In 1987, Sommers competed in the ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series race at Atlanta International Raceway, finishing 34th after crashing on lap 26.
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.
[8] In 1989, Sommers was encouraged by high school friend John Paganes to let him manage his lottery winnings for the next decade.
[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.
With the support of car owners Barb and John Stajninger, Sommers later raced in the CRA/JEGS All-Stars Tour, driving the No.