Mark Garrow

  (3:58 PM)

Good afternoon everyone..let's get this party started..

Beth WV

Is Martinsville a sister track to NH. Has Gordon and Stewart turned the page. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:00 PM)

It is a little bit..Phoenix is probably closer if you were looking to see what race might play into this one this weekend.

Michael, MN

I need some help finalizing my team. I've got the 88(+.7), 22(+1.1), and 17(0). Do I add 24 & 9, 99 & 1 or 99 & 83? The 24 has some good history here, but this year's history is inconsistent.

Mark Garrow

  (4:02 PM)

Without seeing anything at the track yet, I'd say your best bet is the 99 anbd 1...not sure what we get out of the 24 or the 9 on a flat track..or the 83..but feel pretty good that 99 and 1 will be at least top-10 potential.

Jeff WV

Do you think Kurt Busch can get it going or is he finished this season. Will Mark Martin give it one more shot or will he be part time next season. Thanks your the best

Mark Garrow

  (4:04 PM)

Jeff, I don't know about Busch..they start to make some improvement and then fall down the hill. I consider myself really lucky that I jumped in at Pocono and took him, got a top-10 and then dumped him the next week..too inconsistent for my taste...As for Martin, I have a hard time believing he wants to run all the races again..but for one last shot at the brass ring with Rick Hendrick he might be tempted..if that indeed is something that's on the table..

Ted (Cleveland, Oh)

Infineon was brutal for me with my picks of 11, 9, 7, 26. To make matters worse, I let go of some good ones, 16, 17, 83. Oh well! Now I need to rebuild, who should I consider to anchor my team this weekend?

Mark Garrow

  (4:06 PM)

I think 11, 88, 18, 48 will be pretty good anchors this week..and from some guys $$ below them I think 1 and 07 will be very solid too..16 and 17 should be decent..hard to figure 83 on flat track..

jim wash

what do you think of this line up thank you 88,48,20,6,and 84 for sunday

Mark Garrow

  (4:07 PM)

6 and 84 are going to be a little "iffy" for me at Loudon. I wouldn't lock those guys in until you either looked at practice and qualifying on day 1 or tuned in my chat on Sunday morning at 10:30 eastern.

Sam, San Antonio Texas

Yahoo league question... Which two out of these four would you put in your "A driver" lineup? Hamlin, Bowyer, Gordon or Burton? If you are familiar with the yahoo format and you have a better A driver(s) let me know. Thanks for last week also your picks were nearly spot on for me at least!

Mark Garrow

  (4:08 PM)

If those are the four I have to pick from then I'm going wtih Hamlin and Bowyer...and thanks for the tip of the cap Sam.

Mike (PA)

Mark, do you think Jeff Gordon (the best driver in the universe) is underachieving since he does not have a win this season yet? What are your projections for this season???

Mark Garrow

  (4:10 PM)

Mike, he's really uncomfortable with the way this car drives or the way you have to set it up to drive fast..you might argue he's underachieving given he's got the best equipment money can buy..I think they are just going through a rough patch and will hit on something..Gordon just spent today and yesterday testing at Kentucky..

Marc (Gulfport, MS)

Mark-- I'm trying to find that 3rd tier driver that could surprise this weekend. I'm thinking the 15,44 or 77. Thoughts?

Mark Garrow

  (4:12 PM)

To be honest Marc, I don't think you have to or should go that low..44 is probably the best bet..but all three have been heartbreakers.

Kevin, Detroit Michigan

Mark, which do you think is the best line-up, I can pick only 4 group A 31 or 48. Goup B need 2, 18,88,9,6 grooup C need 1, 28,66, or 84. What would you do.

Mark Garrow

  (4:13 PM)

48, ....18-88.....28....

Eric (Wautoma, WI)

What's Up Guru?...Picking 9th & 12th this week...What do you think about Biffle & Kenseth or Stewart & Vickers..I think Kenseth is due to seriously contend for a win...Been running top 10 for what, 6 weeks or so in a row now?...Thanks Guru!

Mark Garrow

  (4:14 PM)

I think you'll do pretty well with Biffle and Kenseth this week..Kenseth is back to his top-10 like a machine self..Stewart will be good too, but while 83 is getting better a little bit too much up and down..especially on flat tracks.

willburr (Atlanta, GA)

Hey Mark, two questions: Who ya got winning this weekend at Loudon? Where do you see Truex ending up in 2009? My wife and I are big fans and we want to see him contending for wins - not sure DEI is the place to do it for him. Have a good one!

Mark Garrow

  (4:16 PM)

I can see Hamlin, Bowyer, Junior and Kyle Busch fighting for the win..I Truex as potential top-five and definite top-10 material..I think he wants out at DEI, but he seems to me a loyal guy and that's playing with his mind just a bit..and depending on who you talk to ..may or may not be a free agent at the end of the year...I think DEI is struggling myself to not just keep up..but catch up.

gale (denver)

Were do you see the JGR,RBR and PR finishing this week?

Mark Garrow

  (4:18 PM)

I think JGR is going to have a big day Sunday at New Hampshire...Penske a decent day..and Red Bull so-so.

Rob (Marietta, GA)

Looking for some help in Yahoo Group C, I've already started Vickers 5 times. Will guys like 44, 28, 01, 8 or 15 be decent this week? Should I stay on the 83 while he's hot?

Mark Garrow

  (4:19 PM)

None of these guys jump off the screen that they will outrun Vickers..but would rank them 28,44,8,15,01

Chuck (Los Angeles, CA)

Race for the Chase: Is the need to make it into the top 12 starting to affect driving styles?

Mark Garrow

  (4:20 PM)

Absolutely..the guys trying to cement their position or get in are playing it really, really, really safe..They want top-10s not wins.

Jeff (Lafayette, LA)

Mark who's an early darkhorse favorite for New Hampshire?

Mark Garrow

  (4:21 PM)

I don't know if you'd call Bowyer a dark-horse..but I think he and Truex might not be on everybody's radar and they will be big time Sunday.

Jeremy (Des Moines, IA)

Hey Mark, who you like this week out of: 11, 48, or 17? Also, how do you think D. Regan will do?

Mark Garrow

  (4:22 PM)

11 and 48 will challenge for the win..that's my early prediction..Kenseth could run top-five and is "money" top-10.

Jimmy (Allentown PA)

Mark, what a mess last week! Team Jimmy was running well until Harvick locked up on turn 2 and took out Smoke and Fellows. Good thing everyone in the league took the same kind of beating.... So with all of that out of the way, help a brother out. What does your top 5 look like and would you mind tossing in 2 dark horses for good measure. As always, thanks for the great insight.

Mark Garrow

  (4:24 PM)

I had a problem with that incident to..my top five this week 11,07,48,88, and 24..although I have to tell you having Gordon up that high I'm having a little buyer's remorse..

Alan (Hershey PA)

Why such massive differences of oppinion on Bowyer and Kenseth in the rankings. each guy got two top five votes and two votes ranging from 10-20

Mark Garrow

  (4:26 PM)

I think its because some people are delusional 17 can potentially win...just kidding..lol..I see 07 being top-five and 17 potential top-10 or close to that.

Kev (NYC)

Are you the dude from VT? Do you have a fantasy girlfriend?

Mark Garrow

  (4:26 PM)

Yes, I'm the dude from Vermont..and no Fantasy Girlfriend...does someone want the job?...lol..

Daniel(IN)

hey Mark, do you think the team of Truex-Ragan-Newman-Kyle Busch would be good in the yahoo b group, or should I replace Ragan with someone like Kahne or Jr., just want to get you r thoughts.

Mark Garrow

  (4:28 PM)

I would definitely replace Ragan with Junior..easy choice..Depending on who else is in the group and how practice went I might even look at replacing Newman too.

justin (sacramento, ca)

is jeff burton due for a win this week?

Mark Garrow

  (4:29 PM)

Justin, I'd like to see it..but I don't see it happening..top-10 yes..top-5 not too sure about that.

Danny

hey Mark, I really like guys like bowyer, Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Truex and Newman this weekend. Do you like any of them and if not, who do you have your eye on so far this weekend.

Mark Garrow

  (4:30 PM)

Danny, the only guy in that group I have a doubt about is Newman..and a solid practice and good qualifying effort would comfort there that's for sure.

JC (rancho cordova)

can 11 and 07 be trusted this week? they have run well at louden but not often and they have struggled of late

Mark Garrow

  (4:30 PM)

JC I think they'll be just fine, I really do.

russ pennsylvania

better finish this weekend kvapil or labonte

Mark Garrow

  (4:31 PM)

That's a tough call..I might lean to Kvapil..Roush gang runs good at NH and Kvapil's team gets all their stuff from Roush.

Mike(Wooster, Oh)

Who are some low value drivers to consider for this weekend?

Mark Garrow

  (4:33 PM)

Mike hard to say..28 and 38..have to see how the 84 and 44 practice and qualify..Mears might be a sleeper this week and potentially Almirola if he can run like he did at Bristol.

Frank

hey Mark, I am involved in a yahoo thing myself, and here's my question for you: Which two of the following guys would you choose out of Vickers, Kvapil, Riggs, Reutimann, Labonte, Almirola and Sauter.

Mark Garrow

  (4:34 PM)

Tough to pick any of these guys before they hit the track because they are so inconsistent..but if I had to..Kvapil and Vickers at this point..

miccah (rossville georgia)

hey mark in baseball talk who do you think stands the best chance at winning the college world series national chapionship tonite the GEORGIA BULLDAWGS or the FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS

Mark Garrow

  (4:35 PM)

Miccah, don't kill me..but I'm always for the under-dawg..go Fresno st....sorry..

Mike (Los Angeles)

Mark, need to rebuild my lineup after a horrible Sonoma... Better to go with a more balanced lineup with my lowest guys being either 2, 43, 26 or a stars & scrubs lineup with a 84, 77, or 8?

Mark Garrow

  (4:36 PM)

Mike, I'm always in favor of the balanced line-up..If your lowest guy is sure top-15 and top-10 materially..potentially, then you can work some big numbers from there.

HamFan (Richmond, VA)

My B group has Kyle Busch, Earnhardt, Truex, and Newman....Should I replace Newman with Kasey Kahne? or maybe Greg Biffle? Newman has had some success here

Mark Garrow

  (4:38 PM)

I'm not sure I'd think to replace him with Kahne..but Biffle has been running pretty good lately. If stay with your current four should do pretty well though. The question mark is Newan in my opinion.

Justin(Chicago)

I need 2 of the following: Burton, Bowyer, Newman and Harvick. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:40 PM)

I'd go Bowyer ..flip a coin..Newman..Harvick should outperform the 12 but he can't seem to finish races decently these days..big slump..could break out of it this week because NH is a good track for him..but I'd be waiting until the final word from his crew chief Sunday morning.

Marty(IN)

so, you really don't like Newman this week, or do you think he could possibly steal a top 15 finish this weekend?

Mark Garrow

  (4:40 PM)

I think Newman is definitely top-15 material..So, I like him for that or finishing like 8th to 13th or so..No top-five or win.

Joe (Philly)

Mark, would you pick one from this group(05, 06, 43) and is there one driver of the three who is significantly above the others, or are they all running pretty much even?

Mark Garrow

  (4:41 PM)

Joe..you got me man..05 and 06? who are they?

A.J. (Salinas CA)

what do you think of aric almirola as a 5th driver this week? mark martin ran really well at tracks similar to loudon at richmond and phoenix and i think the 8 team will prepare a solid car for him. what do you think?

Mark Garrow

  (4:42 PM)

I think he's got the potential to do pretty well..but need to see how he practices and qualifies..if he doesn't have a lot of overall speed..that concerns me because he'll have to overdrive car to keep up.

Alan

hey mark, think Bowyer and Hamlin will finish ahead of guys like Stewart, Harvick and Burton this weekend, just want to know what you think.

Mark Garrow

  (4:44 PM)

I think you're a smart man..that's what I think..

Kev (NYC)

Ever been to the Mexican place in Rutland? It's terrible. The Wobbly Barn is fun though.

Mark Garrow

  (4:44 PM)

Don't eat Mexican..but went to the Wobbly a long, long time ago..

JJ (columbia, mo)

will gilliand be able to use last week as a springboard for the rest of the year?

Mark Garrow

  (4:46 PM)

He might..this should be a pretty good race for him too..flat track..that's what he grew up on..

Steven

hey Mark, gotta question for ya, if you could pick 2 of the following 7, which two would you pick: 07, 11, 20, 17, 99, 31, 29. I personally like Bowyer and Hamlin.

Mark Garrow

  (4:49 PM)

11, 07,..are my picks going in..99,17, and 31 should be take it to the bank top-10..29 who knows could challenge for the win or end up 25th.

Joseph (rancho cordova, ca)

yahoo question: i can use 18 and 88 4 times a piece. i am in third by 300 points, do i use them now to close the gap or conserve for later?

Mark Garrow

  (4:50 PM)

Not sure what to say Joseph..but both of those guys will be tough this week and next at Daytona...there will be other top runners you can consider for NH once you get a look at the practice and qualifying.

big mama (yazoo city)

if it comes to 18 or 88, should i just pick the better qualifyer?

Mark Garrow

  (4:51 PM)

Big Mama, as much as I love 88, you need to climb on Rowdy Boy's back and ride until he breaks down..he's red hot and there seems to be no cooling him off.

Joe (Philly)

Sorry Mark, brain freeze... same question as above, Mears, Labonte, Ragan... pick 1, or tell me to flip a coin.

Mark Garrow

  (4:53 PM)

I'd say Mears..he was 8th in this race last year and 23rd in the fall..better both times than Labonte or Ragan...Casey was one position better at Phoenix, where the both of them had a good run..Not sure if Ragan has the flat track stuff figured out yet..

Sam, San Antonio Texas

Would I be better off putting Ragan in for Newman this week? "Yahoo B group" I can tell from this chat you are not so high on Newman.

Mark Garrow

  (4:54 PM)

Again, I'm not high on Newman to run top-five..but he might be able to sneak a top-10 or top-15..and that will surely be better than Ragan.

miccah (rossville georgia)

hey question do you think dale jr. has a chance to be sprint cup point series leader and winner

Mark Garrow

  (4:55 PM)

that's a possibility if Busch comes crashing down to earth when the playoffs begin.

Bob

hey Mark, do vickers and Kvapil look to be the best two guys in yahoo's c list this weekend or should I consider guys like Reutimann and Menard?

Mark Garrow

  (4:57 PM)

Again, very tough question to answer before the cars have even hit the track..but on balance Vickers and Kvapil..should be decent..Reutimann and Menard, going in, have more question marks.

Taylor (TX)

Hey Mark, how long do you think it will be untill Dale Jr. wins another race?

Mark Garrow

  (4:58 PM)

There's a chance it could happen this week.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Is there a team more snakebit than the 19?

Mark Garrow

  (4:58 PM)

No, if it weren't bad luck they have no luck at all..gloom despair and agony on meeeee...lol..

Mike (Los Angeles)

Even with 24 team "slumping", they're able to get a 3rd at Sonoma with a crap car and team is tied for 2nd in top 5s for the season. Good guy to keep on my roster since they'll hopefully start turning things further up soon?

Mark Garrow

  (5:00 PM)

Gordon always seem to find a way to make chicken salad out of chicken "tootsie rolls"..but I try to get picks to score the most points out to everybody and most weeks Gordon isn't there in that group.

Steve (New York)

Mark: What would you say if I told you that there was nothing to NASCAR, and that they drive around in circles for 3+ hours.

Mark Garrow

  (5:01 PM)

I'd say some of the races lately have been a little boring..but if that's your take on it..you've missed some of what makes this sport tick..need to go to an event..see it live and then go from there..one way or the other.

Mark Garrow

  (5:02 PM)

Thanks for all the questions and comments today everyone..We'll reconvene Sunday morning at 10:30 to give you the latest update from Loudon...till then may the "force" be with you!