• Loading stock data...
Sunday, January 12, 2025

The 25 Highest-Paid NASCAR Drivers

  • Kyle Busch earns five times as much as his Richard Childress Racing teammate Austin Dillon.
  • The top seven highest-paid NASCAR drivers earn over $5 million.
Daytona 500 for the Highest Paid NASCAR Drivers
Feb 16, 2020; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48),, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (77), NASCAR Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

After securing $7.7 billion in media rights deals, NASCAR is growing faster than ever. With a recent uptick in viewership, a new generation of fans is hungry for the heart-pumping action of one of the largest spectator sports in America.

The highest-paid NASCAR drivers earn lofty wages in line with the sport’s rapid growth.

Kyle Busch tops the list as the highest-paid NASCAR driver of 2024. Busch earns $16.9 million driving for Richard Childress Racing. For the 38-race season, that equates to $444,736 per race. 

On a track like the Daytona 500 which is 200 laps, Busch earns $2,223 per lap. As a two-time cup series champion with 231 career victories, Busch earns $3 million more than the next closest driver on the list.

Denny Hamlin is the second highest-paid NASCAR driver. His performance with Joe Gibbs Racing nets him $13.1 million each year.

Third on the list is Martin Truex Jr. of Joe Gibbs Racing. Truex Jr. earns $10.4 million with an average finish of 17 during the 2024 season. He announced his retirement from full-time racing in June and finished 17th in the last race of the season at Phoenix Raceway.

RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski comes in as the fourth highest-paid NASCAR driver of 2024. The eleventh-ranked driver in the cup series earns $9.4 million or $247,368 per race.

He has six wins at Talladega Superspeedway, tied for second all-time with Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Rounding out the top five is Joey Logano. Logano earns $9 million driving for Team Penske. 

Driving the number 22, Logano has won the cup series in 2018, 2022, and 2024. He was named the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award in 2009 for the strong start to his NASCAR career.

Hendrick Motorsports has the most drivers on the highest-paid NASCAR drivers list. Four of the top 25 earners drive for the organization.

Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing are next closest with three drivers each on the list.

Age is just a number.

Eight of the top 25 highest-paid NASCAR drivers are over the age of 35. Four of the top five are all over the age of 40. 

At 29, Chase Elliott is the youngest NASCAR driver in the top 10 highest-paid drivers. He’s earning $8 million with Hendrick Motorsports.

Ranking the Highest-Paid NASCAR Drivers

Here is the list of the highest-paid NASCAR drivers of 2024 by salary. The list was compiled with data from Spotrac, Planet F1, and SalarySport.

  • Updated: November 18, 2024
RankDriverTeamTotal Compensation
1Kyle BuschRichard Childress Racing$16.9 million
2Denny HamlinJoe Gibbs Racing$13.1 million
3Martin Truex Jr.Joe Gibbs Racing$10.4 million
4Brad KeselowskiRFK Racing$9.4 million
5Joey LoganoTeam Penske$9 million
T-6Kyle LarsonHendrick Motorsports$8 million
T-6Chase ElliottHendrick Motorsports$8 million
8Daniel SuarezTrackhouse Racing$4.5 million
9Michael McDowellFront Row Motorsports$3.7 million
T-10Alex BowmanHendrick Motorsports$3.5 million
T-10Austin DillonRichard Childress Racing$3.5 million
12Ricky Stenhouse Jr.JTG Daughtery Racing$3 million
13Erik JonesLegacy Motor Club$2.3 million
14Bubba Wallace23XI Racing$2.2 million
15Ross ChastainTrackhouse Racing$2.1 million
16Ryan BlaneyTeam Penske$1.9 million
17William ByronHendrick Motorsports$1.8 million
18Ryan PreeceSteward-Haas Racing$1.6 million
19Chris BuescherRFK Racing$1.5 million
20Tyler Reddick23XI Racing$1.3 million
21Chase BriscoeStewart-Haas Racing$1.2 million
22Timmy HillPower Source$900,000
23Christopher BellJoe Gibbs Racing$800,000
24Cole CusterStewart-Haas Racing$500,000
25Anthony AlfredoOur Motorsports$330,000

Related reading:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Roki Sasaki Race: MLB Teams Made Films, Books to Court Bargain..

The Japanese star has met with “a set few number of teams.”
Oct 8, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) celebrates with designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) after hitting a grand slam in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during game three of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park.

Three MLB Teams Paid 84% of Record $311M Luxury Taxes This Year

The Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees combine for 84% of MLB’s luxury tax.
Oct 27, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; 23XI owner Michael Jordan celebrates after his driver NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (not pictured) won the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Michael Jordan’s Team Secures Injunction Against NASCAR

The teams will be allowed to compete as normal in 2025.
Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels chancellor Lee Roberts reads a transcript about new head coach Bill Belichicks’ father who served as an assistant coach at New North Carolina Tar Heels new in 1954 at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.

Belichick’s UNC Deal Contains Clause That Keeps NFL Speculation Alive

The six-time Super Bowl–winning coach will have a $10 million annual salary.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) knocks the ball out of the hands of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) and returns the fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January, 10, 2025.

College Football Is Closer Than Ever to Perfecting the Championship Process

Despite valid criticisms, the first expanded Playoff is working.
Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman (R) reacts on the sidelines in the final minute against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome.
January 9, 2025

Amid Realignment Mania, Notre Dame Stayed Independent. It Paid Off

How the CFP semifinal-bound Fighting Irish made their business model work.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first-down catch against Oregon during the 2025 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
January 3, 2025

The Biggest Changes to College Sports Are Coming in 2025

Sweeping developments could affect the college sports foundation this year.
Dec 31, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) walks out to the rink before the Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field
January 1, 2025

Glitzy NHL New Year’s Eve Winter Classic Showcased Connor Bedard’s Star Power

The business of Bedard—on full display—is crucial for the NHL.

Australian Open Begins With Record Prize Money—and Doping Drama

Another record purse, doping fears loom large over 2025’s first tennis major.
January 9, 2025

Air Quality Issues Loom Over NFL Playoffs Amid Los Angeles Fires

The Chargers already changed practice plans Wednesday due to poor air quality.
LA Rams
January 9, 2025

NFL Moves Rams Playoff Game to Arizona With L.A. Fires Burning

The Rams had sent players home early from practice on Thursday.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Bay Club golfer Shane Lowry, left, celebrates a putt with Wyndham Clark and Ludvig Aberg, right, during a golf match against the New York Gulf Club at SoFi Center, the home of TGL, the interactive golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy on January 7, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
January 9, 2025

TGL’s First Match Drew Nearly a Million Viewers on ESPN: What It..

The new indoor golf league founded by Tiger Woods debuted Tuesday night.
January 8, 2025

Breaking the Ice: NHL Plans Outdoor Games for Florida, Defying the Heat

Special events are planned for early next year in Miami and Tampa.
January 8, 2025

The NBA’s Game of the Year Is Wednesday Night. Will Fans Watch?

OKC and Cleveland have the two best records in the NBA.
January 8, 2025

TGL’s Shot Clock Debut Speeds Up Golf: A Game-Changer for the Sport?

The new indoor league from Tiger Woods uses a 40-second shot clock.