Who Is the Highest-Paid NASCAR Driver?

Kyle Busch is widely reported as the highest-paid active NASCAR driver based on the most recent industry earnings estimates (2024), edging rivals like Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott. Exact rankings can vary year to year because totals reflect a mix of base pay, race winnings, bonuses, and endorsements that fluctuate with performance and sponsor deals.

How “Highest-Paid” Is Measured

When outlets rank NASCAR driver pay, they typically combine several income streams: team salary or retainer, race winnings and playoff bonuses, plus endorsements, merchandising, and appearance fees. Some estimates exclude income from team ownership stakes (for example, Denny Hamlin’s share of 23XI Racing) to focus on driver-related earnings, while others may include broader commercial activity. This methodological variance explains why different publications can produce slightly different leaderboards in a given year.

Who Tops the Latest Lists

Across recent pre-season and mid-year earnings tallies published by business outlets that track motorsports economics, Kyle Busch has most often held the No. 1 spot since 2022, with Denny Hamlin typically close behind. Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson have consistently ranked near the top thanks to strong sponsorship portfolios and competitive results.

The following roundup highlights the names most frequently cited near the top of recent rankings, with brief context on what drives their earnings. Ordering can shift by outlet and by season as bonuses and sponsor deals change.

• Kyle Busch — Frequently ranked No. 1 in recent years; combines a sizable driver deal with strong incentives and long-standing sponsor relationships.
• Denny Hamlin — Regularly near the top on driving income and endorsements; note that most lists exclude any separate income from his ownership stake in 23XI Racing.
• Chase Elliott — NASCAR’s most popular driver in recent fan polls, translating to one of the sport’s largest endorsement and merchandising footprints.
• Kyle Larson — A perennial title contender whose on-track success boosts bonuses and marketability with blue-chip sponsors.
• Martin Truex Jr. — A veteran champion whose compensation has historically reflected consistent front-running performances and stable sponsorship.

Taken together, these drivers anchor the sport’s top tier of compensation, with Busch most commonly cited as the highest-paid based on the latest publicly reported estimates.

Why Kyle Busch Leads

Busch’s position is the product of longevity at the elite level, two Cup Series championships, and a contract structure that ties significant incentives to race wins and playoff performance. He also commands a mature endorsement slate, which can be decisive in seasons when base salaries narrow among top drivers.

What Could Change the Ranking

NASCAR driver earnings are dynamic. Media-rights revenue influences purses and sponsor demand; team moves can reset base pay; and championship runs can swing seven-figure bonuses. Off-track visibility—social reach, brand alignment, and crossover appearances—also matters.

Below are the main factors that most often reshuffle the earnings leaderboard from one season to the next.

• Championship and playoff bonuses that spike end-of-year totals.
• New or renewed primary sponsorships that increase endorsement income.
• Team changes that reset base salary, incentives, and performance outlook.
• Health and availability—injuries or absences can reduce winnings and exposure.
• Off-track ventures (media projects, licensing) that expand commercial revenue.

Because these levers can shift quickly, the “highest-paid” designation is best understood as a snapshot that can change with each new season’s deals and results.

Bottom Line

As of the latest widely cited 2024 estimates, Kyle Busch is considered the highest-paid active NASCAR driver, with Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott close behind. The precise order can vary by source and season, but Busch has most consistently occupied the top spot in recent years.

Summary

Kyle Busch is currently regarded as NASCAR’s highest-paid driver based on recent earnings estimates that combine salary, winnings, and endorsements. While Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Larson remain close competitors, season-to-season shifts in bonuses and sponsorships can move the rankings—so the top earner is a moving target, but Busch has most consistently led the pack.