Even high-profile NASCAR drivers have a fair shot at winning a Powerball jackpot. See how driver Denny Hamlin found himself a Powerball winner of $50,000.
Denny Hamlin is best known for driving the #11 car at NASCAR races nationwide. With multiple Daytona 500 wins under his belt, he’s no stranger to the adrenaline rush of competition. But while Denny is used to making high-speed calculations on the racetrack, his latest winning move didn’t require expert driving skills, just a lucky Powerball ticket.Keep reading to learn all about Denny Hamlin being in a different kind of winner’s circle.
Getting a Piece of that Powerball Prize Pie
Remember when the Powerball jackpot surged to $2B? That evening, Denny Hamlin went to his local gas station and Powerball retailer to get in on the record-breaking chance to win. He told local media that he purchased $300 worth of tickets that night. Using the Quick Pick feature, the computer chose the numbers, and he left with his pile of tickets.
Denny’s Numbers Were a Match
Later that evening, Denny got ready for bed and heard the Powerball drawing announced on television. Of course, he was curious and anxious about his pile of Powerball tickets sitting on the nightstand. He checked, and amazingly, the very ticket on top of the pile had five out of the six numbers! Denny’s ticket was a winner, and a big winner at that.
Cashing in Big
The jackpot had reached $2 billion, which enticed Denny to play in the first place. Denny knew he hadn’t hit the big jackpot but felt certain he would pocket a pretty big chunk of the prize. He contacted the state commission office and learned that his winnings totaled $50,000! That's not too bad for a spur-of-the-moment Powerball ticket purchase!
Explaining the Numbers
Denny’s Powerball ticket matched five of the six numbers, which means he was eligible for a third prize drawing. While Denny didn’t disclose the actual amount of his Powerball win, it’s shown on the website that matching five numbers is considered third place. Denny did not opt for the Power Play feature, which would have tripled his winnings, netting him a cool $150,000. Instead, he walked away with $50,000, which isn’t too shabby.
If you’re wondering how much you could win with different Powerball combinations, here’s a breakdown of the prize structure:
- Match all 5 numbers + Powerball = Jackpot (minimum $20 million, grows based on rollovers)
- Match all 5 numbers (no Powerball) = $1 million (or up to $2 million with Power Play)
- Match 4 numbers + Powerball = $50,000 (up to $500,000 with Power Play)
- Match 4 numbers (no Powerball) = $100 (up to $1,000 with Power Play)
- Match 3 numbers + Powerball = $100 (up to $1,000 with Power Play)
- Match 3 numbers (no Powerball) = $7 (up to $70 with Power Play)
- Match 2 numbers + Powerball = $7 (up to $70 with Power Play)
- Match 1 number + Powerball = $4 (up to $40 with Power Play)
- Match only the Powerball = $4 (up to $40 with Power Play)
Even if you don’t hit the jackpot, there are plenty of ways to win in Powerball, making every ticket an exciting chance at a prize.
Anyone Can Play and Win Powerball
Powerball isn’t just for everyday players. It’s a game of luck where anyone, even celebrities like Denny Hamlin, can take home a prize. Over the years, famous athletes, actors, and musicians have tried their luck, proving that when it comes to Powerball, fortune favors those who play. Whether you’re a NASCAR driver, a teacher, or a retiree, all it takes is one lucky ticket to change everything.
Play for Fun, Play for the Excitement
Denny Hamlin’s Powerball winner story is a reminder that playing Powerball is a chance to be part of something big. Whether you play for the jackpot or just for the fun of it, every ticket holds the potential for a life-changing moment. So, why not grab a ticket and see where your numbers take you? You never know. You might just find yourself in the winner’s circle next!