21 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 Continued on page 24 Championship pre-race ceremony, bringing a high-energy element to the race day experience. Last November, a custom Powerball stage was built to showcase the drawing from the track’s inner crescent. Hundreds of red rally towels were distributed to spectators in the crowd, building anticipation for the big event. Louisiana Lottery player Meagan Lewis, 47, of New Orleans, was declared the drawing’s $1 million winner in a thrilling finale broadcast live on NBC. Lewis bent over in astonishment when her number was drawn from the machine. “I have no words,” said Lewis. “I got 42 text messages by the time I got off the stage!” Lewis was then congratulated by NASCAR Hall of Famer and racing legend Richard Petty who signed her big check. In a full circle moment, Petty went from congratulating Lewis on her $1 million win to thanking her, after he learned that she had previously volunteered at Victory Junction – a summer camp founded in honor of his late grandson that serves children with illnesses and medical conditions. The encounter was one of many highlights from 2024 NASCAR Championship Weekend that wowed the four finalists and their guests. Winning moment, courtesy E. Rea Pace car rides Pit box tour of RFK Racing 2024 NASCAR Powerball Playoff Champion Meagan Lewis, courtesy E. Rea Powerball Chair Matt Strawn interviewed at Phoenix Raceway
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