NASCAR driver Josh Berry finds himself in the spotlight for an unexpected reason—his high school connection to pop superstar Taylor Swift. While Berry has made a name for himself on the racetrack, his casual mention of attending the same school as Swift has sparked endless questions from fans and media alike. Recently, the chatter grew louder when Swift’s relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce brought Berry’s past back into focus. In a candid podcast appearance, Berry expressed frustration over the constant attention, especially when it comes to Kelce. Here’s the full story behind the headlines.
A Shared High School Past
Josh Berry, 34, and Taylor Swift, 35, both attended Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Swift was a student there for her freshman and sophomore years before switching to homeschooling at Aaron Academy to pursue her music career. Berry, who was in a different grade, didn’t know Swift personally but recalls mutual connections.
“She was in a different grade,” Berry said on the Rubbin’ Is Racing podcast. “I didn’t really know her. I know of somebody who knew her kind of deal. But I didn’t really know her.”
Berry shared that Swift’s talent was noticeable even back then. During a 2024 Daytona 500 Media Day, he recalled her performing at a school talent show.
“One thing that stands out, I do remember her singing during the talent show, and we were like, ‘Hey, she’s alright,’ you know what I mean,” he said.
Swift’s family moved to Hendersonville in 2004 to support her budding career, a decision that set her on the path to global fame. Berry, meanwhile, took a different route, working as a bank teller before breaking into NASCAR.
Why the Connection Keeps Resurfacing
Berry’s link to Swift first came up as a fun fact during interviews. He shared it as a lighthearted story, not expecting it to become a recurring topic.
“It’s one of those things when you’re doing an interview one day and somebody’s like, ‘Hey, what’s a funny, crazy story about you?’” Berry explained. “I’m like, ‘Oh, I went to school with Taylor Swift.’ You don’t think that’s that big of a deal. But good gosh, man. It never ends.”
The questions multiplied when Taylor Swift began dating Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, in July 2023. Their high-profile romance, which went public after Swift attended a Chiefs game in September 2023, brought renewed attention to Berry’s high school anecdote. Fans and reporters started asking him not just about Swift but also about Kelce, despite Berry having no connection to the NFL star.
Berry’s Frustration with the Kelce Questions
On the Rubbin’ Is Racing podcast, Berry didn’t hold back about how the Swift-Kelce buzz has affected him. He made it clear that the constant questions, especially about Kelce, feel irrelevant to his life and career.
“Then she starts dating Travis Kelce and it all comes back again,” Berry said. “I’m like, ‘I don’t care about Travis Kelce. He has nothing to do with me.’ It just never ends.”
Berry’s comments weren’t a personal attack on Kelce but rather an expression of exhaustion. As a NASCAR driver focused on his racing career, he’d rather talk about his achievements, like his first Cup Series win at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas in March 2025 or his playoff spot in his second full-time season. Instead, the Swift connection overshadows his work.
No Response from Swift or Kelce
Taylor Swift hasn’t addressed Berry’s remarks, and sources close to her suggest she’s unbothered by the comments. The singer has been busy with her music and supporting Kelce at NFL games while he’s attended her Eras Tour shows. Their relationship remains strong, with the couple spotted together at events like the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament.
Travis Kelce, 35, has also stayed silent on the matter. He’s focused on his football career, despite the Chiefs’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX earlier this year. Reports indicate Swift and Kelce have taken steps to keep their relationship more private recently, limiting public appearances after facing media scrutiny.
Berry’s Racing Focus and Other Connections
While the Swift saga grabs headlines, Berry remains dedicated to NASCAR. He drives the No. 21 Ford Mustang for Wood Brothers Racing and has earned six career wins across NASCAR’s Xfinity, Craftsman Truck, and Cup Series. In 2024, he finished 27th in the NASCAR Cup Series, with his Las Vegas victory marking a career highlight.
Interestingly, Swift isn’t the only notable figure from Berry’s hometown. He grew up near Josef Newgarden, a two-time IndyCar champion who attended Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School, about five miles from Hendersonville High. Berry and Newgarden didn’t know each other as racers in school but reconnected later through their careers.
“With Josef, we were both in school at the same time, but we really didn’t know each of us raced,” Berry said. “He didn’t really know I raced, I didn’t really know he raced. We were around each other, but didn’t really connect the dots.”
The two recently visited their old schools together, thanks to a partnership with PPG, and shared laughs over old yearbook photos with students.
Public Reactions to Berry’s Comments
Berry’s podcast remarks sparked a mix of reactions online. Some fans found his frustration relatable, understanding his desire to focus on racing. Others, especially Swifties, felt he was dismissive of Swift’s cultural impact. Posts on social media highlighted the divide.
“I get why Josh Berry is annoyed, but saying ‘I don’t care’ about Travis Kelce feels like he’s missing how big this is for fans,” one user wrote.
“Josh Berry just wants to race, not talk about Taylor Swiftall day. Can’t blame him,” another commented.
Despite the buzz, Berry has clarified he holds no ill will toward Swift or Kelce. He simply wants the focus to shift back to his work on the track.
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