Iowa Man Wins $150,000 Lottery, Drives 849,000-Mile Chevy Suburban to Claim Prize
In a story that perfectly blends luck, resilience, and a touch of nostalgia, Daniel Bragg, a 46-year-old from Newtown, Iowa, recently won a $150,000 lottery prize in the “Money Gift” scratch-off game. What makes his story even more extraordinary is the vehicle he used to claim his prize: a 2001 Chevy Suburban with an eye-popping 849,000 miles on the odometer.
Bragg, who drove the aging, “loud, red, and rusty” Suburban through a snowstorm to reach the Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive, recounted the journey with pride. “It’s a beater, but hey, it’s done pretty good,” he said in an online press release. “I’ve got to get a car, got to get a car.”
A Long Road and a Big Prize
Bragg purchased his winning ticket on New Year’s Eve, marking the beginning of a lucky turn of events for the hardworking Iowa man. Reflecting on his trusty Suburban, he acknowledged its role in his life, praising the vehicle’s durability. “They said they built these like a tank, and yeah, it’s a tank!” Bragg said with a smile. Despite its wear and tear, the Suburban remains a workhorse, capable of pulling heavy loads and surviving harsh conditions, including the recent snowstorm it conquered to deliver Bragg to his life-changing prize.
A New Ride on the Horizon
While the $150,000 win will allow Bragg to upgrade to a newer vehicle—likely a small pickup truck—he admits it will be bittersweet to say goodbye to his reliable Suburban. “Oh, it’ll be a major upgrade,” Bragg noted, expressing excitement for what’s to come while honoring the role his aging SUV played in his journey.
A Vehicle with a Story
The 2001 Chevy Suburban, described by Bragg as “built like a tank,” stands as a testament to resilience and reliability. With nearly 850,000 miles logged over the years, it has seen countless roads and weathered all kinds of conditions. Stories like Bragg’s serve as a reminder that behind every vehicle is a journey filled with memories, challenges, and, occasionally, a touch of luck.
A Community Connection
Bragg’s story has struck a chord with many who understand the sentimentality attached to a beloved vehicle, especially one as unique as his Suburban. Beyond the prize money, his journey is a celebration of perseverance, both for himself and for his faithful old SUV.
As he transitions to a new chapter—both in terms of transportation and financial stability—Bragg’s tale is one of inspiration, proving that sometimes, life’s biggest wins come in the most unexpected ways.
This incredible story, which highlights an enduring connection between man and machine, is a testament to the power of luck and the memories that come from life’s journeys, even in a 22-year-old Suburban with nearly a million miles under its wheels.
