Do it for Dale: North Carolina man wins $235K lottery jackpot after buying 3 tickets

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. MORE: Weekend schedule | Playoff standings 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.” https://twitter.com/wcnc/status/1583096210730074114 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?