Connected media – Linked media
Rodney Childers, a seasoned NASCAR crew chief, has embarked on a new chapter this season after Kevin Harvick retired at the end of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series. Josh Berry is now in the driver’s seat of the No. 4 car, bringing fresh challenges and opportunities.
Discussing the shift to working with Berry, Childers shared insights on the transition during an episode of “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour.” “Josh slipped into the role quite naturally as a late-gen driver. It was straightforward to engage and kick off our collaboration by racing the late-gen last fall,” Childers remarked. However, he acknowledged a learning curve, noting, “While we’ve faced some setbacks in recent weeks with our finishes, we’re eager to bounce back, especially at Richmond where we previously showed strength.”
Berry, in his inaugural full-time stint in NASCAR, is currently 22nd in the standings with 388 points. Despite recent challenges, including finishes outside the top 20 in his last four races, Berry showed promise early in the season, notably at Richmond Raceway where he finished 11th.
Before this, Berry had stints with Hendrick Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, and Spire Motorsports, achieving five wins in the Xfinity Series between 2021 and 2023.
Childers has had a significant career, joining Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014 as Harvick’s crew chief, with whom he clinched a Cup Series championship that same year. However, the recent announcement of Stewart-Haas Racing’s closure post-2024 season marks a pivotal moment. Reflecting on this, Childers expressed his shock and the emotional impact on the team. “The news was unexpected, and it took some time to process the complete shutdown,” he stated.
With the forthcoming closure, Childers is set to transition to Spire Motorsports. He detailed this decision, noting the personal reassurance he received from the team. “Their commitment resonated with me, similar to when we started with the No. 4 car. It’s an opportunity to build something significant,” Childers explained.
This transition period for Childers and Berry represents a time of adaptation and potential growth as they navigate the challenges and dynamics of NASCAR’s fiercely competitive environment.
Connected media – Related media
