Staff writer

INDIANAPOLIS-Even though the Indiana Pacers failed to come out victorious in their last contest of the season, a Princeton man came out a big winner during half-time of Wednesday's game.

Dick Johnson won a drawing for a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro as part of the team's 40th anniversary celebration.

Johnson and his wife Babs, both retired school teachers, traveled to Conseco Fieldhouse after Johnson learned he had earned a chance to draw for a key to win the car.

Johnson had no idea he would be selected as a finalist when he registered online for a chance to win the car. His main reason for signing up was so he could participate in an Internet poll to select the best Pacer players in franchise history.

&#8220I wanted to make sure the list included players from the '70s like Billy Keller," said Johnson.

Describing himself as a big Pacers fan, Johnson said he was just excited to be one of five finalists to receive an autographed basketball and free tickets to the team's final game.

Finding out he won a trip to Indianapolis last week, Johnson said he almost didn't get the opportunity to go to the game.

Contestants who were notified by e-mail that they were finalists had 48 hours to respond and claim their prize. One of those finalists did not respond and Johnson, who was chosen as an alternate, was informed he had won one of the prizes.

As the last person selected, Johnson was the final contestant to try the key in the car door. Whichever contestant's key opened the door won the car.

The Pacers lost Wednesday night's game, keeping them from the NBA playoffs. But in Johnson's case, coming in last made him a winner.

Johnson said the car was parked at the end of the tunnel in the stadium and each contestant took a turn choosing a key from a canister.

The drawing was at half-time and Johnson said even as the contestants began taking turns attempting to unlock the door, he still had no sense that he could possibly win the grand prize.

&#8220I really wasn't nervous, but I never gave a thought of winning," said Johnson.

As each successive contestant tried to open the car and failed, Johnson said he still did not have any notion his key would open the door.

When it was down to him and one other person, he said he knew in his gut that the other person would win the Camaro.

When the fourth man's key failed to open the door, Johnson said all the press cameras recording the event swung in his direction. After winning, Johnson said he gave several television and radio interviews

Dick Johnson's wife said she also did not have any notion that her husband could actually win the car. &#8220I was stunned when the fourth key didn't work," said Babs Johnson.

The game was broadcast on a cable television station and Johnson said several friends and relatives called him on his cellular phone soon after he won the car. His son, David Johnson, lives in Indianapolis, and called his father after he watched him win.

The car is still in Indianapolis and Johnson said he was not quite sure what he is going to do with it.

He said he would like to drive it for a while and then possibly sell it. &#8220But if somebody makes me a pretty sizeable offer, I think I can let it go," he said.

Johnson and his wife arrived back to Princeton at about midnight and said they were still in shock about Johnson winning the new wheels. &#8220It has all been quite exciting," he said.