NASCAR earnings continue to drop for drivers
There was a time when NASCAR released an earnings report at the end of each race. Following the 2015 season, they stopped releasing those numbers. That’s left a bit of a mystery around what NASCAR Cup Series drivers make in 2024.
Hear from Kyle Larson below.
Between 2001-2015, Jimmie Johnson’s race earnings alone totaled $150,926,713. The 7-time champion was a top earner. But, since 2015, it’s dropped significantly.
Back in 2021, Johnson noted that driver earnings were cut in half, just from 2015.
Johnson stated, “I would say, through earnings and potential for a team, it’s been down 50%. For a driver contract, from 2015 to where it is now, it’s probably half, even for the top drivers.”
NASCAR revenue dropped 50% according to Jimmie Johnson
TV revenue and sponsorship fund the sport. However, teams only get 25% of the tv portion of the revenue pie. NASCAR takes 10% while tracks take 65% cut. Teams are currently negotiating a new charter agreement and are looking for a far larger slice of that pie.
And, it sounds like they have continued to drop since 2021. Kyle Larson says that top drivers in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series probably make more than half the drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series.
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“I don’t know everybody’s deal. You still have your top tier drivers that are still not making anywhere near what Jimmie Johnson. Jeff Gordon or anybody like that,” Kyle Larson told Kenny Wallace.
“I make a really good living. I’m totally happy with my contract and all that. But, it’s still not anywhere near the level, probably not even half of what Jimmie was getting paid in his heyday.”
“I know I’m making way more than a good majority of the field. I don’t really know what to think. But, I think a lot of guys are just happy to say they’re a Cup Series driver and they don’t care. They just want to be there and racing on Sundays.”
“That just hurts the whole overall driver’s side of it, trying to have leverage for some of these drivers to make more money.”
“I bet you the top 4 drivers in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series are making more money than a third to half of the Cup Series guys. Probably half of the Cup Series guys.”
“That’s pretty crazy to think about. But, everybody chooses their own route, I guess.”
Larson is a co-owner of the High Limit Sprint Car Series. Starting this year, he will begin issuing charters to teams, implementing a franchise system similar to NASCAR.
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