Haley has to sit out this weekend, but at the same time, Josh has earned the opportunity to get a shot in the Cup Series. He’s a proven winner and raises the bar every time he gets in a race car. We know he’ll do a good job.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who offered Berry a part-time opportunity in the No. 8 Chevrolet, said after the Martinsville win on April 11, he’d consider the late model standout for a Cup ride if JRM elected to move in that direction.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled for Josh to get the call from Spire Motorsports to make his Cup racing debut,” added Dale Earnhardt Jr. “It’ll be thrilling for Josh to experience Cup action and I’m confident he will do a great job for them. Big thanks to Spire for presenting Josh with such an awesome opportunity.”