Josh Berry reacts to Stewart-Haas Racing naming him full-time replacement for Kevin Harvick

When Kevin Harvick steps out of the driver’s seat for the final time at the end of the 2023 NASCAR season, Josh Berry will take over. Stewart-Haas Racing announced Berry would be Harvick’s replacement for the 2024 season in the No. 4 car.

Wednesday, Berry talked about this major change and getting the opportunity to race for Stewart-Haas.

“I feel so spoiled, being here in this moment. Just really credit to them and thank them so much,” Berry said. “Jumping in the 4 car, itself, is gonna be extremely meaningful, and the legacy they created with Kevin and (crew chief) Rodney (Childers), it really means a lot to take that over.”

Berry also said he’s looking forward to having a car with his name on it.

Josh Berry says he feels so spoiled at having an announcement like this by Stewart Haas Racing.

He's so excited to drive a Cup car with his name on it and to race the Daytona 500 and Southern 500.

And it's a victory for short trackers everywhere too. pic.twitter.com/DL9z6RbY3A

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) June 21, 2023

Berry has been a full-time driver on the NASCAR Xfinity Series but will now make the shift to the Cup Series. That, alone, will be a major adjustment.

Taking over the No. 4 car, which Harvick has represented so well over the years, is a pretty big honor. And, clearly, Berry understands that.

Over two years, Berry has raced in 10 NASCAR Cup Series events. He has yet to claim a win but has finished inside the top-10 three times.

“We’re incredibly proud to have Josh Berry begin the next chapter of his racing career in our No. 4 Ford Mustang,” SHR co-owner Tony Stewart said in a press release. “Kevin Harvick has obviously set a very high bar. But Josh brings maturity, experience and, above all, a winning record to Stewart-Haas Racing. He is the right driver, at the right time, for the No. 4 team and our organization.”

Kevin Harvick retiring after 23-year NASCAR career

Harvick is one of NASCAR’s elder statesmen, but that comes to an end at the end of the 2023 season. The 47-year-old driver plans to retire following the Cup Series season after a fantastic career.

Since his first Cup Series event in 2001, Harvick has participated in over 800 races on the circuit. He’s driven his car to Victory Lane 60 times with 437 top-10 finishes. He also earned 31 pole positions.

In 2014, Harvick won the Cup Series championship. He was NASCAR’s Cup Series regular season champion in 2020.

Along with his Cup Series accomplishments, Harvick also participated in the Xfinity Series for 21 seasons, as well as the NASCAR Truck Series. Total, he won 121 races in his career.