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"Who roots for a team that isn't named after a state or city?" – Tommy Johnson Jr.

They may not be able to heave a football 65 yards or even kick a 35-yard field goal, but behind the wheel of their 8,000 horsepower Top Fuel dragster or Funny Car, they can easily distance the NFL's fastest speedster in the 40-yard dash.

As the NFL's New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers prepare for the big game, two-time NHRA POWERade Top Fuel champion and 33-time national event winner Larry Dixon readies his title defense in the same city, testing his Miller Lite dragster at Houston Raceway Park. Dixon, who attended last year's Super Bowl in San Diego, plans to conclude testing Tuesday and watch the big game from the comforts of his home in Indianapolis.

"I think it will be a good game," Dixon said. "New England will win by three points. I think both defenses are pretty equal, but the Pats offense is a hair better and that will be the difference."

Dixon's Don Prudhomme Racing teammates, Ron Capps and Tommy Johnson Jr., will test the quarter mile for the first time during Super Bowl weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where their Funny Cars are being prepared.

Ron Capps

Larry Dixon

Johnson, one of 13 drivers to have earned victories in NHRA's two marquee categories (Top Fuel and Funny Car), has captured five career NHRA victories as he enters he fourth season driving for Prudhomme. The Indianapolis-based driver feels an upset is in store at Reliant Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 1.

"I have to root for Carolina for several reasons," Johnson said. "First, New England beat my hometown team, the Colts. Second, my family lives in Charlotte. Third, who roots for a team that isn't named after a state or city? New England? Unless Steve Grogan is the quarterback for the Patriots, I can't root for them.

"I think it's going to be a tough defensive game with Carolina having more success on the offensive side of the ball. The Panthers have a better offensive and defensive line and that will make the difference. (New England quarterback Tom) Brady won't have time to make the passes and he'll be sacked four to six times. Carolina's running game will wear down the Patriots in the end."

Capps, who has won 14 career NHRA races, 13 with Prudhomme, agrees with his teammate and feels the Panthers will score the upset on Super Sunday.

"I think the game will be closer than the seven-point spread," Capps said. "I think it's going to come down to the kickers and both of these teams have excellent field goal kickers. John Kasay has won several close games and a few in overtime for the Panthers this season and I see Carolina upsetting New England in a close one."