A North Carolina man is $235,001 richer after winning the Oct. 17 drawing of the Cash 5 — purchasing three $1 tickets in honor of Dale Earnhardt, according to WCNC, Charlotte’s NBC affiliate.
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Luther Dowdy, a 63-year-old grave digger from Lincolnton, North Carolina, made his first endeavor into the North Carolina Education Lottery — and was immediately rewarded.
“It was the first time I’ve ever played Cash 5,” Dowdy told WCNC. “I chose Quick Pick three times for Dale Earnhardt.”
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Dowdy’s NASCAR fandom proved fruitful. After collecting his reward from the lottery headquarters Wednesday (and after required tax withholdings), Dowdy took home $166,875.
“Now I might be able to retire at the end of this year,” Dowdy said.
Dowdy also said he will put his winnings toward paying off his mortgage and helping a neighbor who lives across the street, according to WCNC.
Who says being a NASCAR fan doesn’t pay off?