Rodney Childan experienced NASCAR crew chief, 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 new challenges and opportunities.
Speaking about the transition to working with Berry, Childers shared insights into the transition during an episode of “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour.” “Josh has really flowed into the role as a late-generation driver. It was easy to get on board and kick off our partnership by racing the late-generation last fall,” Childers noted. However, he acknowledged a learning curve, noting, “While we’ve had some setbacks in recent weeks with our arrivals, we’re eager to bounce back, especially in Richmond, where we’ve shown strength previously.”
Berry, in his first 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 has shown promise early in the season, most notably at Richmond Raceway where he finished 11th.
Berry previously drove for Hendrick Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club and Spire Motorsports, earning five Xfinity Series wins between 2021 and 2023.
Childers has had a remarkable career, joining Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014 as Harvick’s crew chief, leading him to a Cup Series championship that year. However, the recent announcement that Stewart-Haas Racing will close after the 2024 season marks a pivotal moment. Reflecting on the news, Childers expressed his shock and the emotional impact on the team. “The news was unexpected and it took us some time to process the complete closure,” he said.
With the shutdown looming, Childers is ready to make the move to Spire Motorsports. He described the decision, noting the personal reassurance he received from the team. “Their commitment has resonated with me, similar to when we started with the No. 4 car. It’s an opportunity to build something meaningful,” Childers explained.
This transition period for Childers and Berry represents a time of adjustment and potential growth as they navigate the challenges and dynamics of NASCAR’s highly competitive environment.