Key Takeaways:
– Dale Earnhardt Jr and Denny Hamlin feature among the world’s richest drivers, with Dale possessing a net worth of approximately $300 million.
– A total of nine NASCAR drivers made it to the top 40 in the recent MvpMode rankings.
– Michael Schumacher tops the list with an estimated net worth of $600 million.
– Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and other NASCAR stars also feature prominently on the list.
– NASCAR’s wealth is on the rise, with substantial sources of income like media deals and legal sports gambling.
A recent report by MvpMode showcased the wealthiest 40 drivers worldwide and it featured some prominent NASCAR names. NASCAR veterans, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Denny Hamlin made the list, a testament to their illustrious racing careers and entrepreneurial endeavors.
NASCAR’s Wealthy Ones
Among the wealthiest drivers globally, Earnhardt Jr., with an estimated net worth of $300 million, took the second overall spot. His wealth is attributed to race winnings, advertising deals, running a car in the NASCAR Xfinity series, and his burgeoning multimedia empire.
Ranked third among the world’s richest drivers is Jeff Gordon, who has a net worth estimated at $200 million. He is heralded as a pivotal figure in increasing NASCAR’s popularity nationwide beyond his 93 victories on the track. Gordon currently serves as the vice-chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.
A surprising name in the top ten richest drivers is Jimmie Johnson, despite amassing only a $160 million fortune compared to his counterparts. Johnson, now retired, compiled an impressive 83 victories and seven titles during his career.
Rich List Representation
Formula 1 drivers dominated the list. However, NASCAR held its ground, holding nine of the top 40 spots. The list of NASCAR drivers also includes Tony Stewart ($90 million), Kyle Busch ($80 million), Kevin Harvick ($70 million), Kurt Busch ($70 million), and Ryan Newman ($50 million).
Beyond the list, Danica Patrick’s name rings a bell – a former IndyCar and NASCAR driver, with an estimated net worth of $80 million, adds to the NASCAR representation.
Increasing The Cash Pot
Signs indicate these enormous fortunes may increase in the future. NASCAR recently struck a 7-year media deal worth $7.7 billion with media giants FOX Sports, NBC Peacock, TNT, and Amazon Prime. This lucrative deal, coupled with 20% of legal sports gambling in the U.S linked to NASCAR, puts the sport in a strong financial position.
The organization also plans to expand its popularity beyond traditional audiences by attempting to appeal to Hispanic viewers and exploring potential international races. Additionally, several non-race, NASCAR-related content such as Netflix’s NASCAR Full Speed and the upcoming romcom, Clean Air, plan to leverage the popularity of the sport further.
Drivers Turned Entrepreneurs
Within this wealth surge, top drivers are demonstrating their acumen through media and startups. Denny Hamlin co-owns 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. operates Dirty Mo Media, among other projects. Kevin Harvick has delved into broadcast, further proving that a successful racing career can open several additional professional doors.
Changes seem to be just around the turn for NASCAR. With the platform Verizon and the drivers themselves create, the already-popular sport stands a chance to ascend to even greater heights financially and broad-richingly.