While NASCAR racers are paid a base salary from their teams that majorly lies in the range between $50,000 to $10 million depending upon the entity, there seems to be a drop in driver payout in recent years. Speaking to popular NASCAR veteran, Kenny Wallace, 2021 Cup Series champion and Hendrick Motorsports ace, Kyle Larson uncovered the alarming shift in NASCAR.

Larson cited Jimmie Johnson’s example to make his point. He got real and exposed the distressing side of how the current generation of drivers is “Not making anywhere near what Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon or anything like that.”

Cup drivers aren’t making as much as WoO speedsters: Kyle Larson

NASCAR drivers usually get paid in millions. Take a superstar like Kyle Busch for instance. The 2-time Cup Series champion was the highest-paid driver in NASCAR in 2021, with a whopping $17.8 million as his salary, including all winnings and endorsements. This bumped up the scales, catapulting his fortune to approximately $80 million.

However, this is not the case with every driver. Unlike the old days of NASCAR, the business model has sort of changed with teams and their partners cutting a deal for themselves, leaving drivers with bits and pieces. Reflecting on this very aspect, Wallace asked, “Do NASCAR Cup drivers just make a lot less money now? I have been hearing that.” 

Larson aka ‘Yung Money’ went for the jugular of the issue, exposing the sport’s current state of affairs. He said, “Yeah, man, I dont know everybody’s deal but I mean you still have your top-tier drivers that are probably still not making anywhere near what Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon or anything like that but you’re still, I mean I make a really good living like I’m totally happy with my contract and all that but it’s still not nearly that level. Probably not close to even half of maybe what Jimmie was getting paid in his heyday.” 

While the #5 driver made it clear that he is getting paid bountifully, he also uncovered the bitter truth, and said, “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 and that just hurts the whole overall, I guess driver side of it, and trying to have leverage for some of these drivers.”

Larson then concluded his thoughts with a sly dig at NASCAR, comparing it with the World Of Outlaws. “I bet you the top 4 drivers in the World of Outlaws Sprint car series are making more money than, you know, a third to half of the Cup Series guys. Probably half of the Cup Series guys. So, yeah, that’s pretty crazy to think about, but yeah, everybody chooses their own route, I guess,” said the driver.

Touted as a “once in a generation” talent, Larson also shared his honest thoughts about the organization, mentioning his relationship with the sport.

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During his time in NASCAR, Larson made a powerful impression so much that fans thought that the 31-year-old was in the promotion just for the monetary benefits of it, just sticking around for the dough. In a separate conversation with Wallace on his ‘Kenny Wallace Conversation’ show, Larson busted the narrative, clearing the air by making a statement.

The 23-time Cup race winner said, “I don’t want people to get spun out about it. I’m not saying I’m retiring at 30-whatever, but I love racing in NASCAR. I would not be racing in NASCAR if I didn’t love it. I think a lot of race fans feel that I don’t like racing in NASCAR. I’m just doing it to make money and then I’m gonna retire and all that.”

Furthermore, he added, “I would’ve done that a long time ago if I didn’t love what I’m doing and love racing in NASCAR, love competing for wins and racing for the best team in the sport. I love, absolutely love what I’m doing right now.”

Kyle Larson surely doesn’t mince words when it comes to exposing the less-than-pleasant side of NASCAR.

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