Josh Berry's Caitlin Clark-Inspired NASCAR Ride Turns Heads at Brickyard 400

Stewart-Haas Racing driver Josh Berry will sport a unique paint scheme featuring WNBA star Caitlin Clark's image on the hood of his No. 4 Ford Mustang as he competes in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The eye-catching design has generated buzz throughout the NASCAR community.

Josh Berry's No. 4 Stewart-Haas Ford Mustang will be adorned with an unconventional yet captivating paint scheme at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis on Sunday. The car's hood will showcase an image of Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, a rising star in the WNBA.

Josh Berry's Caitlin Clark-Inspired NASCAR Ride Turns Heads at Brickyard 400

The Clark-inspired vehicle has been a topic of discussion within the NASCAR Cup Series throughout the week, eliciting curiosity and admiration. Clark herself expressed surprise and excitement upon learning about the design.

"I was like, 'Oh my gosh! Is this real?'" Clark remarked to WISH-TV. "I want to drive the car. So, sometime maybe I have to take a spin, but it's super cool. . . . Hopefully it brings good vibes, and we get the W."

Josh Berry's Caitlin Clark-Inspired NASCAR Ride Turns Heads at Brickyard 400

Clark, a native of West Des Moines, Iowa, grew up as a NASCAR fan. Her mother's involvement in the sport fueled her interest, making this collaboration particularly special.

"Honestly, I grew up watching NASCAR," Clark said. "My mom was kind of involved in it. So I was a really big fan growing up. It's super cool."

Josh Berry's Caitlin Clark-Inspired NASCAR Ride Turns Heads at Brickyard 400

Panini, one of Berry's sponsors, played a pivotal role in making this concept a reality. The company was instrumental in featuring Clark on Berry's car as part of their broader partnership.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials had initially hoped to host Clark for the Indy 500 in May, but the Fever's schedule prevented her attendance. Nevertheless, the NASCAR platform provides another opportunity to recognize Clark's achievements.

"Obviously, starting our partnership with Panini has been really cool; they have a huge presence in NASCAR and in sports in general," Berry explained. "For them to use the hood of our race car to draw attention to the Caitlin Clark collection that's out is really cool. I think it's been a popular week on social media for our No. 4 car."

Clark has garnered significant attention over the past year, breaking records in college basketball and setting new benchmarks in the WNBA. Her presence on Berry's car serves as a testament to her rising stardom.

A victory for Berry would be the culmination of his efforts to secure a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs. Currently ranked 21st in the standings, five positions away from the cut line, a win would significantly boost his chances of advancing to the postseason.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Berry's Stewart-Haas Racing team has been a formidable force in the NASCAR Cup Series, with teammates Aric Almirola and Chase Briscoe earning victories earlier this season. Berry himself has yet to find his way to Victory Lane in 2023 but has consistently finished in the top 15.

The Brickyard 400 is one of the most prestigious races on the NASCAR calendar, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2.5-mile oval presents a unique challenge for drivers, demanding a balance of speed and precision.

Clark's presence on Berry's car not only recognizes her individual achievements but also highlights the growing popularity of women's sports. The WNBA has experienced a surge in viewership and support in recent years, and Clark's success has helped elevate the league's profile.

The collaboration between Berry and Clark represents a unique intersection of two worlds, showcasing the power of sports to unite diverse audiences. Berry, a seasoned NASCAR veteran, provides a platform for Clark, a rising star in basketball, to reach a new fan base.

As the race weekend unfolds at the Brickyard, all eyes will be on Berry's No. 4 Ford Mustang, not only for its potential to conquer the track but also for its symbolic representation of the ever-evolving sports landscape.