The former “Tonight Show” host and noted car enthusiast donated the grand prize for the show’s weeklong tournament finale on May 15.
LOS ANGELES — Jay Leno pulled up to the “Wheel of Fortune” set in a classic Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z — and left behind something far more valuable.
The former “Tonight Show” host announced he is donating a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette C8, valued at approximately $70,000, as the grand prize for the show’s Big Money Week tournament. One lucky contestant will get to drive it home after Friday’s finale.
Leno made the announcement alongside co-host Vanna White in a pre-taped segment that aired on Monday’s episode.
“They know I’m a car enthusiast,” Leno told White, explaining why he chose to give away a “cool car.”
The Corvette will be awarded to the winner of a bonus round face-off on Friday, May 15, when all five winners from the week’s episodes return to compete. The winner of that round will receive the car through a blind draw, guaranteeing one contestant walks away with the keys.
The tournament kicked off Monday, May 11, when Petal Reddick, an attorney from Ashburn, Va., solved the first toss-up puzzle. Reddick accumulated $11,700 in winnings during her episode.
Leno has a longstanding reputation as one of Hollywood’s most devoted car enthusiasts. The comedian and television personality is renowned for his “Jay Leno’s Garage” series, showcasing rare and exotic vehicles from his personal collection, which is so vast he keeps them in airline hangars.
This is not Leno’s first Corvette giveaway in recent months. In March, he partnered with Yaamava’ Resort and Casino to give away a red 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to mark the casino’s 40th anniversary.
“Wheel of Fortune” is no stranger to automotive prizes. According to the show’s 2024 figures, it has awarded nearly 600 cars to contestants across 41 seasons and has distributed more than $324 million in cash and prizes total.
The Big Money Week tournament finale airs May 15.