Kyle Larson spills the beans on why he isn’t getting paid even half of prime Jimmie Jonson’s earnings

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 Johson used to earn in his prime years. Johnson drove for Hendrick Motorsports in his heydays, 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