In Johnston, Iowa, NASCAR and Powerball have teamed up to introduce an exciting promotion called NASCAR Powerball — The Chase to $1 Million, launching in 2026. This initiative invites lottery players and NASCAR followers nationwide to engage in a series of drawings throughout the NASCAR season, offering opportunities to win cash prizes tied to the racing competition.
The program culminates with four lottery participants earning a VIP trip for two to the NASCAR Championship Weekend in Miami from November 6 to 8, 2026. One of these entrants will then win a $1 million prize in a special live drawing broadcast on NBC just before the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race starts.
Details on the Promotion Structure and Prize Opportunities
Players who enter through state lotteries participating in the promotion will join in-state contests and second-chance drawings coinciding with the 2026 NASCAR regular season. Each lottery will select one semi-finalist athlete to advance to the national NASCAR Powerball Chase. The semi-finalists automatically receive $2,000 for reaching The Chase phase, with chances to increase winnings in subsequent drawings.
Advancements through the series lead to greater cash rewards, and after the third drawing, four finalists will each win a VIP experience valued at approximately $10,000, including a trip to NASCAR Championship Weekend in Miami with exclusive access to events. This series of drawings will be announced during select NASCAR race broadcasts beginning with the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in September.
Comprehensive VIP Experience for Finalists at Championship Weekend
The VIP package awarded to the four finalists includes roundtrip airfare for two, three nights of hotel accommodations, and premium seating for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race on November 7 and the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race on November 8. Winners will also gain extensive behind-the-scenes access through VIP experiences such as a NASCAR team hauler tour, MRN Radio booth tour, pace car rides, and Victory Lane celebrations. Additionally, all meals and local ground transportation for scheduled events are included.
How to Participate and Historical Context of Winners
Lottery players interested in entering the NASCAR Powerball promotion should monitor announcements from their state lotteries regarding entry periods and qualifications, which will differ between lotteries. Updates and entry information will also be available on NASCAR Powerball’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on Powerball.com.
Last year’s $1 million winner, Francisco Erives, a Staff Sergeant in the Kansas Army National Guard, won in a similar promotion during a live drawing at Phoenix Raceway, prior to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Season Opener
The 2026 NASCAR season kicks off this Sunday with the iconic Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. This race will be broadcast live at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, HBO Max, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, setting the stage for an exhilarating NASCAR year that includes this unique Powerball collaboration.
Significance of the NASCAR Powerball Promotion
This innovative NASCAR Powerball promotion not only amplifies excitement for racing fans but also offers lottery players a deeper connection to the sport through cash prizes and immersive experiences. By integrating the drama of The Chase with a lucrative prize structure and interactive events, NASCAR and Powerball provide a fresh way to engage audiences and reward loyal fans across multiple platforms throughout 2026.
The recent changes to NASCAR’s championship format gave us an incredible opportunity to reimagine this winning experience for our players,
said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO.
This is a chance to enjoy an all-new VIP destination for Championship Weekend and collect cash prizes throughout The Chase — just like sports’ top drivers collect points.
NASCAR Powerball — The Chase to $1 Million brings the intensity and excitement of our new championship to life in a way only NASCAR can,
said Michelle Byron, Executive Vice President and Chief Partnership & Licensing Officer at NASCAR.
By aligning this promotion with the drama of The Chase and culminating in a live, on-air moment during Championship Weekend, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind experience that connects fans and players directly to the heart of our sport.
