one lucky polaris atv rider is now a millionaire
Amsnow
A Menominee, Michigan man was awarded a million dollars in the "Millionth Automatic $1 Million Giveaway" from Polaris, in honor of the production of Polaris' one-millionth automatic transmission ATV. Eugene Lemery was awarded the grand prize at the Daytona 500 race.
Lemery was one of 10 finalists flown to Daytona, Florida, to take part in the giveaway event, hosted by the "King" of racing, Richard Petty, and Tom Tiller, president and CEO of Polaris.
Finalists were selected by submitting a photo of themselves on their new Polaris ATV and writing an essay explaining how their Polaris ATV helps them find 'The Way Out'.
At the event, the field of 10 was narrowed to three finalists, who sat on Polaris Sportsman 500s, anxiously awaiting Petty's announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines."
The three finalists turned the keys on their ATVs, and only Lemery's ATV fired up, making him the grand-prize winner of Polaris' $1 million giveaway.
"I was absolutely stunned when my ATV started," said Lemery. "I've had months of restless sleep waiting for this event. Now I'll probably lay awake at night thinking of all the ways I can spend the $1 million."
A crowd of race fans cheered and confetti showered over Lemery as Petty and Tiller presented him with a giant $1 million check.
Lemery won the $1 million by submitting a photo and the following essay explaining what Polaris' slogan, 'The Way Out,' means to him: "The Daily Grind: the phone, the schedule, the deadlines, the stress. The Polaris ATV: the release, the relaxation, the therapy, The Way Out."
All 10 finalists won a custom 'The Way Out ATV PRO Adventure Tour' for two and tickets to this year's Daytona 500.
A Polaris ATV dealer was awarded a separate million dollar prize in the dealer version of the same contest. Fifteen Polaris ATV dealers from around the country were chosen to be contestants, based on successfully reaching ATV sales goals in 2000. The contestants played a 'Jeopardy-style' game at Polaris' international dealer meeting in Orlando, Florida, answering a variety of questions related to Polaris and Polaris ATVs. In the end Dan Halsey, from Bluefield, W. Va., walked out $1 million richer.