Who is the richest NASCAR driver?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is widely considered the richest NASCAR driver as of 2025, with industry estimates placing his net worth at roughly $300 million. While exact figures are private and vary by source, Earnhardt Jr.’s wealth stems from a rare blend of on-track success, long-running endorsements, team ownership, and expanding media ventures—keeping him atop the earnings leaderboard even years after stepping away from full-time Cup Series competition.

Why Dale Earnhardt Jr. tops the list

Earnhardt Jr. parlayed two Daytona 500 victories and 26 Cup Series wins into a brand that transcends the sport. His long tenure as one of NASCAR’s most marketable figures, combined with strategic business moves—most notably JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series and a burgeoning media portfolio—has sustained and diversified his income well beyond prize money. In 2025, his broadcast presence grows again under NASCAR’s new media-rights era, reinforcing both visibility and value.

Key income streams that keep Earnhardt Jr. ahead

Several complementary revenue pillars have supported Earnhardt Jr.’s fortune over time. Below is a breakdown of the most significant ones and how they contribute to his overall wealth.

• Racing earnings: Two decades of Cup and Xfinity competition produced substantial winnings and appearance fees during NASCAR’s peak sponsorship years.
• Endorsements and licensing: Longstanding deals with major brands and lucrative merchandising leveraged his popularity and the Earnhardt name.
• JR Motorsports: Co-ownership of a top-tier Xfinity Series team with multiple championships (2014, 2017, 2018) brings sponsorship, prize, and enterprise value benefits.
• Media and broadcasting: After a successful stint at NBC, Earnhardt Jr. signed on-air roles with Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports beginning in 2025 as part of NASCAR’s new broadcast package; his Dirty Mo Media network continues to grow podcasts and digital content.
• Business ventures and real estate: Hospitality concepts, licensing agreements, and investments add longer-tail income beyond racing.

Taken together, these streams create a resilient, diversified portfolio. Even as racing wages fluctuate, Earnhardt Jr.’s brand and businesses maintain his position as the sport’s wealth benchmark.

The runners-up: other wealthy NASCAR drivers

Several modern-era stars have built sizable fortunes through championships, endorsements, and team or business stakes. While estimates differ, the drivers below commonly appear near the top of wealth rankings within the sport.

• Jeff Gordon: Estimated in the $200–250 million range; four-time Cup champion and current vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, with ongoing executive and media roles.
• Jimmie Johnson: Often estimated around $160–180 million; seven-time Cup champion, part-owner/driver at Legacy Motor Club, with international racing credentials.
• Tony Stewart: Frequently cited near or above $100 million; three-time Cup champion, co-owner at Stewart-Haas Racing (which exited the Cup Series after 2024) and co-founder of SRX, with diversified motorsports interests.
• Kevin Harvick: Common estimates above $100 million; 2014 Cup champion who transitioned to broadcasting and management roles after full-time driving.
• Kyle Busch: Often listed in the $80–100 million range; two-time Cup champion with substantial career winnings, endorsements, and business ventures.
• Denny Hamlin: Widely estimated around $80–90 million; three-time Daytona 500 winner and co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, adding long-term equity potential.

These figures are directional, not audited. Each driver’s true wealth depends on private holdings, valuations of team equity, and personal investments that are not publicly disclosed.

How wealth estimates are calculated—and why they vary

Net worth figures in motorsports are typically built from reported career earnings, known endorsement deals, team equity stakes, media contracts, real estate, and business ventures—minus liabilities. Because most contracts and valuations are private, third-party estimates rely on industry reporting, historical prize data, sponsorship visibility, and comparable transactions. The result is an informed range rather than a precise, public number.

Drivers vs. owners: a key distinction

Team owners such as Rick Hendrick, Roger Penske, and Joe Gibbs are generally wealthier than individual drivers, but their fortunes come primarily from broader business empires and multi-team operations. The question here targets drivers’ wealth; within that group, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to be the most commonly identified as the richest.

What could change the leaderboard next

NASCAR’s new media-rights deal (2025–2031) with FOX, Amazon Prime Video, TNT Sports/Max, and NBC is reshaping broadcast exposure and on-air opportunities. Drivers with ownership stakes—like Denny Hamlin at 23XI Racing—or expanding media brands could see their net worths grow significantly. High-profile crossovers, such as Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 efforts, and the surge in digital content also create new revenue channels that could shift rankings over time.

Summary

Dale Earnhardt Jr., with an estimated net worth around $300 million, is broadly regarded as the richest NASCAR driver in 2025. His dominance off the track reflects a durable blend of racing success, blue-chip endorsements, team ownership at JR Motorsports, and a growing media empire—now amplified by roles with Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports under NASCAR’s new broadcast era. While close contenders like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Denny Hamlin have substantial fortunes, Earnhardt Jr.’s diversified portfolio keeps him in the lead.

Who is the richest NASCAR driver of all times?

The richest NASCAR driver of all time is generally considered to be Dale Earnhardt Jr., with an estimated net worth of around $300 to $400 million, amassed through his racing career, ownership of JR Motorsports, and his work as a TV analyst and brand ambassador. His wealth stems from a combination of race winnings, endorsements, and successful business ventures that extend beyond the track.
 
Sources of wealth for Dale Earnhardt Jr.:

• Racing Success: He built a legendary career, including two Daytona 500 wins and being voted NASCAR’s most popular driver 15 times. 
• Team Ownership: He owns JR Motorsports, a successful team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. 
• Media Career: After retiring from racing, he transitioned into a role as a television analyst and hosts a popular podcast. 
• Endorsements and Partnerships: His iconic status has led to numerous endorsement deals and brand partnerships. 

While other drivers like Jeff Gordon ($230 million) and Jimmie Johnson ($180 million) are also among the wealthiest NASCAR figures, Earnhardt Jr. stands out for his extensive wealth derived from both his racing and post-racing ventures.

How much is Jeff Gordon worth right now?

JEFF GORDON • Net Worth $200 million • House • Yacht • Private Jet

Name:	Jeff Gordon
Net Worth:	$ 200 million
Source of Wealth:	Nascar
Born:	August 4, 1971
Age:

What NASCAR driver makes the most money?

The highest-paid NASCAR driver is Kyle Busch, who earned an estimated $16.9 million in 2024. He is followed by Denny Hamlin with approximately $13.1 million and Martin Truex Jr. with around $10.4 million.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the top earners: 

1. Kyle Busch: $16.9 million
2. Denny Hamlin: $13.1 million
3. Martin Truex Jr.: $10.4 million
4. Brad Keselowski: $9.4 million
5. Joey Logano: Approximately $9 million

These figures represent estimated total compensation, including a driver’s salary and other earnings from sponsorships and prize money.

Who is the wealthiest owner in NASCAR?

The wealthiest NASCAR owner is Roger Penske with a net worth of $3.2 billion, though Rick Hendrick also holds a billionaire net worth from his automotive and racing empire, according to this SuperYachtFan page. Other prominent owners include Michael Jordan, who co-owns 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin, and the France family, who are the primary owners of NASCAR. 
Wealthy NASCAR Owners

• Roger Penske: Opens in new tabThe richest NASCAR owner, Penske’s net worth is $3.2 billion. His wealth comes from the Penske Corporation, which includes interests in automotive, transportation, and sports entertainment. 
• Rick Hendrick: Opens in new tabThe owner of Hendrick Motorsports, he is a billionaire and the founder of Hendrick Automotive Group. 
• The France Family: Opens in new tabJim France is a primary owner of NASCAR and has an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion. 
• Michael Jordan: Opens in new tabThe NBA legend co-owns 23XI Racing with driver Denny Hamlin. 

Other Notable Figures

• Joe Gibbs: Opens in new tabOwner of Joe Gibbs Racing, he is another influential figure in NASCAR ownership. 
• Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Opens in new tabWhile known as NASCAR’s wealthiest driver, he is also the owner of JR Motorsports, a successful Xfinity Series team.