Countdown to 1 Projections

Expect Tony Schumacher and the U.S. Army dragster to march to the title.

The NHRA's version of the postseason - The Countdown to 1 - begins with this weekend's Carolina Nationals near Charlotte, N.C.
Here's a few projections:
Top Fuel
The consensus says take Tony Schumacher and the U.S. Army dragster, and I can't argue with that. Schumacher hasn't lost since the switch to a 1,000-foot dragstrip, and I will continue to go with my previous statements that he won't lose the rest of the year.
Funny Car
Most are either going with points leader Tim Wilkerson or Robert Hight. But I still like the consistency of Tony Pedregon, who won it last year. NHRA is going to the high-speed tracks, and that's where Pedregon is usually at his best. Expect the Big Q to be in the championship circle at Pomona in November.
Pro Stock
Last season, it was Greg Anderson's title to lose, and he did just that. He won't make the same mistake this time.