There are a few but a good portion of the teams take an upfront fee for running costs, leave the sponsorship up to the driver if they decide to look for it, and the "left over" is the driver's salary so it also depends on what you consider paid rides.
The gt pro teams are usually helped by the manufacturers, the AM are usually funded by a gentleman racer and the pro driver of the team is getting paid to race. indy car you have some drivers who have to bring money with them.
People are whining about riders having to pay to play in MA. Completely disregarding the fact that it's the current norm in every form of motorsports nowadays. Because it's not 1995. And it's never gonna be 1995 again.
When I hear "pay to play" what I think is "bring a personal sponsor to the team or pay out of pocket"
Funny, I think of either single mothers earning money to go to college, or most all of the people in a certain city on the east coast, that's not a part of any state.
Actually, I don't see anything wrong with that. I sort of remember a quote from a 50s or 60s era F1 driver saying to the effect, " it takes 3 generations to become a F1 driver. One to make the money. Two, to make the social connections, and Third to drive.
Hell, my parents are still my primary sponsors, and I'm 46 and not living in their basement? Ok, ignore the fact that I have no sponsors, and haven't chased sponsorship... I may try one option this year but dunno.
Its the way it happens, you’re riding then you’re not. Almost always because of money. Since 2000, the list is long with good riders who once had rides then suddenly did not.