Who is the richest driver ever to drive for Richard Petty in the NASCAR Cup Series?

Richard Petty, the NASCAR legend, is synonymous with success in the racing world. As a driver and team owner, Petty made an indelible mark on the sport. Petty, a seven-time NASCAR champion and winner of 200 races, continued the Petty legacy through Petty Enterprises. 

Founded by his father Lee Petty in 1949, Petty Enterprises became the epitome of success in NASCAR. The team won 10 championships and 268 races, securing its position as the most successful team in NASCAR history.

Petty Enterprises merged with Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2008, forming Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). In 2021, the racing team’s merger with GMS Racing resulted in a shift to Petty GMS, led by majority owner Maury Gallagher.

And finally, in 2023, RPM transitioned to Legacy Motor Club (LMC) through a partnership with GMS Racing. Notably, this rebranding marked the first instance since NASCAR’s establishment in 1949 where the Petty family’s name wasn’t associated with a top series team. 

Who is the all-time richest driver for the Richard Petty-owned team?

Undoubtedly, Richard “The King” Petty claims the top spot, his success in the sport makes it unsurprising. Petty is a luminary who raced from 1959 to 1992 and epitomized success with his unparalleled achievements. Securing Rookie of the Year in 1959, Petty’s breakthrough came in 1963 with 14 wins. His illustrious career included a switch to Ford in 1969 and a triumphant return to Plymouth in 1970. Petty clinched his third Daytona 500 win and third championship in 1971.

In 1975, Petty dominated the track, claiming a record 13 wins. Despite challenges in the 1980s, he secured his seventh championship in 1979 after switching to Chevrolet. In 1992, after a “Fan Appreciation Tour,” Petty retired, concluding an exceptional career at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Petty’s net worth at $65 million as of 2023. This substantial wealth stems from his illustrious racing career, spanning over three decades. Petty’s earnings included not only race winnings but also lucrative endorsements, sponsorships, and strategic business ventures. Petty’s salary during his prime isn’t publicly disclosed, but historical records suggest earnings of around $40,000 in the 1960s, supplemented by bonuses and sponsor incentives. 

His endorsements ranged from signature sunglasses to commercials for renowned brands. Petty’s legacy extends beyond racing, including his involvement in the Victory Junction Gang Camp and partnerships with billion-dollar companies like Medallion Bank.

The richest active driver who once drove for a Richard Petty-owned team

AJ Allmendinger, the wealthiest current driver linked to Petty’s team, commenced his journey with Michael Waltrip Racing in 2008, later joining Evernham Motorsports. Transitioning to Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) from 2008 to 2011, Allmendinger faced legal challenges in 2009 but delivered notable successes. He currently has a net worth of $18 million as of 2023.

His wealth accrues from victories in various series, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and sports car racing. Notably, he won the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2012. Despite the successes, Allmendinger announced a return to the Xfinity Series in 2024, driving for Kaulig Racing. He aims to secure a long-awaited title, showcasing his enduring passion for top-tier NASCAR competition.

Bubba Wallace, the second-richest active driver associated with RPM, drove for the team from 2018 to 2020. Notable achievements include a second-place finish at the 2018 Daytona 500 and a third-place finish at the 2019 Brickyard 400. Despite challenges, including a fine and points deduction in 2019, Wallace brought attention to diversity in NASCAR.

As of 2023, Wallace’s net worth is reported to be $3.5 million. Known for his impactful advocacy, Wallace earns not only from racing but also endorsements with brands like Beats by Dre, DoorDash, Dr Pepper, McDonald’s, Root Insurance, and Columbia Sportswear. His reported salary in 2020 was $2.3 million. He left RPM in 2020, joining 23XI Racing, where he secured his first Cup Series win in 2021.

Erik Jones took the reins as RPM’s primary driver in 2021, contributing six top-10 finishes and concluding the season in 24th place. Jones transitioned to Legacy Motor Club after RPM’s partnership with GMS Racing, aiming to enhance his performance in the 2022 season. 

His net worth is estimated to be $3 million. Jones has had a successful career in NASCAR, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing earnings, Jones secures additional income through endorsements, including partnerships with brands like Chevrolet, FocusFactor, Racing Electronics, Simpson, and Michi-Gummies.

Is Richard Petty richer than LMC co-owner, Jimmie Johnson?

The Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson, both NASCAR legends, share illustrious careers as drivers. Petty’s seven championships and 200 wins are matched by Johnson’s seven championships and 83 wins.

However, in terms of wealth, Johnson surpasses Petty. Petty concluded the sale of all Petty GMS Motorsports shares to majority owner Maury Gallagher ahead of the 2022 season. Gallagher in association with Johnson formed the Legacy Motor Club.

Celebrity Net Worth reports Jimmie Johnson’s net worth at $160 million in 2023, significantly higher than Petty’s $65 million. Beginning his racing journey on motorcycles at the age of four, Johnson’s early achievements included winning the 60cc class championship at the age of seven. Transitioning to stock car racing in the late ’90s, he quickly made a name for himself, earning Rookie of the Year honors in various racing series.

Joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2001, Johnson’s full-time debut in the Winston Cup Series came in 2002. He enjoyed immediate success, winning the Daytona 500 in his 13th career start. The years that followed witnessed Johnson’s unprecedented championship streak, securing five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010 and adding two more in 2013 and 2016.

Beyond racing, Johnson diversified his earnings with endorsements and ownership of a percentage in a Chevy dealership in San Diego. His philanthropic efforts include co-founding the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in 2006, focusing on aiding children, families, and communities in need. Johnson’s lucrative career, endorsements, and business ventures, including ownership of LMC, contribute to his substantial wealth.

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