The richest NASCAR drivers are some of the most recognisable motor sports names in the world, with most of the signed drivers being paid over $3million in salary each year to race in the series. Salaries in NASCAR aren’t what they used to be, as the top ten paid drivers earn a combined $120million in 2019, compared to $180million a decade ago. Back then the richest driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr, earnt a reported $35million where as the highest paid driver now, 2019 Champion Kyle Busch, makes $17.8million.
Despite being paid millions to race, the richest NASCAR drivers have made the majority of their wealth in investments and business opportunities outside of the race track. The table below lists the top 10 richest NASCAR drivers:
| Rank | Driver | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | $300 million |
| 2nd | Jeff Gordon | $150 million |
| 3rd | Jimmie Johnson | $120 million |
| 4th | Ken Schrader | $75 million |
| 5th | Tony Stewart | $70 million |
| 6th | Mack Martin | $70 million |
| 7th | Kevin Harvick | $70 million |
| 8th | Dale Earnhardt Sr | $70 million |
| 9th | Richard Petty | $60 million |
| 10th | Matt Kensth | $60 million |
Its no surprise to see Dale Earnhardt Jr at the top of the list since we already detailed his astonishing salary back when he was racing, but the majority of his wealth has come from other ventures such as a string of bars named Whiskey River, along with more expected ventures like owning race tracks and auto dealerships. Perhaps more impressive than his reported wealth is the margin of which he has over second place, making him actually twice as rich.
Among active NASCAR drivers its Jimmie Johnson leading the way, although with retirement supposedly looming this year, he may end up relinquishing that title. Being at the end of his career doesn’t mean his salary with Hendrick Motorsport has decreased though, as he still ranks second for total earnings for the year at $17.6million, just behind Kyle Busch. Below you can see a table of which drivers will be earning the most in 2020:
| Rank | Driver | 2020 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kyle Busch | $17.8 million |
| 2nd | Jimmie Johnson | $17.6 million |
| 3rd | Denny Hamlin | $14.6 million |
| 4th | Kevin Harvick | $12.2 million |
| 5th | Martin Treux Jr. | $11.5 million |
| 6th | Brad Keselowski | $10.4 million |
| 7th | Chase Elliott | $10.2 million |
| 8th | Joey Logano | $10 million |
| 9th | Kyle Larson | $8.8 million |
| 10th | Clint Bowyer | $6.9 million |
The top eight richest drivers for 2020 are all making in excess of $10million and are quite evenly split, but there is a large drop off to ninth and tenth and then subsequent names not in this list.