Money certainly plays a huge role in the equation, I’ll give you that. But, its not like Franchitti wasn’t get paid multi-millions in the IRL…
As far as travel goes…
IRL is a 16 race schedule
F1 is a 17 race schedule
NASCAR is a 37 race schedule
Although it is within the USA, NASCAR travel is DEFINITELY more strenuous.
I am definitely NOT saying that NASCAR drivers are the most talented ever, in fact I personally think F1 drivers are, but for those that say “anyone can turn left, win races, and make millions” is simply ridiculous.