NASCAR and Powerball Launch $1 Million Promotion

New NASCAR Powerball - The Chase to $1 Million gives lottery players chance to win big prizes during NASCAR Championship Weekend

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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NASCAR and Powerball have announced an exciting new promotion called NASCAR Powerball - The Chase to $1 Million. The national Powerball promotion will give lottery players the chance to win cash prizes through a series of drawings during the NASCAR playoffs, culminating in a live $1 million drawing at the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship race in Miami.

Why it matters

This unique partnership between NASCAR and Powerball aims to engage both racing fans and lottery players, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that connects them directly to the excitement of the NASCAR playoffs and championship weekend. It provides an opportunity for lottery players to win big prizes while also experiencing the thrill of NASCAR's top events.

The details

The promotion will feature a series of drawings throughout the 2026 NASCAR regular season, with one lottery semi-finalist from each participating state advancing to The Chase. As semi-finalists progress through the drawings, they will win increasing cash prizes, with the four finalists receiving a VIP trip to NASCAR Championship Weekend in Miami. The grand prize is a $1 million drawing that will be held live on air before the start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship race.

  • The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season officially begins on Sunday, February 16, 2026 with the DAYTONA 500.
  • The first drawing for the NASCAR Powerball - The Chase to $1 Million promotion will be held on September 6, 2026 during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
  • The second drawing will take place on September 27, 2026 during the race at Kansas Speedway.
  • The third drawing, where the four finalists will be selected, will be on October 18, 2026 at Phoenix Raceway.
  • The live $1 million drawing will be held on November 8, 2026 before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The players

Matt Strawn

Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO.

Michelle Byron

Executive Vice President and Chief Partnership & Licensing Officer at NASCAR.

Francisco Erives

A Kansas Lottery player and Staff Sergeant in the Kansas Army National Guard who won $1 million in a special drawing in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The recent changes to NASCAR's championship format gave us an incredible opportunity to reimagine this winning experience for our players. This is a chance to enjoy an all-new VIP destination for Championship Weekend and collect cash prizes throughout The Chase – just like sport's top drivers collect points.”

— Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO

“NASCAR Powerball – The Chase to $1 Million brings the intensity and excitement of our new championship to life in a way only NASCAR can. 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.”

— Michelle Byron, Executive Vice President and Chief Partnership & Licensing Officer at NASCAR

What’s next

Lottery players can enter the national Powerball promotion through participating lotteries. Lotteries will hold in-state promotions and second-chance drawings throughout the 2026 NASCAR regular season. Entry periods and method of entry will vary by lottery.

The takeaway

This unique partnership between NASCAR and Powerball provides an exciting opportunity for lottery players to win big prizes while also experiencing the thrill of NASCAR's top events. It demonstrates how sports leagues can innovate to engage both existing and new fans through creative promotions.