**Ranking the 5 Richest NASCAR Team Owners by Net Worth**
NASCAR has become one of the most financially lucrative sports in the world, attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and passionate racing enthusiasts. Many team owners in NASCAR have amassed significant fortunes, often through diversified business ventures, with NASCAR being just one of their many revenue streams. Here’s a look at the five richest NASCAR team owners, ranked by their net worth.
### 1. **Roger Penske – $3 billion**
Roger Penske, the owner of Team Penske, is by far the wealthiest team owner in NASCAR. His estimated net worth of $3 billion is not just from his success in motorsports but from his expansive business empire. Penske is the founder and chairman of Penske Corporation, a global transportation services company that operates a wide range of businesses in trucking, logistics, and automotive services.
Team Penske, founded in 1966, has a storied history in various motorsport divisions, including NASCAR, where they have been highly competitive. Penske’s teams have won numerous championships in NASCAR, IndyCar, and other racing series. His deep business acumen, combined with his passion for motorsports, has made him an influential figure in the racing world, both on and off the track.
### 2. **Rick Hendrick – $1 billion**
Rick Hendrick, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, is another powerhouse in NASCAR with an estimated net worth of $1 billion. Hendrick’s wealth comes from a combination of his NASCAR success and his massive automotive dealership empire, Hendrick Automotive Group, which operates over 100 car dealerships across the United States.
Hendrick Motorsports is one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, with drivers like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Chase Elliott helping to bring home numerous championships. The team’s dominance on the track, paired with Hendrick’s savvy business operations in the automotive industry, has made him one of the wealthiest figures in NASCAR.
### 3. **Richard Childress – $300 million**
Richard Childress, the owner of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), has an estimated net worth of $300 million. Childress built his wealth through NASCAR, where his team has enjoyed significant success over the years, particularly with legendary driver Dale Earnhardt, who won six of his seven NASCAR Cup Series championships with RCR.
In addition to his motorsports ventures, Childress has expanded into other industries, including winemaking. His Richard Childress Vineyards is a well-known winery in North Carolina. Childress has successfully leveraged his NASCAR fame into other profitable businesses, securing his place as one of the wealthiest team owners.
### 4. **Joe Gibbs – $250 million**
Joe Gibbs, the owner of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), has a net worth of around $250 million. Before his success in NASCAR, Gibbs was a highly successful NFL coach, winning three Super Bowl championships with the Washington Redskins. After retiring from football, he turned his attention to NASCAR, where his team quickly became one of the most competitive in the sport.
JGR has won numerous championships, and Gibbs has successfully attracted high-profile drivers like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr. In addition to his success in NASCAR, Gibbs has found other business ventures, including various sports-related endeavors, to grow his fortune.
### 5. **Tony Stewart – $100 million**
Tony Stewart, the co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, has a net worth of approximately $100 million. Stewart earned much of his wealth through his illustrious racing career, where he won three NASCAR Cup Series championships as a driver. After retiring, he transitioned to team ownership, partnering with Gene Haas to form Stewart-Haas Racing.
Under his leadership, Stewart-Haas Racing has become one of the most competitive teams in NASCAR, winning championships and attracting top talent, such as Kevin Harvick. Stewart has also been involved in dirt track racing and other motorsports ventures, adding to his wealth.
These five individuals have not only contributed to the success of NASCAR but have also built thriving businesses that extend beyond racing, making them some of the richest figures in the sport.