But NASCAR’s most popular driver, according to the magazine’s estimates, saw his total earnings drop from $28.2 million the year before to $25.9 million this year.

The $25.9 million is based on a $12.9 million salary and winnings and $13 million in endorsements. In just salary/winnings, five-time champion Jimmie Johnson ranks No. 1 at $16.3 million. His total with endorsements is $23 million, ranking second to Earnhardt.

Danica Patrick, in her first full season in the Sprint Cup series, came in at No. 7 with an estimated worth of $12.9 million from salary, winnings and endorsements.

Reigning champion Brad Keselowski rounded out the top 10 at $11.4 million — $10 million of that in salary/winnings.

The top 10, according to Forbes:

• Earnhardt Jr. — $25.9 million ($12.9 salary/winnings, $13M endorsements)
• Johnson — $23 million ($16.3M salary/winnings, $6.7M endorsements)
• Tony Stewart — $18.7 million ($12.7M salary/winnings, $6M endorsements)
• Jeff Gordon — $18.1 million ($12.6M salary/winnings, $5.5M endorsements)
• Carl Edwards — $13.7 million ($12.2M salary/winnings, $1.5M endorsements)
• Kevin Harvick — $13 million ($11.5M salary/winnings, $1.5M endorsements)
• Patrick — $12.9 million ($6.4M salary/winnings, $6.5M endorsements)
• Kyle Busch — $12.5 million ($9.6M salary/winnings, $2.9M endorsements)
• Kasey Kahne — $12 million ($11M salary/winnings, $1M endorsements)
• Keselowski — $11.4 million ($10M salary/winnings, $1.4M endorsements

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The deal, announced to 1,700 store managers at Lowe’s national sales meeting three days after Johnson won his second Daytona 500, runs concurrent with Johnson’s HMS contract that goes through 2015.

“It has been a great ride with Jimmie since he started in the Cup Series 12 years ago,” Tom Lamb, Lowe’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “We are proud to sponsor one of the most elite teams and drivers in racing and have a five-time champion carry the Lowe’s brand each week.”

Lowe’s has been the primary sponsor on Johnson’s car since his first full Cup season in 2002. Over that time the 37-year-old driver has won 61 times, the most in Cup during that span. He’s also never finished lower than sixth in championship points.

Johnson, who won five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010, is only the second driver to have the primary sponsor for each of his first 400 Cup starts. Teammate Jeff Gordon with DuPont was the other.

“Lowe’s believed in me before I had any success,” Johnson said. “They are all I’ve ever known in my Sprint Cup career, and their support of me and the No. 48 team is second to none in the sport. We’ve been together for this crazy ride and I’m so happy we’re continuing it together. They truly are family and I’m proud to represent them.”

Johnson’s five championships are second only to Hall of Fame drivers Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty with seven each. All were won with crew chief Chad Knaus.

“We caught lightning in a bottle with this combination,” said Rick Hendrick, the owner of HMS. “Jimmie and Chad have been successful because they always have a plan and do a great job executing. Lowe’s is the same way as a sponsor. The partnership has been incredible.”

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Filip Sandberg put defending champion Sweden ahead on power play early in the second period, but Grimaldi then scored twice in a three-minute span to swing the game in the Americans’ favor.

He powered from behind the net to score, and then redirected Jacob Trouba’s slap shot from the blue line midway through second period.

Sweden pulled its goalie for an extra player with 1:42 left but failed to capitalize. Instead, Trocheck rounded off the win with 16.7 seconds left.

John Gibson made 26 saves for the victory and was named the MVP of the tournament. Niklas Lundstrom had 31 saves for Sweden.

It was the third title for the Americans, who also won in 2004 and 2010.

Earlier, Valeri Nichushkin scored an overtime winner to give Russia a 6-5 victory over Canada in the bronze-medal match.

Canada trailed throughout the match, but Brett Ritchie scored an equalizer with 9 minutes left of the third period to force overtime. In the extra 10-minute period, Nichushkin broke down the right flank on a solo effort and skated in front of the goal to score into the left corner after just 1:35.

Russia goalkeeper Andrei Makarov made 40 saves for the victory. Malcolm Subban stopped 19 shots for Canada.

It was the first time since 1998 that 15-time champion Canada finished without a medal at the event.

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