I’ve went out on a limb before, but this time I’m positive.

There is no way that Joe Nemechek is going to win today’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Bet the ranch, house, condominium or whatever type of structure you reside in. It ain’t gonna happen.

I don’t care that he won the pole during Saturday’s qualifying. How many pole-sitters have taken the checkered flag this season? I can tell you without further delay — NONE!

My pick, even though I don’t particuarily like the guy, is Tony Stewart in the No. 20 Home Depot machine. He piloted his Nationwide Series car to the winner’s circle Saturday and should do the same today.

Others to finish in the Top 5, in no particular order, include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch and Brian Vickers.

Still My Friend

Prior to the last Sprint Cup Series race, I predicted that Ryan Newman would drive his No. 12 Alltell car to Victory Lane, but that didn’t happen.

Well, my friend John, who is a big Newman fan, was all smiles when I informed him of my selection. However, that all changed a few hours later when Newman blew his engine and finished 43rd, or dead last!

John called and told me to “never pick his driver again!”

Hard to Believe

As many of you might have read in the Saturday sports pages, Bellaire native Philip McGilton was leading the NASCAR?Craftsman Truck Series rookie point standings, but all of a sudden he can’t find a sponsor.

That totally blew my mind, what little I have left. I find it hard to believe that a guy who has enjoyed the success that he has in his initial NCTS season can’t find someone to sponsor his car.

Franchitti Injured

Reigning IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti lost a tire during qualifying Saturday and broke his left ankle in the ensuing crash.

North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com