Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Giveaway #31 Winner Profile:

Roman S. and His $130,000 Choice

Life is full of decisions, but some are easier to figure out than others. Such was the case for Roman S. of Wichita, Kansas. He won 717 Supply’s giveaway #31 and had two options: a 2024 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Z06 or $130,000 in cash. Roman chose the money—a choice that’s already making a difference in his day-to-day life.

 

“Yes, the reality of winning has set in,” Roman said in a recent follow-up interview. “Honestly, life continues to be the same, except that I'm financially better each month.” His remarks reflect a practical approach to his win. Nonetheless, turning down the Corvette wasn’t an easy call. “I opted for the cash because I knew I was going to pay a lot in taxes, and it was already nearing the winter season with salted roads. I couldn't justify not being able to drive while also coming up with the tax money,” Roman explained.

Nonetheless, turning down the Corvette wasn’t an easy call. “I opted for the cash because I knew I was going to pay a lot in taxes, and it was already nearing the winter season with salted roads. I couldn't justify not being able to drive while also coming up with the tax money,” Roman explained.

 

Some of the money has already been spent. “As of now, I have spent about $20,000 on house renovations, and I ordered a ProCharger kit for my 2025 F-150 truck," Roman shared. The rest is going toward taxes, paying off his truck, and investing what’s left.

 

When asked how the win changed things for him, Roman didn’t overthink it. “Winning the cash has made me more financially free, not worrying about a car payment.” For him, that freedom was more of a priority than owning an exotic car.

 

Friends and family reacted quickly once the news spread. “Everyone was in shock that I won; almost everyone was hoping for a chance to ride and take pictures of the car,” he said. Even without the Corvette, Roman found ways to share the moment. “I was able to give a couple of nice gifts to the people in my inner circle,” he remarked.

Some of the money has already been spent. “As of now, I have spent about $20,000 on house renovations, and I ordered a ProCharger kit for my 2025 F-150 truck," Serna shared. The rest is going toward taxes, paying off his truck, and investing what’s left.

 

When asked how the win changed things for him, Serna didn’t overthink it. “Winning the cash has made me more financially free, not worrying about a car payment.” For him, that freedom was more of a priority than owning an exotic car.

 

Friends and family reacted quickly once the news spread. “Everyone was in shock that I won; almost everyone was hoping for a chance to ride and take pictures of the car,” he said. Even without the Corvette, Serna found ways to share the moment. “I was able to give a couple of nice gifts to the people in my inner circle,” he remarked.

Since his good fortune, Roman is focused on work and looking ahead to one thing in particular. “I'm excited to receive the call that the shop received my ProCharger and is ready to be installed,” he said. “I can't wait to take my truck on a higher-hp rip.”

 

For anyone considering a 717 Supply giveaway, Roman's advice is direct and straightforward: “You won't win if you don't try.”

What Happened to the 2024 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Z06 from Giveaway #31?

717 Supply fans often wonder what happens when a winner chooses cash over a flashy new automobile. When this occurs, the car is sold at a dealer auction or in a private sale to recoup the cash prize. 717 Supply Founder Mike Hyssong takes this approach rather than recycling the vehicle into another giveaway. He believes that each giveaway should stand on its own, with a fresh car, to build excitement and interest among participants. 

Choosing cash is uncommon, representing only about 10% of winners. However, for those like Roman who prefer financial flexibility over four-wheel thrills, the cash option provides an alternative that can be equally transformative—just in a different way.