To this day, NASCAR is the most widely followed and most lucrative racing series in the United States, thanks primarily to Bill France Sr. The NFL is the only professional sports league that can compete with NASCAR regarding television viewership. While the drivers of NASCAR racing cars may make it appear like zipping around the track at high speed is effortless, it is far from it. Driving a race vehicle requires tremendous talent and focus. It's also hazardous, and a driver's last race is always possible.
Matt Kenseth - $60 million
With almost two decades of racing experience under his belt, Matt Kenseth has racked up an astounding amount of wins. Kenseth has been the subject of several controversies throughout his career, the most notable being his win in the 2003 Winston Cup Series. Because of his role in purposefully injuring Joey Logano, he received the most severe ban in NASCAR history. Although he is one of the best drivers in the world, he is also extremely wealthy.
Richard Petty – $60 million
Even if you don't follow NASCAR, you've likely heard of Richard Petty, who established himself as a household name long ago. His outstanding career is commemorated in a museum named after him. He was victorious in 200 races, including seven NASCAR championships, throughout his career as a driver. Regarding career stats, Richard Petty is, without a doubt, the most successful driver in history. As impressive as Richard Petty is, he wasn't the one who started his family's racing tradition. His father, Lee, was a three-time NASCAR champion and the inaugural winner of the Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. – $70 million
It's safe to say that Dale Earnhardt Sr. is one of the most well-known NASCAR drivers of all time. The Intimidator was given the moniker "The Intimidator" because of his intimidating driving style and his numerous honors, titles, and medals over his illustrious career. He and Richard Petty were the only drivers in NASCAR history to have seven Winston Cup titles. The death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. on the penultimate lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 will go down in professional racing history as a defining moment.
Kevin Harvick – $70 million
Both the No. 4 Chevrolet SS and the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro are driven by Kevin Harvick in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series and a part-time driver in NASCAR's Xfinity Series. He is the most successful driver in the Cup and Xfinity Series. As a young boy, Kevin Harvick dreamed of being a racing car driver, and his father helped him get started when he was a little older.
Mark Martin – $70 million
One of NASCAR's most renowned drivers, Mark Martin, is a living legend. Throughout his 30-year career, he competed in 880 races. Only a handful of drivers have continued to compete into their elder years, but Mark Martin did so in 2013. The NASCAR Hall of Fame plans to induct him in 2017, but he hasn't officially retired yet. While Mark Martin's involvement in NASCAR has contributed significantly to his fortune, he also owns four auto dealerships.
Tony Stewart – $70 million
Tony Stewart is the only driver to win both the IndyCar and NASCAR championships. Thanks to his impressive racing abilities and notable victories, he's a household name. Throughout his career, Stewart has won 49 races. Most of Tony Stewart's earnings came from endorsement arrangements with various corporations. Tony Stewart Live, a Sirius Satellite show he co-hosts with NASCAR writer Matt Yocum, is also a part of his resume.
Ken Schrader - $75 million
Ken Schrader has a long history in motorsports, having competed in NASCAR, the ARCA Series, and the Camping World Truck Series. He now races at Eldora Speedway in the last series. For someone as old as Ken Schrader (61), it's impressive to still compete after so many years in the game. NASCAR driver Ken Schrader has had an illustrious career from the early 1980s until 2013. Schrader is a successful businessman, in addition to being a successful NASCAR racer, earning him the respect of his peers and the admiration of the public.
Jimmie Johnson – $120 million
NASCAR's most affluent driver, Jimmie Johnson, is also one of the world's best-known racing car drivers. Jimmie Johnson's success may look effortless, but it wasn't. Racing has been a part of his life since he was four when he first started competing in off-road competitions. Countless honors and accolades have been bestowed upon him since then. Additionally, Jimmie Johnson has been involved in many noteworthy events in NASCAR's history and a well-known figure in NASCAR controversies. By now, Johnson has been in so many different mediums of media that he's practically a household name.
Jeff Gordon - $150 million
Many NASCAR fans still remember Jeff Gordon as the driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet while competing in the sport. When Jeff Gordon was four, his stepfather purchased him a BMX bike; from then on, nothing could stop him from pursuing his dream of racing professionally. The rest is running history due to his zealous pursuit of the goal. Jeff Gordon is a legendary NASCAR racer who has also made a name for himself in popular culture. "Jeff Gordon" is still a household name in the United States even though he helped popularise the sport in the United States and has been shown in everything from publications and documentaries to cartoons and game shows.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. - $300 million
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a racing legend, thanks in large part to the influence of his legendary father. Even so, Dale Earnhardt Jr. put in his fair share of effort to succeed — far from it. In reality, he's shown himself on the track and has lived up to the Earnhardt name in his racing career. "Most Popular Driver" in NASCAR has been Dale Jr for the past 13 years. The 2001 Daytona 500 collision that killed Dale Earnhardt Sr. affected Dale Jr.'s career more than any other occasion in his racing life. He built a reputation for himself that day with his grace and poise and did so in the finest possible way.
