A year later, at the age of 20, Sommers won one-fifth of a $28.9 million jackpot in the Michigan Lottery, getting $5.8 million. As part of his winnings, Sommers received an annual payment of $290,000, which he used to purchase race cars and equipment from NASCAR team owner Hoss Ellington.[2][3] He finished fourth in the season-opening ARCA race at Daytona International Speedway, followed by a 31st-place run at Atlanta due to mechanical problems. Rumors eventually surfaced of his death or critical injury, which he attributed to people envious of his lottery success.[4]
In 1989, Sommers was encouraged by high school friend John Paganes to let him manage his lottery winnings for the next decade. As part of the deal, Paganes would send Sommers $57,000 each year. Though the money was set to run through 2008, Sommers ultimately lost it, prompting him to sue.[9] Although he won the case on a $887,000 settlement, Sommers had to spend much of it to pay off debts. He eventually became a pizza delivery person and construction worker.[2]
After a four-year retirement from stock car racing, Sommers attempted a return to the sport in 2000, driving late models in the Midwestern United States.[10] In 2003, he competed in the NASCAR Busch Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, driving the No. 0 for JD Motorsports. After qualifying 33rd, he was involved in a lap 197 crash with Johnny and Tim Sauter, resulting in a 28th-place finish.[11]
In 2005, he won a track championship in Ohio. With the support of car owners Barb and John Stajninger, Sommers later raced in the CRA/JEGS All-Stars Tour, driving the No. 98 car.[12] In the series, he ran two races apiece in 2015 and 2016.[13] Outside of racing, he works as a self-employed marine mechanic.[12]
Motorsports career results
NASCAR
(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)