Lyle Lauf has long been a fan of television's "The Price Is Right." So, when he heard that host Bob Barker was soon retiring, Lauf decided to make his way to Los Angles and get on the game show, little realizing he'd win a new car.

"We got tickets for the show and planned our trip around it," Lauf said. "I didn't think I'd have much of a chance since there are 325 people at each taping, and only nine get a chance to play the game."

Lauf and his wife, Mary, stood outside the studio beginning at 10:30 p.m. on a Sunday and waited in line until Monday morning when they were interviewed for the show that was taped at 1 p.m. Lauf credits his North Dakota sweatshirt and auctioneering skills for the producers choosing him.

After being called "to come on down," the 60-year-old auctioneer was given a chance to put a price on a rug. His bid of $1,099 got him the chance to get up on stage and shake hands with one of the world's most beloved game-show hosts, the 83-year-old Barker.

"It's unbelievably noisy, with all the screaming and hollering going on. You can't hear in there, and I don't know how they can hear it on TV," Lauf said. "I got to meet Bob, and he asked me 'How many people live in Washburn?' and I told him 1,100. And then he asked me, 'How would you like to win one of these?' and it was a new car, though I didn't know what kind."

Lauf managed to match two halves of a car in the game he played, winning the 2007 Pontiac Vibe. While he does have to pay some taxes on his winnings, Lauf isn't complaining, though, and in about four to six weeks he will pick up his new car at the local Pontiac dealer in Bismarck.

"It really hasn't sunk in yet, but when I watch myself on TV, well, it probably will then," Lauf said. The airing of the show is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 3.

Lauf did get a chance to spin the "Big Wheel," which would have qualified him to bid on the showcase full of prizes, but the numbers didn't add up and he had to go sit down back in the audience.

Mary Lauf's co-workers are planning a big celebration during the airing of the show, and Lyle intends to be there in the same North Dakota shirt he wore during the taping.

"That car is by far the biggest thing I've ever won," Lauf said. "It sure was worth the wait in that line."

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)