[jks812]

• We’ve rehashed purses in this space plenty of times, but this one absolutely takes the cake. Bobby Labonte got underfunded TRG Motorsports’ first top 10 finish on Sunday at ‘Dega, while Paul Menard crashed hard in the first 15 laps and wound up 42nd. But check out the cash each driver got for their trouble:

Labonte: $90,300
Menard: $103,031


Menard’s 42nd-place payday was actually 19th-best out of the 43 cars that competed. I don’t care how you explain it, it’s one of those things that doesn’t make sense and has to be corrected. What incentive does a small-time team have to go the distance when they don’t get rewarded when they do finish well?
Thomas Bowles · Wednesday November 4, 2009

[kkfan91]

well since dad is his sponser isn't that include his allowence?

[loco4pablo]

Originally Posted by jks812

• We’ve rehashed purses in this space plenty of times, but this one absolutely takes the cake. Bobby Labonte got underfunded TRG Motorsports’ first top 10 finish on Sunday at ‘Dega, while Paul Menard crashed hard in the first 15 laps and wound up 42nd. But check out the cash each driver got for their trouble:

Labonte: $90,300
Menard: $103,031


Menard’s 42nd-place payday was actually 19th-best out of the 43 cars that competed. I don’t care how you explain it, it’s one of those things that doesn’t make sense and has to be corrected. What incentive does a small-time team have to go the distance when they don’t get rewarded when they do finish well?
Thomas Bowles · Wednesday November 4, 2009

Isn't menard in the top 35?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by jks812

• We’ve rehashed purses in this space plenty of times, but this one absolutely takes the cake. Bobby Labonte got underfunded TRG Motorsports’ first top 10 finish on Sunday at ‘Dega, while Paul Menard crashed hard in the first 15 laps and wound up 42nd. But check out the cash each driver got for their trouble:

Labonte: $90,300
Menard: $103,031


Menard’s 42nd-place payday was actually 19th-best out of the 43 cars that competed. I don’t care how you explain it, it’s one of those things that doesn’t make sense and has to be corrected. What incentive does a small-time team have to go the distance when they don’t get rewarded when they do finish well?
Thomas Bowles · Wednesday November 4, 2009

loco is correct, I believe. I "think" there is currently a bonus for being in The Chosen. Plus, the amount shown includes accessory monies paid by the people you allow to put decals on your car. (I believe NA__AR gets a cut of this money also because they tell the teams WHERE decals can be placed and in what order)

TRG isn't one of The Chosen, plus I doubt of Buckler has the connection with the various accessory sponsors that Roush/Yates/Menard has.

Really makes you want to empty out your 401K and start a NA__AR team, doesn't it?

[bob101]

The contingency reward program is the small decals they place on the front of the car. While NASCAR has to pre approve all paint schemes in advance the contigency reward sponsors (stuff like suspension parts etc...) dictate where the decal has to go.

Not only does NASCAR have several bonus programs such as being in the top 35 etc...each contingency sponsor has the same deals. It normally pays down from 1 to whatever each sponsor wants to pay with bonuses etc... along the way. It varies by driver obviously on where they place but also not all teams run the same decals.

Also the number at the end of race that NASCAR puts out for "purse" includes bonuses and payouts that vary by manafucture. For example GM might pay a bonus for 1st of XXX where Toyota would pay YYY.

In total there's a dozen or more different programs going. Some are restricted to certain brands of cars, certain teams, and even certain drivers. Yes some sponsors dictate that they will have a purse program that will go to say only 10 drivers at the start of the season and pay them out where they finish.

It gets complicated.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by bob101

The contingency reward program is the small decals they place on the front of the car. While NASCAR has to pre approve all paint schemes in advance the contigency reward sponsors (stuff like suspension parts etc...) dictate where the decal has to go.
.

Thanks for the explanation, bob101.

At one time, about a decade or so ago, a friend of mind in the CTS told me that NASCAR gave every team a chart with the hierarchy and placement for all the contingency sponsors. For example, Goodyear is to be ALWAYS directly over the wheel well and WIX will always be closer to the center line than Clevite and will always be on the front bumper. Do the sponsors now dictate those positions or does NA__AR? You answer would be appreciated. Thanks

[jks812]

I know they have all the rewards and that stuff that add to the pay.

I just really thought it was interesting that someone with the talent Bobby has could finish in the top 10 and make like 13,000. less than someone with Menard's (non)talent that finished 42nd made.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by jks812

I know they have all the rewards and that stuff that add to the pay.

I just really thought it was interesting that someone with the talent Bobby has could finish in the top 10 and make like 13,000. less than someone with Menard's (non)talent that finished 42nd made.

I agree. It's like the days when NASCAR had their Circle of Champions Program.

Of course, on the bright side, the comparision between menard and Bobby's winnings goes to show that the old racing adage of "Money buys success," isn't always true. Talent is something that money doesn't always buy.