Wheel of Fortune Contestant Wins $110,000 Despite Bonus Round Fumble

NASCAR tournament winner takes home big prize despite missing out on $160,000 bonus

Feb. 19, 2026 at 3:39am

A Wheel of Fortune contestant named Cyndi Carrick from Trophy Club, Texas won $63,100 as part of the show's NASCAR tournament, despite fumbling the bonus round and missing out on an additional $160,000 prize. Carrick, a teacher, was one of three contestants who played alongside NASCAR drivers during the special tournament week.

Why it matters

Wheel of Fortune's NASCAR-themed tournament week generated significant interest and viewership, demonstrating the continued popularity of both the game show and NASCAR racing among American audiences. Carrick's big win, despite her bonus round stumble, highlights the unpredictable nature of the game and the thrill of competition.

The details

On Friday, February 13, the three highest winners of the week's NASCAR-themed Wheel of Fortune episodes reunited for the conclusion of the tournament. Carrick played alongside NASCAR driver Joey Logano, while Tiffany Godshalk from Jamison, Pennsylvania played with Christopher Bell, and Ray Cason from Butler, Florida played with Kyle Busch. Carrick solved the first toss-up puzzle, but ultimately failed to solve the bonus round puzzle, missing out on the $160,000 grand prize.

  • Cyndi Carrick won $63,100 on February 9, 2026.
  • Tiffany Godshalk won $54,498 on February 12, 2026.
  • Ray Cason won $72,950 on February 11, 2026.
  • The NASCAR tournament conclusion episode aired on February 13, 2026.

The players

Cyndi Carrick

A teacher from Trophy Club, Texas who won $63,100 as part of Wheel of Fortune's NASCAR tournament.

Tiffany Godshalk

A contestant from Jamison, Pennsylvania who won $54,498 during the Wheel of Fortune NASCAR tournament.

Ray Cason

A contestant from Butler, Florida who won $72,950 during the Wheel of Fortune NASCAR tournament.

Joey Logano

A NASCAR driver who competed alongside Cyndi Carrick on Wheel of Fortune.

Christopher Bell

A NASCAR driver who competed alongside Tiffany Godshalk on Wheel of Fortune.

Kyle Busch

A NASCAR driver who competed alongside Ray Cason on Wheel of Fortune.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Wheel of Fortune's NASCAR tournament week was a major success, generating excitement and high viewership despite one contestant's failure to claim the $160,000 bonus prize. The unpredictable nature of the game show continues to captivate audiences and showcase the thrill of competition.