2021 NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson has recently revealed some harsh truths about the drop in drivers’ salaries over the years. The Hendrick Motorsports driver has confirmed that compared to legends of the sport like Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, the top drivers in their prime aren’t earning enough in terms of incentives to race.
Larson discussed the issues in his recent appearance on the podcast hosted by NASCAR legend Kenny Wallace. He pointed out that despite being in his prime, his current salary isn’t half of what Jimmie Johnson used to earn in his prime years. Johnson drove for Hendrick Motorsports in his heyday, the same team Larson drives for now.
He pointed out that this drop is due to the presence of young NASCAR drivers on the current grid who are happy to race for a lower salary as they care more about racing on the top level than pay. The teams have cheap alternatives for veterans who might use their experience as leverage and ask for a better deal. Larson also confirmed that he comfortably makes much more than most of the garage.
"I make a really good living…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...That just hurts the whole overall driver’s side of it, trying to have leverage for some of these drivers to make more money," Larson told Kenny Wallace (H&T: Racing News).
Top dirt racers are earning more money than half of the NASCAR Cup garage
Larson is one of the most versatile drivers on the grid who has experienced racing in most of the premier racing series in the US. He has very good knowledge about how things work regarding financials and has an added advantage since he is a co-owner of the Sprint Car racing series, High Limit Racing.
The HMS driver claimed in the same interview that the top four drivers in the World of Outlaws series make more than half of the Cup grid. Larson sees it as a pretty crazy stat, considering the Cup series is the top motorsports championship in the country.
"I bet 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 route, I guess."
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