Whereas being cross-examined by NASCAR lawyer Lawrence Buterman, Denny Hamlin revealed how a lot he makes at Joe Gibbs Racing. Being a veteran within the sport and one of many winningest drivers all-time, Hamlin possible makes greater than many of the Cup Collection area.
Denny Hamlin was being cross-examined this morning by NASCAR’s authorized workforce. Throughout his testimony, Hamlin revealed that he earns roughly $14,000,000 a 12 months from JGR.
Adam Stern of Sports activities Enterprise Journal reported on the admission from Hamlin because the trial is ongoing. Media members usually are not allowed to have their telephones on them within the courtroom or overflow room. So, updates are sparse throughout testimony.
Denny Hamlin has been below cross-examination for a lot of the morning session right now. As Hamlin’s testimony concluded, the court docket went on recess for lunch. Financials have been an enormous sticking level that NASCAR’s attorneys leaned on throughout cross-exam. Issues concerning the AirSpeed store, cash that Michael Jordan loaned Hamlin, and different questions surrounding the funds of 23XI and its homeowners.
The antitrust trial is simply getting underway. Hamlin is the primary witness on the stand. From right here, extra witnesses and proof can be entered into the document. Either side goes to get an opportunity to argue its case, after which the jury will determine which aspect wins ultimately.
It’s notable that Hamlin’s wage is public now. As a driver who has been round for 20 years, it’s cheap to imagine that his wage is up there with the highest-paid drivers within the Cup Collection. The distinction between what prime drivers made early in Hamlin’s profession to now’s main.
Some time again, Kyle Larson publicly mentioned he doesn’t make half of what the highest drivers used to make. So, it could be the identical for Denny Hamlin.
Denny Hamlin wage made public, unhealthy for Joe Gibbs Racing?
In contrast to the NBA, NFL, and different main sports activities, NASCAR driver salaries are typically a tightly saved secret. There aren’t any tampering guidelines, no collective bargaining agreements. It’s the wild west so far as drivers are involved, exterior of the limiting contract phrases and issues of that nature.
Bear in mind when 23XI Racing signed Tyler Reddick on the finish of 2022 nevertheless it was for 2024? That compelled Richard Childress to launch Reddick a 12 months early moderately than undergo a lameduck season with him behind the wheel which then led Kyle Busch to go to RCR. Poaching drivers and different expertise is just not uncommon on this business.
Now that everybody is aware of how a lot Denny Hamlin makes, does that put Joe Gibbs Racing at a drawback? If Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe begin profitable 4 to 5 races a 12 months, are they entitled to that a lot? Do different groups now have leverage on JGR so far as providing driver’s extra money than Gibbs is ready to? We don’t know, but, however there could possibly be ramifications for these monetary particulars getting made public.
