WHO ARE NASCAR'S RICHEST DRIVERS? DALE EARNHARDT JR. AND DENNY HAMLIN MAKE LIST

NASCAR has become as popular as ever in recent years, regularly pulling in huge audiences and being watched by millions. This has seen money pour into the sport, with around a $30 million purse in the Daytona 500 each year.

This season's NASCAR Cup Series championship continues with the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sunday. Kyle Larson is currently sitting at the top of the standings after winning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and achieving another four top-10 finishes.

William Byron and Denny Hamlin have won the most races this season - three each - to sit sixth and fourth respectively in the standings. Hamlin won last weekend's race at Dover Motor Speedway.

Express Sports US has taken a look at the sport's biggest earners throughout their respective careers...

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ($300 million)

Earnhardt Jr. has a net worth of $300 million after his illustrious career in the sport, according to Fan Arch. Earnhardt Jr. followed in his legendary father's footsteps - even racing against him through the late 90's before quickly becoming one of the best in the business. For a 15-year period, Earnhardt Jr. had been dominant while going on to win the 2004 and 2014 Daytona 500's. He has 50 wins on his record.

Jeff Gordon ($230 million)

Regarded as one of the more influential drivers to propel it into the mainstream, Gordon's 12-year career saw him win four Cup Series Championships and three Daytona 500 wins. Gordon also had almost double the amount of wins as Earnhardt Jr., with 93 on his record. He now holds a part-ownership stake in Hendricks.

Jimmie Johnson ($170 million)

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series championship winner is regarded as arguably the greatest of all-time. Johnson is the only driver in the sports history to win five consecutive championships.

Kyle Busch ($80 million)

Busch has reportedly netted around $80 million through his stock racing career. With two NASCAR Cup Series championships to his resume, Busch remains one of the best racers in the sport at current. He owns Kyle Busch Motorsports.

Kurt Busch ($70 million)

Kyle's older brother, Kurt Busch has one NASCAR Cup Championship and a Daytona 500 win to his resume - winning them 13 years apart. As well as racing in stock cars for 14 years, Busch also had a successful career in IndyCar500. According to Sportskeeda, his net worth is $70 million.

Denny Hamlin ($65 million)

The greatest driver in NASCAR history without a Cup Series championship, Hamlin is still at the top of his game aged 43 - currently sitting 4th in the standings. Hamlin does have three Daytona 500 wins to his record in what has been an incredible career. He also co-owns 23XI with NBA legend Michael Jordan. His net worth is $65 million, as per Sportskeeda.

2024-05-05T11:10:04Z dg43tfdfdgfd