How much money do NASCAR drivers make?
NASCAR driver pay ranges widely: a few top NASCAR Cup Series stars can make roughly $10–20 million in strong years including endorsements, most full-time Cup drivers fall around $1–6 million, and many Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series drivers earn about $50,000–$500,000—some even bring sponsorship or pay to race. The exact amount depends on the series, team, contract structure, results, and marketability, and because NASCAR no longer publishes purses, figures are best understood as informed ranges.
Contents
How NASCAR driver pay is structured
Driver compensation is typically a mix of guaranteed money and incentives, plus off-track income. While specifics vary by contract and team, most packages draw from the components below.
- Base salary or retainer: A guaranteed annual payment for full-time Cup drivers; smaller or per-race retainers are common in Xfinity/Truck or for part-time Cup deals.
- Race winnings and points bonuses: A negotiated share of event payouts, stage/finishing bonuses, and season points money; terms differ widely by team.
- Playoff and championship bonuses: Incremental bonuses for qualifying for and advancing through the playoffs, with the champion receiving the largest team payout and driver bonus.
- Team performance bonuses: Contracted incentives tied to poles, wins, top-5s/top-10s, laps led, Rookie of the Year, or manufacturer awards.
- Endorsements and personal sponsors: Helmet/suit deals, personal appearance fees, brand ambassadorships, social/digital campaigns, and licensing/merchandise revenue.
- Testing/simulator/TV/media work: Stipends for sim days and tire tests; some drivers supplement income via broadcasting or content deals.
- Merchandise/licensing: A driver share of sales from diecasts, apparel, and licensed products, often small but meaningful for popular stars.
- Per-race pay: Common for part-time rides—set appearance fees plus a cut of the purse; in some cases, a driver brings funding instead of receiving a salary.
Taken together, these create a broad pay spectrum: drivers on top teams with strong results and sponsor appeal earn the most, while development drivers or those in smaller programs may rely on stipends or sponsorship backing rather than large salaries.
Typical earnings by series (estimated ranges)
Because NASCAR and teams don’t publicly disclose driver contracts or event purses, the following ranges reflect industry reporting and common contract structures. Individual cases can fall above or below these bands.
- Cup Series (top tier)
- Elite contenders/household names: about $10–20M in strong years (combined salary, bonuses, endorsements); some seasons can be lower depending on contracts and results.
- Established full‑time drivers on competitive teams: roughly $2–8M total compensation.
- Mid-to-backmarker or part-time Cup drivers: about $200k–$1.5M; some work primarily on per‑race deals.
- Xfinity Series (second tier)
- Top title contenders on funded teams: roughly $200k–$800k; a few crack low seven figures with strong bonuses and endorsements.
- Midfield/part-time or development drivers: about $50k–$300k; many rely on sponsorship stipends.
- Pay-to-drive situations: some drivers bring personal or partner funding and may receive little to no salary.
- Craftsman Truck Series (third tier)
- Front-running veterans and champions: roughly $150k–$400k; occasionally higher with bonuses.
- Midfield or part-time drivers: about $30k–$150k; per‑race fees of a few thousand dollars are common.
- Development/pay-to-drive: drivers may bring funding and receive minimal cash compensation.
The Cup Series contains the most lucrative contracts and endorsements, but even in Cup, only a handful of stars approach eight figures annually; most full-time drivers cluster in the mid six to low seven figures.
What drives the differences in pay
Earnings hinge on performance, platform, and negotiating leverage. A driver’s on‑track results are critical, but business factors matter nearly as much.
- Results and consistency: Wins, playoff appearances, and points position trigger bigger bonuses and boost contract value.
- Team and equipment: Factory-aligned and chartered teams with deep sponsorship typically pay more than smaller independents.
- Sponsorship strength: Drivers who attract or keep major sponsors command higher salaries and more endorsement income.
- Marketability and fanbase: Social media reach, personality, and regional appeal drive endorsement and merch opportunities.
- Experience and status: Champions and perennial contenders have leverage; rookies and development drivers often trade salary for seat time.
- Contract terms: Some deals are salary-heavy; others lean on incentives and a share of purse/points money.
- Schedule and availability: Full-time Cup drivers generally earn more than part‑time or multi‑series split schedules.
- Economics and revenue sharing: Changes in team revenues, sponsorship trends, and the charter system influence what teams can pay.
In short, the right combination of performance, team resources, and sponsor alignment yields the biggest paydays; gaps in any area can hold earnings down.
Illustrative earnings scenarios
The following hypothetical examples show how totals can add up. These are not disclosures, but realistic composites based on common contract structures.
- Top-tier Cup title contender
- Base salary: $6–9M
- Race/points/playoff bonuses: $2–5M (wins, stage points, playoff rounds, manufacturer awards)
- Endorsements/merch/licensing: $2–6M
- Estimated total: $10–20M in a strong season
- Established full-time Cup driver on a competitive team
- Base salary: $1–3M
- Bonuses and purse share: $0.5–2M
- Endorsements/other: $0.2–1M
- Estimated total: $1.7–6M
- Rookie or part-time Cup driver
- Retainer/per‑race fees: $200k–$800k (mix of small retainer and per‑start pay)
- Bonuses: $0–$200k
- Endorsements: $0–$150k
- Estimated total: $250k–$1.1M
- Front‑running Xfinity or Truck driver
- Salary/stipend: $75k–$300k
- Bonuses/purse share: $50k–$300k
- Endorsements/merch: $0–$100k
- Estimated total: $150k–$600k
These scenarios emphasize how incentives move the needle; a hot streak or deep playoff run can dramatically change a driver’s year.
What drivers actually take home
Gross earnings aren’t the same as take-home pay. Drivers and their business entities shoulder taxes and professional expenses that can trim net income significantly.
- Taxes: Federal, state, and “jock tax” obligations from racing in multiple states.
- Agent/manager/PR: Typically 5–15% combined across representation and public relations support.
- Training and travel: Coaching, gyms, nutritionists, flights, and accommodations not covered by teams.
- Insurance and legal: Health, disability, and legal/accounting services.
- Personal staff/content production: Costs tied to brand building and sponsor obligations.
Depending on structure, a driver’s net can land 35–60% below headline figures after taxes and fees, with significant variation by residence and deductions.
Key context about purses and the charter system
Since 2016, NASCAR has not publicly disclosed detailed race purses, and team revenues flow from a mix of broadcast rights, sponsorship, and event-related payouts. Teams negotiate privately with drivers over salary and purse shares, and the current revenue split—and the status of team charters—shapes how much money filters to salaries. Ongoing negotiations and sponsorship trends in 2025 can influence future driver pay scales.
Outlook for 2025 and beyond
The Cup Series’ Next Gen era has shifted team economics toward cost control, and many modern driver deals weigh incentives more heavily than big guaranteed salaries. If team revenues and sponsor health strengthen, elite driver paydays should remain robust, while the middle of the grid is likely to continue operating in the low-to-mid seven figures. In Xfinity and Trucks, funding-driven seats will remain common, with top performers carving out solid six-figure seasons and the biggest prospects moving up to Cup for the larger pay potential.
Bottom line
A NASCAR driver can make anything from modest five figures in the development ranks to eight figures as a Cup superstar. For most full-time Cup drivers, $1–6 million per year is a reasonable ballpark before endorsements, while only a select few approach $10–20 million in peak seasons. Performance, sponsors, and team strength determine where a driver lands on that spectrum.
Summary
NASCAR driver income varies dramatically by series, results, and marketability. A handful of Cup stars can clear eight figures with bonuses and endorsements; the majority of full-time Cup drivers earn in the low-to-mid seven figures; and many Xfinity/Truck drivers make five to low six figures, sometimes relying on sponsor funding. Because NASCAR purses are no longer public and contracts are private, treat all figures as ranges—performance and partnerships are the biggest levers of pay.
Who is the highest paid race car driver?
The highest-paid race car driver is generally considered to be Max Verstappen, who reportedly earns a salary of around $65 million for the 2025 Formula 1 season. This makes him the top earner in motorsport, ahead of other high-profile drivers in F1, NASCAR, and other racing series.
Top-Paid Drivers by Series (as of early 2025):
- Formula 1 (F1): Max Verstappen is at the top with a salary of approximately $65 million.
- NASCAR: Kyle Busch is reported to be the highest-paid NASCAR driver, with a yearly salary of $16.9 million for 2025.
- IndyCar: Colton Herta is considered one of the highest-paid IndyCar drivers, with a salary of $7 million.
Factors contributing to high salaries:
- Performance and Success: Drivers who win races and championships, like Verstappen, command higher salaries due to their proven ability and the value they bring to their teams.
- Sponsorships: A driver’s status as a prominent figure can also lead to lucrative personal sponsorship deals, which add to their overall earnings, as seen with Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
- Demand and Market Value: Elite drivers are in high demand, and teams are willing to pay top dollar to secure their talent.
What is Chase Elliott’s salary?
Chase Elliott’s annual salary is reportedly around $8 million, a figure that does not include additional earnings from endorsements, merchandise sales, or prize money, which can increase his total annual income. His salary is estimated by sources such as Statista and Front Office Sports, positioning him among the highest-earning NASCAR drivers, according to their 2025 reports.
Sources of Income
- Salary: Elliott’s base salary from Hendrick Motorsports is a significant component of his earnings.
- Endorsements: He receives income from brand partnerships, with companies like NAPA and Chevrolet listed as sponsors.
- Merchandise Sales: As NASCAR’s most popular driver for several years, Elliott sells a substantial amount of licensed merchandise, contributing significantly to his income.
- Race Winnings: While a smaller portion compared to his salary and endorsements, race wins, including his 2020 All-Star Race victory, also contribute to his earnings.
Key Points
- Total earnings: While his base salary is approximately $8 million, his total annual income, including endorsements and merchandise, is higher, with the $8 million in salary likely being part of his total earnings.
- Market Standing: Elliott is considered one of NASCAR’s top earners and is among the highest-paid drivers in the sport.
How much do NASCAR drivers get paid?
NASCAR driver salaries vary significantly, from five figures for developmental drivers to over $10 million annually for top earners like Kyle Busch, who reportedly made $16.9 million in 2024. A driver’s earnings are determined by a combination of their team salary, race winnings, and endorsement deals, which can differ greatly based on performance, public image, and the number of sponsorships secured.
Factors Influencing NASCAR Driver Pay
- Team Salary: Opens in new tabDrivers receive a base salary from their team, with top drivers earning millions annually and developmental drivers making significantly less.
- Race Winnings: Opens in new tabThe prize money for winning or placing high in races, especially the Daytona 500, can add substantially to a driver’s earnings.
- Endorsements and Sponsorships: Opens in new tabA driver’s ability to attract sponsors and endorsements for their car and personal brand is a major component of their income, with top drivers securing lucrative deals.
Examples of Top Earners (2024 Salaries)
- Kyle Busch: $16.9 million
- Denny Hamlin: $13.1 million
- Martin Truex Jr.: $10.4 million (before retirement)
- Brad Keselowski: $9.4 million
- Joey Logano: $9 million
- Kyle Larson: $8 million
- Chase Elliott: $8 million
Who is the richest NASCAR driver?
The richest NASCAR driver of all time is Dale Earnhardt Jr., with an estimated net worth of $300 million, primarily from his legendary racing career, current media ventures as a TV analyst and podcast host, his ownership of JR Motorsports, and brand endorsements. While he is retired from full-time racing, he maintains a powerful presence in NASCAR and the business world.
Sources of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Wealth
- Racing Career: As a two-time Daytona 500 winner and 15-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver, his success on the track generated significant prize money and endorsement deals.
- JR Motorsports: He is the owner of JR Motorsports, a successful Xfinity and Truck Series team, and holds a significant stake in the venture.
- Media and Broadcasting: Earnhardt Jr. works as a television analyst, hosts a popular podcast, and runs a media production company, all of which contribute to his wealth.
- Endorsements: His iconic status has led to numerous brand partnerships, further enhancing his income beyond his racing and business ventures.
Other Richest Drivers
- Jeff Gordon: Opens in new tabThe second-richest retired driver, he has a net worth of approximately $230 million, partly due to his role as vice-chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.
- Jimmie Johnson: Opens in new tabA seven-time Cup Series champion, Johnson is also a wealthy retired driver with an estimated net worth of $180 million.
- Kyle Busch: Opens in new tabAs the highest-paid active driver in 2024, Busch’s wealth is substantial, though he is not the richest overall.
