There is no denying that although all divisions of NASCAR showcase intense racing, it is the Cup Series that holds the pivotal position. The Cup Series is considered the most elite format in the world of stock racing, boasting a massive fan base.
However, there is no denying that lower tiers like Xfinity, Craftsman Truck, and Arca Menards also strongly depend on financial backing from sponsors. These funds, which are crucial for the teams as well as the organizations, can run into millions. But the reality is that it is the Cup Series that gets the lion’s share, while the lower formats have to do with the leftovers.
And this disparity was evident during the Chicago Street Race weekend as NASCAR revealed the purse for the sport.
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Xfinity driver points out the monetary disparity prevalent in the different formats of NASCAR
The world of stock car racing does not hinge on small budgets, given the various sponsors that pour in millions to showcase their brands on the cars. But it is the Cup Series teams and drivers that can boast of a sizeable amount of fortunes that they acquire as a driver in the superior format. But the purses for the Xfinity and Truck Series are much lesser than that for the Cup Series. This was evident through the prize money that was announced for the Chicago race weekend.
A post by veteran journalist Bob Pockrass revealed the total purse value for both formats, and the numbers clearly show the monetary disparity that is followed in the payout structures. In the Cup Series, the prize money was marked at $7.5 million, which would be divided among the 37 drivers on the field. The victor takes the larger share, while the outstanding balance is shared among the rest of the drivers according to their finishing positions.
However, the purse for the Xfinity race on the same track and on the same weekend was substantially less. This was pointed out by the Xfinity driver Tommy Joe Martins on his Twitter profile. The Xfinity purse revealed by Bob Pockrass was marked at $1.6 million. These sums also included all the payouts, charter performance, and year-end contributions to the points fund.
Now post the Xfinity one. https://t.co/q3ESJ8UF5F
— Tommy Joe Martins (@TommyJoeMartins) July 2, 2023
Watch this Story: Heartbroken Chase Elliott Admits Defeat Hours Ahead Of The Chicago Street Race
Fans hurl their sarcastic comments at the authority for the pay disparity
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The financial disparity is clearly visible through the numbers that were published by the journalist and was a source of discomfort for NASCAR fans. After the driver posted the photo of the prize for the Cup Series on Twitter along with the words, “Now post the Xfinity one, fans took to the comment section to leave their sarcastic comments under it, highlighting the disparity.
Many wrote, “I got some pocket lint to add to it.”
“Are we supposed to be surprised if the B League series makes considerably less?”
“Like 50 bucks and a Malnati’s pie.”
50 bucks and a case of beer
— Brian (I've pissed off everyone) (@peppertree123) July 2, 2023
Others also added, “It’s the lint that was stuck to the zipper of that purse.”
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“Same as every sport with minor league.”
We get it tommy we get it
— carl edwards burner (@nascar_knight) July 2, 2023
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Nevertheless, the Xfinity race at the inaugural turned out to be a disappointing one, as fans missed out on a spectacle of a show due to the incessant rain. The race, which was postponed from Saturday to Sunday after lightning struck the Chicago sky, was ultimately canceled and Cole Custer, the polesitter, was announced as the winner of the series.