Roger Penske & Co Face Early Playoff Setback as Michael Jordan’s Star Pulls Off the Unthinkable

The 2025 Southern 500 at Darlington kicked off with a bang, but not the kind Roger Penske’s team hoped for. Just one lap in, Josh Berry, driving the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford, spun out of Turn 2, triggering chaos. Starting third, Berry got too aggressive on the gas, looping his car and nearly taking out playoff contender Tyler Reddick, Michael Jordan’s star at 23XI Racing.

The stack-up also clipped Kyle Busch, bringing out an immediate caution. Berry’s ride took a beating, with rear-end damage so bad he radioed, “It’s not drivable,” and limped to the garage. It was a brutal start for Penske’s affiliate, putting Berry’s playoff hopes in a tough spot right out of the gate.

Meanwhile, Reddick pulled off a miracle. Despite the close call, he somehow kept his car off the wall and avoided any major damage. That was huge for the 23XI driver, who has been a consistent threat all season and didn’t need a Lap 1 wreck to derail his championship chase.

16 enter, but only one can be champion.

The #NASCARPlayoffs kick off now with the #Southern500 at @TooToughToTame but there’s trouble early! pic.twitter.com/eTBDcitTb5

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 31, 2025

Darlington’s “Lady in Black” is notorious for chewing up cars, and Reddick’s save showed the kind of skill that makes him a playoff favorite. While Berry’s team scrambled to assess the diffuser and other damage, Reddick stayed locked in and ready to charge, proving why he’s carrying Jordan’s banner.

The early crash was a gut punch for Penske’s camp, with Berry facing an uphill climb to stay in the playoff hunt. For Reddick, it was a dodged bullet that kept his title dreams alive.

This is a developing story.

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