Checkered Countdown: Top-Five Las Vegas Finishes

No.4 Jeff Gordon wins race, hits the jackpot in Vegas (2001).

Two weeks after Dale Earnhardt’s death the still shocked world of NASCAR moved to Las Vegas Motor Speedway where five drivers, each paired with a fan, had the chance of bringing home a million dollars if they won the race. In case of success the fan paired with the driver would also win that amount of money. Jeff Gordon who was one of those five drivers eligible for the prize, started in 24th position but soon charged to the front and in the closing laps took the lead from Dale Jarrett. Despite his efforts Jarrett was never able to close the gap and the driver of the number 24 won the Winston Million for the fifth time in his career, also giving his fan an amazing surprise.