LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Josh Berry won the first race of his Cup Series career by taking the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Berry led the final 16 laps to win and give Wood Brothers Racing its 101st all-time victory. Ford had three of the top six finishers as Ryan Preece and Austin Cindric were third and sixth, respectively. Cindric won Stage 1 and led a Ford-best 47 laps. The NASCAR Cup Series continues on Sunday, March 23 at Homestead-Miami Speedway (3 p.m., FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
NCS RACE TOP-10 UNOFFICIAL FINISHERS
1st – Josh Berry
2nd – Daniel Suarez
3rd – Ryan Preece
4th – William Byron
5th – Ross Chastain
6th – Austin Cindric
7th – Alex Bowman
8th – AJ Allmendinger
9th – Kyle Larson
10th – Chase Elliott
REMAINING FORD FINISHERS
11th – Brad Keselowski
13th – Chris Buescher
15th – Joey Logano
23rd – Zane Smith
26th – Cole Custer
29th – Todd Gilliland
31st – Noah Gragson
35th – Ryan Blaney
36th – Cody Ware
JOSH BERRY, No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse – VICTORY LANE INTERVIEW
WHAT BETTER PLACE FOR YOU FIRST WIN THAN IN A PLACE YOU’VE WON TWICE BEFORE IN XFINITY. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO WIN IN CUP?
“Man, I just can’t believe it. I’m just so proud of everybody on this team. The car was really solid all day. We just executed. We had a mishap on pit road and was able to rebound again, and I’m just super proud of these guys. I’m just really trying to soak this all in, honestly. I’m trying to take my time with everything and really enjoy this moment.”
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING WHEN THEY HAD YOU COME DOWN PIT ROAD TO TIGHTEN THAT WHEEL?
“I mean, it was obviously disappointing, but thankfully the wheel stayed on and we were able to make it to pit road before Miles was gonna get a vacation. It just broke up the race. There was a lot of strategy going on and we were able to capitalize on it. We had a great battle with Joey and was hoping it would go green, but we got the caution and this pit crew rebounded and they dug deep at the end and had a great stop and we fought for the win.”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WIN WITH THE WOOD BROTHERS?
“I’m just really proud of everybody on this team. This is a great group. They build great race cars and it’s just been a privilege to drive for them. I’m just so really thankful to be here. There are so many people I could thank for this moment, but to be a Cup Series winner is really special.”
RYAN PREECE, No. 60 Consumer Cellular Ford Mustang Dark Horse
“Going into the season the motto is live by the fire, die by the fire and take chances, be aggressive, be on the offense and just put us in position. Man, I’m happy for Josh. I really liked him when we were teammates and I’m just super proud of everybody on this Consumer Cellular Ford Mustang Dark Horse. I just can’t thank Jack Roush, Brad Keselowski, Kroger, Mohawk Northeast, Fifth Third Bank and the list goes on and one – Build Submarines, Castrol, for the opportunity. I’ve been told I’m mid very often by people and I’m glad I feel Josh said he felt like himself again and I felt the same today.”
