Wood Brothers Racing is set to celebrate a pivotal moment in motorsports history with a striking throwback paint scheme for the upcoming Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend. The No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang, driven by Josh Berry, will feature a livery inspired by the legendary Ford-powered Lotus that Jim Clark drove to victory in the 1965 Indianapolis 500—a race where the Wood Brothers played a crucial role with their groundbreaking pit stop strategy.
A Tribute to Innovation and Victory
The tribute scheme was officially unveiled at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, where Clark’s original race-winning car is proudly displayed. Jon Wood, president of Wood Brothers Racing, emphasized the deep personal significance of the throwback design.
“It’s always special to run a throwback, but this one carries extra meaning because of the connection our family had to that Indy 500 win,” Wood said. “Unveiling it at The Henry Ford, right next to the original car, made it even more special. Seeing the No. 21 in those colors is a great way to honor that history, and I think it’s something fans will really appreciate.”
This tribute scheme isn’t just about aesthetics—it commemorates a moment that intertwined stock car racing with open-wheel history. In an unexpected turn of events, Ford Motor Company racing official John Cowley approached Glenn Wood at Darlington Raceway in the mid-1960s with an unprecedented proposal: assisting Team Lotus with pit stops for the 1965 Indy 500.
The Wood Brothers’ Impact on Indy 500 History
At the time, Leonard Wood and the Wood Brothers crew were revolutionizing NASCAR pit stops with their speed and efficiency. That expertise caught the attention of Ford, who sought to apply similar tactics to the Indianapolis 500. The Wood Brothers’ involvement proved instrumental in Clark’s historic victory, forever linking the No. 21 team to one of the most memorable moments in racing history.
“When we were asked by Ford Motor Company to pit Jim Clark’s car for the Indy 500, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our family,” said Leonard Wood. “We were just a group of guys from Stuart, Virginia, working on stock cars, and suddenly, we were part of something that would become a unique part of our history. To see that same scheme now on our No. 21 Ford Mustang for Throwback Weekend at Darlington is really special. It brings back a lot of memories, and it’s a great way to honor that moment.”
Josh Berry Pilots the Historic Throwback
The 2025 season has already been a milestone year for Josh Berry, who in his first season with Wood Brothers Racing secured his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That win also marked the team’s 101st all-time victory, further cementing the Wood Brothers’ legacy.
For Berry, carrying the colors of the 1965 Indy 500-winning Lotus is an honor.
“The Wood Brothers have such a rich history in racing, and their role in the 1965 Indy 500 is one of those stories that really stands out,” Berry said. “Getting to drive a throwback that represents such a unique moment for the team is really special. The scheme looks amazing, and I can’t wait to hit the track at Darlington with it.”
Throwback Weekend at Darlington
Fans will get to see the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang in action during NASCAR Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway, taking place April 5-6, 2025. The Goodyear 400 is set for Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on FS1.
With a tribute scheme that connects NASCAR and IndyCar history, Wood Brothers Racing’s throwback is sure to be a fan favorite as it takes center stage at one of the sport’s most historic tracks.
