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H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and G.M. of Lowes Motor Speedway, today predicted #48-Jimmie Johnson will win Saturday nights 19th running of the Winston and claim the $ 1 million first-place prize. Wheeler, known for his promotional flare and Karnac type ability, has correctly picked the winner of Nascar's all star event eight times in the past 14 years. "I'm going to ruffle some feathers on this" said Wheeler. "These picks are not pulled out of some black hat. During the recent test session, I watched guys run in the corners and studied where they got back into the throttle. Most any idiot can run down a straightaway! But this is a real tough track and past winners of The Winston know how to get into the turns with a bunch of guys breathin' hot radiators down their back," Wheeler explained. "There are guys that can get in and out of the turns fastby themselves and are good qualifiers but don't do so good when the big-toothed dogs are bitin' at 'em." Johnson and his Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse team had an impressive test at the 1.5-mile superspeedwaytwo weeks ago, posting the second fastest speed during the two-night session. In addition, the young California native was impressive in last May's events, including The Winston. "all of that is why I'm picking Jimmie Johnson to win this year," Wheeler said. "He runs very strong here and was one of the fastest in testing. I like the way he dug into the turns. He looked like Jeff Gordon-running deep and keeping it smooth." Though not really a dark horse, Wheeler said #8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. is his wildcard pick if Johnson doesn't get the job done. For the Winston Open, the final transfer spotinto the Winston, Wheeler predicts veteran #99-Jeff Burton will win and move into the big show.
