South Dakotan enters final lap of NASCAR Powerball Playoff

The NASCAR Playoff is reaching its climax, and one individual from South Dakota is eager for a chance at the championship prize.

Barbara Wipf, a resident of Sioux Falls, is among the four finalists in the inaugural NASCAR Powerball Playoff. Along with finalists from Mississippi, New Mexico, and Indiana, Wipf has won a VIP trip for two to the NASCAR Championship Weekend™ at Phoenix Raceway from November 3rd to 5th, as well as entry into a $1 million drawing.

Both Wipf and her husband Keith have been devoted NASCAR fans for over 25 years, making their upcoming trip to Phoenix a dream come true.

“We’ve never been to a live NASCAR race,” Wipf shared. “We’re really looking forward to it. I think it’ll be a lot of fun. Regardless of how things turn out, I believe this trip will be the highlight of the whole experience.”

Of course, Wipf’s trip to The Valley will include more than just cheering for her favorite driver Brad Keselowski. With a 1 in 4 chance of winning $1 million, Wipf can’t help but imagine the possibilities of returning to South Dakota with the ultimate prize.

“It would be life-changing. We’ll make some immediate changes, as well as some changes for the future,” Wipf explained. “A family trip with our sons, daughters-in-law, and grandkids would be amazing. That’s our plan.”

Wipf’s journey began in the summer months when she entered a non-winning ticket into the NASCAR Powerball Playoff. Wipf and nine other winners from the South Dakota Lottery’s Players Club were selected for a nationwide drawing to determine 16 semi-finalists.

Those semi-finalists were randomly chosen from the pool of entrants to participate in a series of elimination drawings that mirror the elimination rounds of the NASCAR Playoffs, with cash prizes awarded to all 16 semi-finalists based on their elimination position.

As the elimination rounds progressed, Wipf’s excitement grew. After being notified by the South Dakota Lottery that she was a finalist, she couldn’t contain her joy.

“I screamed and then realized, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m alone in the house. This isn’t good. I have to tell someone!'” Wipf recalled. “My husband was outside mowing the yard, and he heard me screaming.”

While Wipf welcomed the good news with enthusiasm, she has had time to process the experience. She acknowledged that the nature of the promotion added to the excitement and hoped it would continue in the coming weeks.

“I’ve tried to remain composed throughout this journey. It’s been amazing and a rollercoaster,” Wipf shared. “I always look forward to your calls informing us whether we were eliminated or still in it to win it. It’s been our little catchphrase since we started. So, hopefully, we’re still in the running.”

Wipf is also thrilled to represent South Dakota on a national stage. She and her husband plan to wear South Dakota-branded clothing, ensuring the national audience knows where they’re from.

The $1 million drawing will be aired live on NBC during pre-race coverage of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race on Sunday, November 5th at 1 p.m. CST.

While this year’s NASCAR Powerball Playoff is coming to an end, the South Dakota Lottery’s Players Club offers numerous second chance opportunities. As someone whose non-winning ticket turned out to be a winner, Wipf had some advice for her fellow players.

“Keep playing and take the time to enter your tickets,” Wipf encouraged. “We don’t call them losers. Even if your tickets didn’t win initially, enter them. Because it only takes one.”

The South Dakota Lottery reminds players that one ticket is all it takes to win and encourages responsible play.