For the second consecutive week, Josh Berry was taken out in the opening laps of a playoff race. This time, Chase Elliott spun him at Gateway—and later issued an apology.
Chase Elliott apologizes to Josh Berry for spinning him at Gateway

Key Takeaways:
- Josh Berry was wrecked in the opening laps for the second consecutive week
- Chase Elliott spun Berry at Gateway, causing the incident
- Berry’s playoff hopes are now described as being on “life support”
- Elliott offered an apology for his role in the spin
- The story was first published on Yardbarker on 2025-09-07 22:58:34
The Early-Lap Crash
For the second straight week, Josh Berry found himself facing an early disaster in a playoff race. This time, the trouble occurred at Gateway, where Berry was spun in the opening laps. While the specifics of the crash itself remain brief, it was enough to derail Berry’s race hopes almost immediately.
Elliott’s Apology
The driver behind the spin, Chase Elliott, offered an apology for the incident. Although details of his statement are not included in the original feed, the acknowledgment from Elliott underscores the significance of the crash. For Berry, the apology might bring some closure, but it does little to undo the growing pressure on his playoff campaign.
Impact on Berry’s Playoff Hopes
The repeated early-lap mishaps have taken their toll on Berry’s standings. With two consecutive crashes compromising his finishes, the article describes his hopes as resting on “absolute life support.” For any playoff contender, such setbacks can be devastating, and Berry’s future in the chase remains uncertain.
Looking Forward
Even in the wake of Elliott’s apology, the ramifications for Berry’s postseason continue to mount. Two weeks of setbacks have raised questions about whether he can turn his season around. While the outcome for both drivers remains to be seen, one thing is clear: lackluster starts in crucial playoff races can shift the dynamic of the entire championship fight.