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Mind-Blowing Price Per Lap: The Eye-Watering Cost of NASCAR Drivers Per Point in 2024

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 16, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
Mind-Blowing Price Per Lap: The Eye-Watering Cost of NASCAR Drivers Per Point in 2024

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr leads Joey Logano (22) at the green flag to start the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of NASCAR, where every lap counts and every point matters, the cost of securing top-tier talent can be as staggering as the action on the track. The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series not only showcased thrilling battles but also highlighted the financial gambles teams make on their drivers. Here’s an in-depth look at how much every driver cost their team per point earned, revealing surprising disparities and the true value of NASCAR’s elite.


Top NASCAR Salaries and Cost Per Point in 2024

The cost-per-point metric divides a driver’s total annual salary by the number of points they earned in the season, providing a clear picture of their cost-effectiveness. Here’s how some of NASCAR’s biggest names stacked up in 2024:

DriverTeamReported SalaryPoints EarnedCost Per Point
Kyle BuschRichard Childress Racing$16,900,000766$22,065
Denny HamlinJoe Gibbs Racing$13,100,0002,328$5,628
Kevin HarvickStewart-Haas Racing$10,900,0002,257$4,829
Martin Truex Jr.Joe Gibbs Racing$10,400,0002,257$4,609
Brad KeselowskiRFK Racing$9,400,0002,208$4,257
William ByronHendrick Motorsports$8,000,0002,424$3,302
Ross ChastainTrackhouse Racing$7,000,0002,154$3,249
Joey LoganoTeam Penske$12,000,0002,184$5,495

Who Delivered and Who Burned Cash in 2024?

1. Kyle Busch ($22,065 per point) – Big Name, Big Cost

Kyle Busch, one of NASCAR’s most recognizable faces, was the costliest driver per point in 2024. His $16.9 million salary combined with just 766 points made him a pricey investment for Richard Childress Racing, highlighting the challenge of delivering consistent results in a competitive field.

2. Joey Logano ($5,495 per point) – Reliable but Expensive

Logano remained a steady hand for Team Penske in 2024, scoring 2,184 points to justify his $12 million salary. While his cost-per-point was competitive among higher earners, the two-time Cup champion faced pressure to deliver even more given his superstar status.

3. Denny Hamlin ($5,628 per point) – Consistent ROI

Denny Hamlin showcased why he remains one of NASCAR’s top talents. Scoring an impressive 2,328 points, Hamlin delivered solid value for Joe Gibbs Racing, making him one of the most cost-efficient drivers among the highest earners.

4. Kevin Harvick ($4,829 per point) – The Veteran Keeps Delivering

Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Kevin Harvick proved his worth by scoring 2,257 points for Stewart-Haas Racing. His performance highlights the value of experience in NASCAR, especially in tight championship battles.

5. William Byron ($3,302 per point) – The Underrated Star

Byron’s exceptional performance for Hendrick Motorsports made him one of the best bargains of the season. With 2,424 points and a relatively modest $8 million salary, Byron delivered championship-caliber consistency.

6. Ross Chastain ($3,249 per point) – Punching Above His Weight

Chastain’s rise as a force in NASCAR continued in 2024, with Trackhouse Racing reaping the benefits of his cost-effectiveness. His aggressive driving style and consistent points finishes underline his value.


Why Cost Per Point Matters in NASCAR

The cost-per-point metric isn’t just a number—it reflects the efficiency and strategic choices of teams in balancing star power with results. While a driver like Kyle Busch brings marketability and star appeal, his high cost highlights the risk of overpaying for underwhelming results. Conversely, drivers like William Byron and Ross Chastain prove that raw talent and consistency can yield impressive returns on a more modest investment.


What the Numbers Don’t Show

While cost per point is a powerful tool for assessing value, it doesn’t capture the intangibles drivers bring to the table. A seasoned veteran like Harvick offers invaluable mentorship, while a marketable star like Busch boosts sponsorship deals and fan engagement. Additionally, some teams focus on long-term investments, betting on young drivers like Byron to deliver sustained success.


Looking Ahead: What Does 2025 Hold?

As teams gear up for the 2025 season, the financial dynamics in NASCAR are more crucial than ever. With rising salaries and tighter competition, striking the right balance between cost and performance will be key. The question remains: will the high-priced stars step up, or will the cost-effective underdogs continue to shine?


Final Thoughts: Every Point Counts

NASCAR’s 2024 season was a masterclass in the delicate dance between investment and returns. Whether it’s the blockbuster contracts of veterans or the rising value of emerging stars, every dollar spent and every point scored tells a story. In a sport where milliseconds and margins make all the difference, the financial game is as fierce as the race itself.

For 2025, one thing is certain: teams will be crunching the numbers as hard as they push their cars on the track. After all, in NASCAR, every point comes at a price, and the smartest spenders often emerge as champions. Let the battle for value and victory begin!

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