In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, rivalries and fan loyalties can sometimes escalate beyond the track. Recently, a former Dale Earnhardt Jr. protégé has stepped into the spotlight, revealing shocking details about death threats he received while calling out what he sees as an unhealthy obsession with Kyle Larson.

Josh Berry, a once-promising driver under the JR Motorsports banner, found himself at the center of controversy after voicing his frustrations about the intense adulation surrounding Kyle Larson. Berry, who has worked tirelessly to carve out his own legacy, has struggled to step out of the shadow cast by NASCAR’s current golden boy.

In a candid conversation, Berry expressed his discontent, stating, “He came to my territory, and suddenly, I was the villain for wanting my shot.” The driver hinted that Larson’s rise has not only limited opportunities for other talents but has also created an extreme fan culture that can be toxic to competitors.

Social media has become both a blessing and a curse for modern athletes. While it allows direct engagement with fans, it also opens the door for extreme criticism and, in some cases, threats. Berry shared disturbing accounts of how his comments about Larson led to an avalanche of online abuse.

“People have wished the worst on me just because I dared to say I deserved my chance,” Berry admitted. “It’s not just criticism; it’s threats, it’s harassment, and it’s got to stop.”

This kind of response is not new in NASCAR, where driver rivalries often translate into feuds between fan bases. However, Berry’s experience highlights a larger issue within the sport—when does passion turn into toxicity?

Kyle Larson’s comeback story is undeniably one of the most compelling in modern NASCAR history. After facing a suspension due to a racial slur controversy in 2020, Larson returned with a vengeance, dominating the Cup Series and solidifying himself as a generational talent. His redemption arc has won him a fiercely loyal fan base, but Berry argues that this loyalty has morphed into something more dangerous.

“No one is saying Kyle isn’t talented—he’s one of the best to ever do it. But that doesn’t mean other drivers don’t deserve respect too,” Berry noted. “There’s room for more than one story in this sport.”

The overwhelming support for Larson often comes at the expense of other drivers who are striving for their own recognition. Berry, along with several others, has found himself on the wrong end of this equation, struggling to gain traction in a sport where fan perception can influence career opportunities.

As a former Dale Earnhardt Jr. development driver, Berry was once seen as a future Cup Series staple. However, his journey has been anything but smooth. After limited opportunities with JR Motorsports, he had to fight his way into the big leagues, eventually securing a Cup ride with Stewart-Haas Racing.

His departure from Dale Jr.’s camp, paired with his outspoken nature, has only fueled the animosity from certain NASCAR circles. While Earnhardt Jr. himself has not publicly commented on Berry’s recent struggles, his influence in the sport remains undeniable, and some speculate that Berry’s blunt approach may have cost him key allies.

The world of motorsports thrives on rivalries, but there is a fine line between passionate fandom and outright hostility. The vitriol Berry has faced is a stark reminder of how quickly narratives can spiral out of control in the social media era.

While Berry’s remarks may not sit well with everyone, they do raise important questions about how drivers are treated when they challenge popular figures in the sport. Should fandom come at the cost of basic human decency? And how can NASCAR work to ensure that drivers feel safe to voice their opinions without fearing for their lives?

Despite the backlash, Berry remains focused on his career. He acknowledges that standing up against popular narratives can be risky, but he refuses to be silenced. “I just want a fair shot, like anyone else. If that makes me the bad guy, so be it.”

As NASCAR continues to evolve, the conversation around fair competition and respectful fandom must evolve with it. Berry’s story serves as a sobering reminder that behind the helmets and fire suits, drivers are real people—people who deserve respect, regardless of where fan loyalties lie.

Whether fans will take his words to heart remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Josh Berry is not backing down.