Forbes.com has released its list of the world's highest-paid athletes in the past year, with five coming from the realm of speeding metal and screeching tires.
5. Jeff Gordon, $30 million
Jeff Gordon's string of victories include 82 career wins in the NASCAR series and a three-time win in Daytona 500.
With $30 million earned in the last 12 months, Gordon is tied with baller Kevin Garnett, baseball star Derek Jeter and soccer player Ronaldhino at the bottom of Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes.
(Photo from Du Pont's media site)
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4. Lewis Hamilton, $32 million
At 23, Lewis Hamilton is the youngest driver to win the Formula One Drivers Championship in 2008.
His $32 million earnings in the past year landed him on the 13th spot which he shares with boxer Oscar dela Hoya in the Forbes list.
(Photo from NewsPress.co.uk)
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3. Dale Earnhardt Jr., $34 million
Dale Earnhardt Jr. keeps his family's legacy in stock car racing strong with 17 NASCAR victories under his belt. Forbes placed him on the 10th spot of its list with Earnhardt's race earnings boosted by merchandise sales and endorsements.
(Photo from Adidas' media site)
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2. Valentino Rossi, $35 million
Valentino Rossi is the only motorcycle racer in the Forbes list. His $35-million earnings include a $16-million contract with Yamaha. He ranks ninth on Forbes' highest-paid athletes list.
(Photo from Top Gear UK)
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1. Kimi Raikkonen, $45 million
Ferrari star Kimi Raikkonen may be slipping down the F1 drivers' list since his 2007 victory but he is on pole position as far as race's top-earners are concerned.
With a $45-million deep pocket, Raikkonen ranks second only to Tiger Woods in Forbes' highest-paid athletes' list. His earnings also beat Pinoy boxing star Manny Pacquiao (6th, tied with golfer Phil Mickelson and basketball star LeBron James), who booked $40 million after successful bouts with dela Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
Raikkonen shares the second spot in the Forbes.com ranking with NBA stars Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
(Photo from Top Gear UK)
