Josh Berry recognizes gravity of Caitlin Clark paint scheme: 'It'll be a cool thing to look back on' for his daughter

Josh Berry’s No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford will be rocking a Caitlin Clark-themed paint scheme for Sunday’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the driver recognizes what a moment it’ll be.

For context, the hood of Berry’s car features an image of Clark in an Iowa women’s basketball jersey shooting a three-point shot. Her name is spelled out, as well as the slogan “RAINING 3s.” Panini America, a sports trading card and memorabilia store, is the sponsor of the car.

Speaking with the media ahead of Sunday’s race, Berry — who has a a 4-year-old daughter and a baby girl on the way — elaborated on how special the scheme is to him, and what it’ll mean to his daughter to look back on as she continues to grow.

Having Caitlin Clark's photo on the hood of his car is special for Josh Berry, who has a 4-year-old daughter and a baby girl on the way later this year. pic.twitter.com/35ts0SeVG8

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 20, 2024

“It really is a great opportunity, to have her on the hood of our race car,” Berry said, via FOX’s Bob Pockrass. “The amount of reach and popularity she’s gained over the last couple of years has been really, really amazing to watch.

“How it’s transcended women’s basketball, right? Obviously, being a girl dad, I guess, you don’t necessarily put the two together right now, but as she grows older, I’m sure it’ll be a cool thing to look back on, as she continues her career.”

It’s evident the partnership between the No. 4 that allowed Clark to grace the hood of his car means a lot to Berry. With NASCAR returning to the IMS oval this weekend, the agreement between SHR and Clark makes a ton of sense for all parties. 

“We are proud to be partnering with Josh Berry and Stewart-Haas Racing, starting at the Brickyard 400,” said Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations for Panini America. “Panini America and NASCAR have had a long and successful relationship, and this is another great example of that.

“Josh has been exciting to watch this season and we look forward to some great finishes in the second half of the season.”

Josh Berry, Caitlin Clark team up to create epic racecar for IMS

Moreover, Clark became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer during her time at Iowa and now finds herself lighting up box scores for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, Clark has posted averages of 16.8 points, 7.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game.

She earned an All-Star selection earlier this month and is the favorite alongside the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. 

Berry, meanwhile, is in his first full-time season in the Cup Series. He currently sits 21st in the points standings with four top 10s and two top 5s through 21 races. Berry is joining Wood Brothers Racing in 2025 with SHR closing up shop at the end of the season.

“Every racecar driver wants to compete at Indy. It’s hallowed ground that all of us treat with a tremendous amount of respect,” Berry said. “To be there with Panini and promote its new Caitlin Clark Collection just adds to the prestige of racing in the Brickyard 400. Indy is a great sports town and it’s an honor to have Caitlin Clark as a part of our effort.”

On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this article.