Who is the highest-paid driver in NASCAR?

Chase Elliott is widely regarded as the highest-paid driver in NASCAR, thanks to a combination of a top-tier Hendrick Motorsports contract and the sport’s most lucrative endorsement portfolio. While exact figures fluctuate year to year and are rarely disclosed in full, industry estimates and trade reporting indicate Elliott’s total annual earnings (salary, race winnings/bonuses, and endorsements) sit at the top of the NASCAR paddock, edging rivals like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson.

How “highest-paid” is measured in NASCAR

In NASCAR, driver earnings aren’t a single number. Total pay typically blends base salary, performance bonuses, a share of race winnings, and off-track income from endorsements and personal sponsorships. The mix can vary widely by driver, team, and season, making rankings dependent on methodology as much as results.

The components of a driver’s earnings

The following points explain the typical building blocks that determine a NASCAR driver’s pay in any given year.

• Base salary: Guaranteed money from the team, often tied to contract length and stature.
• Race winnings and bonuses: Payouts tied to finishes, playoff progression, and special events.
• Endorsements and licensing: Deals with consumer brands, equipment makers, apparel, and die-cast/licensing.
• Appearances and media: Paid sponsor appearances, media projects, and digital content revenue.

Together, these elements create a moving target for annual earnings, which is why the “highest-paid” title can hinge on off-track deals as much as on-track performance.

Why Chase Elliott leads the pack

Elliott’s sustained popularity — multiple-time winner of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver award — translates into premium endorsement value and long-term sponsor relationships (including automotive and consumer brands). Coupled with Hendrick Motorsports’ competitive equipment and bonus structures, Elliott’s total compensation has consistently ranked at or near the top in recent seasons.

Other top earners to watch

Several veterans and champions remain close to the top of the pay scale, with strong salaries and notable sponsor portfolios keeping the race for No. 1 competitive each season.

• Kyle Busch: Historically among the highest-paid, buoyed by championship pedigree and veteran status.
• Denny Hamlin: A perennial contender with major backing and additional visibility as a co-owner of 23XI Racing.
• Kyle Larson: A recent Cup champion whose elite performance, marquee races, and Hendrick deal keep him near the top.
• Joey Logano: Multi-time champion with stable sponsorship and a long-term seat at Team Penske.
• Martin Truex Jr.: Veteran champion with strong career earnings; his status can fluctuate with schedule and future plans.

Earnings among these drivers can tighten or change year to year, especially when new contracts, sponsor shifts, or championship bonuses come into play.

What can change the ranking in 2025

Pay rankings are dynamic. New contracts, sponsor reshuffles, performance swings, and media projects can boost or curb annual totals. High-visibility wins (Daytona 500, Cup title) and playoff runs often trigger bonuses and attract incremental sponsorship dollars.

Context on transparency

NASCAR teams and drivers rarely publish full compensation details. Industry outlets and trade publications typically triangulate figures from team sources, sponsor disclosures, historical comps, and licensing data. As a result, estimates can vary, but the consensus places Chase Elliott at No. 1 for overall earnings in the current era.

Summary

Chase Elliott is widely viewed as the highest-paid driver in NASCAR today, propelled by elite-level endorsements layered on top of a premier Hendrick Motorsports deal. Close behind are stars like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Joey Logano. Because contracts and bonuses evolve — and endorsements ebb and flow — the hierarchy can shift, but Elliott’s combination of popularity, performance, and sponsor demand keeps him in the top slot.

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 to $400 million. He accumulated his wealth through race winnings, advertisements, endorsements, and building a successful multimedia and business empire, including JR Motorsports. 
Sources of Wealth:

• Race Winnings & Career: His success on the track, including two Daytona 500 wins and 15 consecutive NASCAR Most Popular Driver awards, contributed to his income. 
• JR Motorsports: He owns JR Motorsports, a successful NASCAR Xfinity Series team. 
• Multimedia: He has a successful career as a TV analyst, podcast host, and author. 
• Endorsements: He has numerous endorsements and has served as a brand ambassador for various companies. 

Why He’s the Richest: 

• Longevity and Popularity: Earnhardt Jr.’s long and popular career established him as an icon, which translates to significant brand value.
• Post-Racing Career: He successfully transitioned his fame into business ventures and media, allowing him to continue building his fortune long after retiring from full-time racing.

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.

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 Joey Logano’s annual salary?

Joey Logano’s salary is an estimated $9 million per year from his Team Penske driving contract, with additional income from lucrative endorsements for brands like Coca-Cola and Shell, which contribute to his total estimated annual earnings and significant net worth.
 
Salary Breakdown

• Driving Salary: Logano’s annual salary for driving the number 22 car for Team Penske is reported to be around $9 million. 
• Endorsements: He also receives income from endorsements with major brands, which can add a substantial amount to his yearly earnings. 
• Total Earnings: This combination of salary and endorsements puts his total annual earnings in the top tier of NASCAR drivers, along with his net worth. 

Total Earnings and Net Worth

• Annual Earnings: In addition to his salary, Logano’s endorsements and bonuses add significantly to his total annual income. 
• Net Worth: According to Celebrity Net Worth, Joey Logano’s estimated net worth is around $24 million. 

Driving for Team Penske

• Logano drives the number 22 Ford for Team Penske, a partnership that has led to multiple Cup Series championships. 
• His success in the sport contributes to his high salary and lucrative endorsements.