The Wealth Race: Ranking NASCAR’s Richest Drivers

It is always a tough task to get into NASCAR given the heavy funding it demands. However, once entered, the sport could turn out to be a blessing as it has for many drivers in the past and the present. Plenty of sponsors are always itching to be a part of NASCAR which in turn is beneficial for the drivers. Over the years, many have made it large and amassed a huge capital courtesy of their racing career.

The Economics of NASCAR: Unraveling the Earnings of Professional Drivers

There is no doubt that success plays a huge part in elevating a NASCAR driver’s career as it is with other sports. Of course, there is a huge potential but practically, it is tricky to achieve it. As per Sportscasting.com, top drivers could earn as high as $20 million per year with their winnings. However, it is observed that most come away with less than $1 million per year in earnings.

Furthermore, the timing of the wins also plays an important role. For example, in 2020, as per Forbes, Kyle Busch was the leading earner with $17.8 million. He made $16.1 million purely through his salary and the rest of it through endorsements. Rowdy was followed by Jimmie Johnson with $17.6 million in total earnings that very season.

Keeping these earnings in mind, it is truly wild to realize that Dale Earnhardt Jr made a whopping $30 million in a single season in 2009. Not only that, he was followed by Jeff Gordon, who made $27 million in earnings that year. It is amazing how despite having a gap of 11 years, drivers made significantly better earnings. As mentioned earlier, timing matters a lot in NASCAR.

Given how the sport was crazily adored in the first decade of the 20th century, drivers then were able to make it big. In fact, that helped them immensely in building a massive net worth. Tony Stewart, for example, has gone on to have a net worth of $90 million. Along similar lines, even Jimmie Johnson capitalized and has a net worth of around $160 million.

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At the same time, figures like these are difficult to achieve for the current drivers but certainly not impossible. In fact, looking at the richest drivers in the sport could give a better idea of how timing has played a vital role.

Ranking the Wealthiest NASCAR Drivers: Evaluating Earnings from Various Sources

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1) NASCAR Drivers’ Total Career Earnings

Over the years, plenty of fans have made NASCAR their religion. With that approach, many drivers became idols for their respective fanbase. Obviously, with popularity came more recognition, and with more recognition came better earnings. Not long ago, nascarchronicle.com listed the richest drivers in the sport based on their earnings. Here, we take a look at them.

10. Martin Truex Jr

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has become quite popular in the 2023 season courtesy of his incredible form. Winning the 2023 regular season championship, Martin Truex Jr has been a delight to watch in the NASCAR Cup Series. To date, the 2017 Cup Series title winner has a net worth of $30 million.

9. Joey Logano

The defending Cup Series champion has been a fascinating character on and off the track. With 32 wins to his name so far, Joey Logano remains a big name in the sport. To date, Logano reportedly has a net worth of $30 million.

8. Brad Keselowski

Considered a veteran in the sport, Brad Keselowski has plenty of experience under his belt. In his 16 years in the Cup Series, Keselowski has one Cup Series title to his name, won in 2012, and in total, has 35 victories registered. The RFK Racing co-owner reportedly has a net worth of $50 million.

7. Denny Hamlin

It is difficult to understand how after 19 years in the Cup Series, Denny Hamlin has failed to win a championship despite having tremendous talent behind the wheel. Nevertheless, he remains one of the most iconic drivers in the sport with 50 wins to his name. The 23XI Racing co-owner reportedly boasts a net worth of $60 million.

6. Kevin Harvick

After having a stellar career, Kevin Harvick has finally decided to retire after the end of the 2023 season. It has certainly been a delight to give his heart out in every race he participated in his 23-year Cup Series career. With 60 wins and a title win in 2014, Harvick will remain one of the most successful figures in the sport. He reportedly has a net worth of $70 million.

5. Kyle Busch

The name needs no introduction. Kyle Busch is one of the most well-known names in NASCAR for various reasons. However, it is his on-track success that has given him the most recognition. With an impressive record of 63 victories and two Cup Series titles to his name, Rowdy is going strong in his 21st year in the competition. The Kyle Busch Motorsports co-owner reportedly has a net worth of $80 million.

4. Tony Stewart

Having retired from the Cup Series, Tony Stewart still remains active in his racing ventures. Over time, his investments in developing his racing teams have only grown stronger. However, it has all been possible because of his excellent Cup Series career. During his racing days, he not only won 49 races in the Cup Series but has three title wins to his name. As mentioned earlier, the Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner reportedly has a net worth of $90 million.

3. Jimmie Johnson

Words do not suffice for the amazing racer Jimmie Johnson has been. Having won seven Cup Series championships is a remarkable feat, especially being the only third driver to do so in the history of the sport. To date, Johnson has won 83 races which in itself is an incredible achievement. To date, he is reported to have a net worth of $160 million.

2. Jeff Gordon

Retired in 2015, Jeff Gordon still remains a very active part of the NASCAR Cup Series. The Hendrick Motorsports legend now acts as the Vice Chairman of the team and is heavily involved in taking the team to new heights. In his amazing racing career, Gordon registered 93 wins and has four Cup Series titles to his name. Unsurprisingly, he has a massive net worth of $200 million.

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr

If there’s one driver in NASCAR who has immensely capitalized on his popularity, it has to be Dale Earnhardt Jr. Coming from a strong background, Junior was no alien to the dynamics of the sport. However, it was his phenomenal talent behind the wheel that helped him win 26 races.

While he struggled to win a Cup Series title, he did amazingly well in starting different ventures surrounding NASCAR. His racing JR Motorsports combined with his digital presence in the form of Dirty Mo Media has performed wonders for him. To date, Dale Jr reportedly has a net worth of around $300 million.

This certainly gives a perspective as to how racers could scale up their revenue with their NASCAR participation. While other ventures help, their salaries too have a huge impact on their net worth. In fact, some of the present drivers draw some mind-boggling salaries.

2) The Financial Champions: Ranking NASCAR’s Highest-Paid Drivers

It is no secret that racing in the Cup Series is an uphill task, especially given the intense competition. However, given the huge salaries many of the drivers are earning, there is additional pressure on them to make it worth it. As per RookieRoad.com, we take a look at the top salary-earners in the Cup Series currently.

10. Alex Bowman

There is no denial about the talent of Alex Bowman but somehow things haven’t gone his way in the 2023 season. With a serious injury and struggle in form, the Hendrick Motorsports driver finds a massive task of qualifying for the playoffs. Currently, the #48 driver earns an annual salary of $4.5 million.

9. Daniel Suarez

The Trackhouse Racing driver is slowly but surely finding his feet in the Cup Series. With three top-five finishes in the 2023 campaign, Daniel Suarez has shown his true capabilities. Suarez too earns an annual salary of $4.5 million.

8. Chase Elliott

With his popularity, Chase Elliott has become a household name in the Cup Series. After winning the 2020 championship, he has raised the bar not just for himself but also for his teammates. That being said, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has been unfortunate to have missed out on seven races this season.

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In fact, first time in his career, Elliott did not make it to the playoffs. Still, it is worth noting that he has 18 career wins to his name so far. The #9 driver currently earns an annual salary of $8 million.

7. Kyle Larson

Without a doubt, Kyle Larson is one of the most dynamic drivers in the Cup Series right now. His aggressive style has done wonders for him and helped him register over 20 career wins so far. Like Elliott, Larson too earns an annual salary of $8 million.

6. Joey Logano

The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion has had a mixed season so far this year. While a win has assured his playoff presence, Joey Logano has still plenty to offer. The Team Penske driver has won 32 races so far in his career and has an annual salary of $9 million.

5. Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowski makes it to the number-five spot. With his plethora of experience, he has not only been impressive on the tracks but has also been of great help to his fellow racers. The 2012 Cup Series champion has 35 career wins so far and is currently earning $9.4 million on a salary basis.

4. Martin Truex Jr

Without a doubt, Martin Truex Jr has been one of the best performers of 2023. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has not only won multiple races but has dominated laps with utter ease on multiple occasions. With over 30 career wins and a championship win in 2017, Truex Jr deserves to get more recognition. Currently, the #19 driver earns an annual salary worth $10.4 million.

3. Kevin Harvick

Participating in his last-ever season, Kevin Harvick has given NASCAR fans some amazing memories. His 2014 title triumph was an amazing watch as has been in his other races. With 60 wins to his name, Harvick has certainly left his mark in the competition. In his final season, he is earning an annual salary worth $10.9 million.

2. Denny Hamlin

There are very few drivers in the Cup Series who would have won 50 races but not won the championship. Unfortunately, one of them includes Denny Hamlin. Having come close multiple times to winning it, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver would be hoping to achieve it before he hangs up his helmet. Nevertheless, it does not change the fact of the amazing racer he is. Hamlin currently earns an annual salary worth $13.1 million.

1. Kyle Busch

It was surprising to learn Kyle Busch leaving JGR to join Richard Childress Racing in the 2023 campaign. While many doubted his chances of success, Busch has silenced his critics with three wins already this season. It now takes his career tally to 63 wins. The two-time Cup Series winner is the highest-paid driver this season with his annual salary reported to be around $16.9 million.

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There is no doubt that salaries play a very big role in a driver’s income but so do endorsements. In fact, the racers are heavily reliant on their sponsors for sustainability in NASCAR.

The Money Race: Exploring Endorsement Earnings of NASCAR’s Most Marketable Drivers

Normally, revenue from endorsements is not disclosed for any driver. While such is the policy, flowracers.com compiled a list of drivers with the most endorsement earnings based on their estimation and knowledge of the subject.

5. Brad Keselowski

With top sponsors like Castrol, Siemens, Mac Tools, Bell, Esperion, Fastenal, Thorne, and many others, Brad Keselowski has a strong source of income through endorsements. Reportedly, he earns $1.1 million from sponsorships. Unsurprisingly, his 16-year experience also has a lot to do with engaging high-value endorsements.

4. Martin Truex Jr

Joe Gibbs Racing relies a lot on its sponsors to make big-volume revenue. Naturally, Martin Truex Jr is also responsible for contributing to this revenue. While Siemens, Auto-Owners Insurance, and Bass Pro Shops remain Truex Jr’s key sponsors, he reportedly earns around $1.1 million through them.

3. Kevin Harvick

With the 47-year-old driver retiring at the end of this season, it is certainly a blow to the Cup Series as it loses one of its iconic drivers. It will also be a big loss for his sponsors Mobil 1, GearWrench, Rheem, Ezgo, and many more. It is because of these sponsors that Harvick is currently making around $1.5 million annually.

2. Denny Hamlin

Without a doubt, Denny Hamlin is a special driver and a reputed one at that. Given his experience in the Cup Series, he has attracted a number of endorsement deals throughout his career. Currently, he is associated with FedEx, Interstate Batteries, Mavis Tires & Brakes, and many other big names. It is through them he makes $1.5 million annually.

1. Kyle Busch

Over the years, Kyle Busch has only grown stronger with his popularity. It may not have worked out between him and Joe Gibbs Racing but he is no short of sponsors while racing with Richard Childress Racing. 3CHI, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, BETMGM, Lenovo, NetSpend, and many others have struck endorsement deals with Rowdy this season. Because of these deals, Busch makes $1.7 million, the highest any Cup Series driver makes through his sponsors.

One thing that is assured in NASCAR is that with success comes a huge amount of revenue. It is indeed a lucrative part for any aspiring driver. While that could act as an incentive, nothing could beat hard work on and off the track.

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