The results of the first elimination round were announced during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 16, with Pope moving on to the next round where he will compete with the 11 other semi-finalists to see who advances. The 12 semi-finalists will be narrowed down to eight during the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 8.

Ultimately, four finalists will win the VIP trip for two to the NASCAR Championship Weekend and the chance to win $1 million.

“I’m really excited about the possibility of winning $1 million,” said Pope. “But I think the whole experience—the trip, the race, all of it—would be exciting.” Pope is especially excited about the possibility of winning a trip for two to Championship Weekend because he and his wife will be celebrating their 30^th wedding anniversary and the trip would make the perfect anniversary gift.

From June 1-27, Indiana residents entered by visiting HoosierLottery.com/NASCAR and signing up or confirming their myLOTTERY membership. Once the promotion period ended, 35 names were drawn, with each receiving a $50 Hoosier Lottery Prize Pack and an entry in the multi-state lottery promotion for a chance to be one of 16 semi-finalists.

“Indiana has a rich racing tradition, so this promotion is especially exciting,” said Sarah M. Taylor, Hoosier Lottery Executive Director. “We will be cheering on our fellow Hoosier and are anxious to find out whether Indiana will have a new millionaire on November 5.”

The VIP trip experience will include roundtrip airfare for two to Phoenix, three nights hotel accommodations, two Hospitality Club passes for the NASCAR Championship weekend, two passes for VIP experiences at Phoenix Raceway during the NASCAR Championship Weekend including NASCAR Cup Series™ VIP access, NASCAR team hauler tour, pace car rides, Victory Lane access, welcome dinner and all meals, and ground transportation to scheduled events and activities.

NASCAR Powerball Playoff™ Semi-Finalist

NASCAR Powerball Playoff™ Schedule