Keselowski earned over $12M, 29 drivers over $1M
Yet the 28-year old driver’s take wasn’t a record and it was less than the $12,671,071 take by Tony Stewart last year. And, of course, Stewart, as an owner, did not have to split that purse with anyone.
Five-time champion, Jimmie Johnson, who finished third in the standings, was second in earnings with a total of $10,469,426. Of that his race winnings of $8,129,639.00 was the most of all drivers this year. He tied Keselowski and Denny Hamlin for the most wins, five. Also he had four poles tying him at Kasey Kahne, who also had four poles.
Matt Kenseth who was third in money won, but seventh in the points, took in $ 8,802,778.50 of which $7, 528, 332 was race winnings. No doubt his win of the rain-delayed Daytona 500 (his second Daytona 500 win), worth $1.589 million helped propel him to the top of money earners. Kenseth had two additional wins and one pole.
Clint Bowyer, runner-up in the series points race, but was only fifth in money won with a total of $7,993,802 and three wins. No doubt, in part, due to less victories.
Twenty-nine drivers, down to Rookie of Year Stephen Leicht, won more the One Million dollars this year.
In IndyCar most drivers have to buy their ride. That is how bad things have become in open wheel racing in the USA, all started when Tony George started the IRL, split the sport, and destroyed it.
NASCAR please do everyone in IndyCar a favor, buy the series.