Johnson picked to win it all again

After witnessing the NASCAR media pick four other drivers to win the past five Sprint Cup Series titles, defending champion Jimmie Johnson is the media’s overwhelming pick for this year’s Cup.

“I just hope they’re right," the five-time defending champion said. “They’ve gotten it wrong a few times in the past, gone out on a limb."

Kevin Harvick was picked to finish second, followed by Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, four-time champion Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, two-time champion Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, former champion Kurt Busch and Clint Bowyer. Drivers earned points for being picked to finish among the top 10.

The 125 NASCARMedia.com voters predicted that Jamie McMurray and former champion Matt Kenseth will earn their way into the 10-race Chase for the Championship field. In yet another change to the format, the two winningest drivers not among the top 10 in points after Round 26 (at Richmond, Va., in September) will join the top 10 drivers in the Chase.