That is a good question. I don't know how they will work this. I am sure he is contracted to get money one way or another. But they also earn money in the race such as the first place winner earns more money and the last place gets the least amount, but still money. But they also probably have to share that with the pit crew and car owner and such on and such on. I am not completely sure. I know at one point I heard the pit crew members often times had other jobs outside of the race...which is dumb. Because they have a big chunk of responsibility between how good the driver is...so they should get paid good. IDK. Hopefully they get paid good...lol. So I guess I really don't know how this all works. Probably like all else sports where the players get hurt...they get paid to sit on the benches. Though in those stories, their back ups probably also have their own contract. I am sure Rick Hendrick will have to dish out money to Josh Berry for said races he is in and money to the other guy (Sorry I can't think of his name right now. All I know is, is, it's not Chase Elliott...LOL).
I remember years ago when Kyle Busch was always throwing his temper tantrums (well more than he does now...) his pit crew didn't tighten a lugnut completely. Kyle had to do a drive through. Kyle cussed his crew out on the radio...next pit stop, they did it again. LOL. (You think he'd learn to treat them better...LOL). Kyle actually went on to win the race. He may be a good driver and have a thing or two to do with the win...but maybe he should be more respectful and appreciative of the people that make it happen as well. (Sorry talking about the pit crew members, made me think of this...LOL. I can't remember the important info to save my life, but I remember odd random stuff like this. )