Mark Garrow

  (3:50 PM)

Good afternoon everyone..going to get started a little early because I have to end it a little early...catching a plane north to broadcast the NH race on radio ..So, let's get the partaaayyy started!

Mike (Clarksville TN)

Guru, What do you think about these guys this weekend? 12,1,6,9,88,18 This is Yahoo format and need the best four cars.

Mark Garrow

  (3:52 PM)

I like the 18 and the 88..Truex could be a real sleeper this weekend..Then probably Newman. He's averaged an 11th place finish over the last four at Loudon. Not a very good track for either Ragan or Kahne.

Briar (Nashville TN.)

Mr.Guru, Your advice has really helped me this year in Yahoo racing league. I am 16 and I play in a league with all grown men. I need your help for this weekend, please. I need two out of this list. 02 Lagono,8 Amirola,55,01,44,28. Thank you very much.

Mark Garrow

  (3:54 PM)

Briar, I think you need to go with the 44 who's shown marked improvement lately..after that..need to keep an eye on how the 02 and 8 qualify and practice..To soon to make a pick there yet.. I don't see you getting much help from the others.

Terry (Suwanee, Ga.)

Mark, Thanks for all the help this pre-season, now we race for the $$$. Please rank (best to worse within each group) these three groups for New Hampshire. A:07,11,20,24,29,99 B:1,9,12,16,18,88 C:02,8,28,44,83,84 THANKS!

Mark Garrow

  (3:56 PM)

11,20,29,-7,24,99.....18,1,88,12,16,9......last group needs to be looked at again after practice and qualifying..but pre-lim ranking..44,83,8,02,28,84

Mark Garrow

  (3:56 PM)

11,20,29,-7,24,99.....18,1,88,12,16,9......last group needs to be looked at again after practice and qualifying..but pre-lim ranking..44,83,8,02,28,84

Ed (Petersburg, WV)

Hey Guru, if you took out the obvious three favorites for the Sprint Cup championship, give me another couple of drivers who could be "sleepers" in the Chase?

Mark Garrow

  (3:57 PM)

I think the only other two guys that have showed either the speed or consistency to hang with the top three are Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. A couple of other guys who are on a roll from a consistency standpoint are Denny Hamlin with three straight third place finishes and Kevin Harvick will six consecutive top-10 finishes.

dave , florida

good afternoon guru, thanks for your help last week . wanted to get your thoughts on your top 10 drivers this week at new hampshire. thanks for your time

Mark Garrow

  (3:58 PM)

My preliminary rankings are...Jimmie Johnson 2. Kyle Busch 3. Denny Hamlin 4. Tony Stewart 5. Martin Truex, Jr. 6. Clint Bowyer 7. Kevin Harvick 8. Carl Edwards 9. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 10.Jeff Gordon

Brian Boston MA

Any thoughts on Joey Lagano? Is he the new hot ticket?

Mark Garrow

  (3:59 PM)

The kid is really good but the Sprint Cup Series a quantam leap up from Nationwide Series. He'll have good equipment and the best of anything else he needs so he should be pretty successful. It wll be interesting to see how he does at New Hamphsire this weekend.

Kevin in Va Beach

Mark, The chase is on...Who do you like this weekend? Is it Tony's turn to win one? Also, what can we expect from the 43? He's had solid finishes at NH. Thanks Again!

Mark Garrow

  (4:01 PM)

I've ranked Tony pretty high because I think he's got a chance to win this weekend. As for Labonte, I hyped him big last weekend and he really let me down..Did finish 10th at Loudon earlier this year, but I don't see that happening again...Maybe top-20..

bowles: wichita falls, tx

where is a good place to start, i was thinking about busch, johnson, gordon, kenseth and tha dinger?

Mark Garrow

  (4:03 PM)

I'll buy into Busch,Johnson and Gordon..but Kenseth is a maybe with three top-10 runs at NH in last four tries. But he was ugly 18th in June..Allmendinger I'd be staying away from.

Kissy (MI)

What is going on with Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. One week they suck, the next week they seem to figure it out. Only to suck the next week again. Are they ever going to get it together?? Are they good picks for NH??

Mark Garrow

  (4:05 PM)

I think both have pretty decent potential at NH..Tony should outperform Gordon in Loudon but I can see both runing top 10.

Mike-Woodridge,Ill

Hey Mark, Great stuff as always. Tricky one here. Which Chase driver will have the best finish this weekend? Which non chase driver will have the best finish this weekend? What position do you think the non chase driver you choose will qualify?

Mark Garrow

  (4:06 PM)

As for the Chase driver I think it comes down to betwen Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson...Non-Chase driver Martin Truex, Jr.

tom - wisconsin

Mr. Garrow, I'm a little puzzled on who to select this week. Can you select the top drivers from these 3 categories??? A - 07,11,20,29,48 (Pick 2) B - 1,6,9,12,16,18,88 (Pick 4) C - 02,8,28,44 (Pick 2) Thanks Guru

Mark Garrow

  (4:07 PM)

That's Mark or Guru to you..lol...A..11,20, ....B..88,18, 1, 12 C..44..then either 8 or 02.

Justin (Sacramento)

Is it just me or is Louden a hard track to get a feel for? seems like no one dominates there.

Mark Garrow

  (4:08 PM)

I was thinking the same thing this week Justin when I set out to do my top-30 rankings..No one really leaps off the page.

Coolio (eureka, ca)

what do i compare New Hampshire to? ricmond? dover?

Mark Garrow

  (4:09 PM)

I'd probably compare NH to Phoenix, another flat one-mile track..I don't see Richmond or Dover that close.

Big Mama (Yazoo)

Dale Jr. will win this week. mark it down.

Mark Garrow

  (4:09 PM)

I just put it down Big Mama..

JC (Rancho cordova, ca)

i have a yahoo league so i am limted on allotments on 18,88 and 16. so i have lean on non chase guys at times. any suggestions for this week and the future?

Mark Garrow

  (4:11 PM)

I think Truex will be helpful this weekend and potentially Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman.

Cactus Jack (santa fe)

Yahoo League question- i have a 90pt lead, do i save the few spots i have left for 18,88,16 for cookie cutter tracks (atlanta, texas, etc)?

Mark Garrow

  (4:12 PM)

I'd try to do that ...IF I could...should be some other guys running good this week to help you score high.

Greg (muncie, Indiana)

please rank and comment on the following: 48, 11, 20, 99, 07, 29, 24

Mark Garrow

  (4:14 PM)

48,11 and 20 are potential top-five..29 is right there..top-seven or better..07 is top-10 potential and so is 24 and 99..

Matt, Hendersonville, NC

Why do you think the 24 team can't make adjustments to Jeff's car during the race to improve? He strugles just to keep his postion on the track race after race. sounds like a crew cheif problem? I like the 29 this week, what to you think?

Mark Garrow

  (4:15 PM)

Gordon's scractching his head..so is his crew chief and car owner..tough to know how to deal with an issue like that..I like Harvick for a potential top-five.

Mike (Provo, Utah)

Mark, with us all starting fresh, which drivers should we have to anchor our teams for the last ten races? And how can we get the most under the salary cap?

Mark Garrow

  (4:17 PM)

Mike, you have to start with the big three of Johnson or Busch or Busch..Johnson has momentum now, but Busch and Edwards have some strong tracks coming up.

matt,alabama

hi guru, need two out of these drivers 11-20-29-07-31-24-48-17 and four out of these drivers 88-9-18-12-1-16-5-19 thanks guru .

Mark Garrow

  (4:18 PM)

11,20..maybe 29...88,1,18, 12

Ron(Richmond, VA)

Guru, I may not be able to check back later in the week on these picks so this line-up may have to stick. I DOMINATED the last segment and I am in the top 500 on SCC(thanks for the help). Now I am going for the 3rd segment and overall win. I've got 48,11,24,17 and 84 going into this week. What do you think?

Mark Garrow

  (4:18 PM)

I think 84 is not the way to go..What about the 44?

ray gordon reid houston TEXAS 77004

QESTION TO MARK GARROW AT 4,OO PM HI MARK WHO IT;S GONNA BE SUNDAY

Mark Garrow

  (4:19 PM)

Maybe Denny Hamlin.

Mark (LA,CA)

Guru - Who is your top five going into this weekend and who are 2-3 drivers (budget picks) I should consider for the scc? Thank you.

Mark Garrow

  (4:21 PM)

Jimmie Johnson 2. Kyle Busch 3. Denny Hamlin 4. Tony Stewart 5. Martin Truex, Jr. Reutimann, Ragan, maybe Almirola

Sean ( Boston)

Good Afternoon Guru....How do you see the big changes for next year working out for the drivers making the change?? Its not too often that we get to see the types of changes that will take place next year. Will Stewart and Newman run top five and ten and contend for wins or will they struggle with 15-20 place cars most weeks? Does Lagano run up front and be a chase contender or does he race 15-20 most weeks? Does Mark Martin run similar to say, Jeff Burton most weeks or more up and down? Where do you see Stewart, Newman, Lagano and Martin Finishing in points next year? Thanks for your insight.

Mark Garrow

  (4:24 PM)

No doubt big changes coming for next seaon..It would be hard to believe Stewart and Haas Racing will be a force next year..Logano is a complete mystery..Should be able to run top-15 to start with..I think Mark Martin is going to very consistently up front.I don't see him winning races but could take up a "residence" in the top-10..I see the ranking Martin, Stewart, Newman and Logano.

Jim (Cali)

Where do you see Logano finishing this weekend (at what spot)?

Mark Garrow

  (4:25 PM)

If he has a decent qualifying effort, I think he'll have a chance to run top-20 or a little bit better.

Mike (LA)

Guru - JJ, Tony, hamlin, Martin Truex and Logano. Do they give 750 or up in scc or change JJ for Kyle?

Mark Garrow

  (4:26 PM)

If Logano pulls trough with a top-20 you might have a shot at.

ray GORDON REID houston texaas 77004

QUESTION TO MARK GARROW at 4.05 HI MARK I.VE GOT 48 THIS WEEK GOOD OR BAD

Mark Garrow

  (4:26 PM)

That should be pretty good.

mike , tampa,fl

how does this team sound 8,48,1,20,11. the 8 was running top 20 earlier in the year but him and kahne got together twice and finished 23. any chance for a top 20 out of almirola?

Mark Garrow

  (4:27 PM)

I think DEI's short track, flat track program is pretty strong..so 8 could finish potentially from 14th to 18th.

I Do Apologize

Mark - I must admit, last weekend I went with my heart and not your advice and came out on top. I do apoligize as that will never happen again. I took Dale and Sorenson instead of Ragan and Labonte.

Mark Garrow

  (4:28 PM)

Don't apologize man..I'm kicking myself for letting crew chiefs get me too high on Ragan and Labonte AND talking me out of going big on David Reutimann.

mike ct

mark, how do you feel about the 11 car this week. also the 1 car of truex . also can you give your prediction to?

Mark Garrow

  (4:29 PM)

I think the 11 has a chance to win and 1 car should somewhere in the top-10 when it's over..maybe another top-five.

Wendy ( Cali)

What do you make of Stewarts outburst over the radio last week? How does a guy with that mush experience, who is a professional, disrespect Zippy and the crew like that? And don't tell me its the heat of the moment blah,blah,blah. To me its totally uncalled for. Am i missing something? Your thoughts?

Mark Garrow

  (4:31 PM)

I've got to admit I was a little disappointed in Tony's words too..That's one of the reasons Zippy didn't leave with Tony, I think he's wore out trying to diffuse situations like that and defending Tony's outbursts.

Ryan ohio

three questions 1.Can Stewart make a run at the championship this year 2.How about next year 3.Ten years down the road what do you see of Stewart Hass Racing

Mark Garrow

  (4:32 PM)

I think he can this year..but not in 2009...hard to say what happens 10-years down the road..Tony's a "racer" and that should help them build a strong team, plus all the help Rick Hendrick can possibly be.

Guru 2 (Winsville)

Am i still a guru if i religiously just use your picks each week? Does that qualify as "research" ?

Mark Garrow

  (4:33 PM)

Why not...the more Gurus the merrier....lol

Dwain (North Carolina)

Mark, grade Jrs. performance with Hendrick if he doesnt drive to a win for the rest of the season?

Mark Garrow

  (4:34 PM)

Don't worry Dwain..he'll drive hard to get wins..he could cause a little trouble in the Chase for Busch, Edwards and Johnson no doubt itl

Ryan ohio

sorry for so many questions LAST ONE Is it realistcly possible for mark martin to make a run for the chamionship next year sorry

Mark Garrow

  (4:35 PM)

Don't worry man..I'm here to answer any and all questions..Yes, I think Martin makes the Chase next season and who knows from there.

RAY GORDON REID HOUSTON texas 77004

QUESTION TO MARK GARROW AT 4.15 PM HI MARK 99 OR 48 OR 18

Mark Garrow

  (4:35 PM)

48 is the hottest right now.

Chat

Mark- What time is your chat this Sunday? Showtime for the race is 11:00 locktime in scc.

Mark Garrow

  (4:36 PM)

Chat is set for this Sunday at 10:30 eastern...

I Won Segemnt 2

Mark, passed this to Guru 2. By using Original Guru's advice and picks and modifying the picks asnecessary, I won segemnt 2.

Mark Garrow

  (4:37 PM)

So am I the original Guru?...Is there any cash bonus for the title?...lol....

Lee (NE)

You think Tony can win the chase, but I've been staying away from him with where he's heading for next year. I know he's had a couple pretty good races recently, but isn't the crew affected by all this?

Mark Garrow

  (4:38 PM)

They'll rally behind him for the last ten races because of all the big money involved and the bonuses they could get if Tony could win it or finish top-five in points.

scott kentucky

guru you think jr will ever win a championship in your opinion

Mark Garrow

  (4:38 PM)

It's possible...Let's see what happens this year..

Lee (NE)

I think Stewart was just acting up at the end of the race because he was just hungry. He looked extremely famished.

Mark Garrow

  (4:38 PM)

very funneeeeeee

Lynn (MO)

Is Martin done driving for the year?

Mark Garrow

  (4:39 PM)

He's driving Dover, Kansas and Charlotte..those are the next three

bill chase (kansas)

i think that jimmie johnson will repeat as champion for the 3rd time

Mark Garrow

  (4:40 PM)

I think you may be right...He'll give Busch and Edwards fits..

mike (ohio)

how did clint boyer get pre seeded fith over all the other good drivers?

Mark Garrow

  (4:41 PM)

He was seeded fifth because...Bowyer..because he had one win, one second and one third..and one fourth..Hamlin..one win..seven thirds.. Dale Jr. had one more fourth place finish which is why he was put ahead of Bowyer.

Baggio (NYC)

Guru, I need to select 2 of the following 3 for this weekend's race: Logano, Almirola, and Reutimann. What do you think?

Mark Garrow

  (4:43 PM)

Reutimann and Almirola...but need to keep an eye on Logano during practice..he'll have a good car, better than Almirola or Reutimann..but don't know if he can outperform them.

Matt (Albuquerque)

Like a lot of others here, I'm struggling with the yahoo B list, I noticed on the weekly rankings you have Mears at #15 and Sadler at #16. Is this a better than average track for the 5? Do you expect the short track experience of the 19 to come in to play? Thanks bud-I mean Guru!

Mark Garrow

  (4:44 PM)

Mears has finished 7th and 8th in last two starrts at NH..Sadler has a fifth and a sixth place finish in two of the last four in Loudon and has been running pretty strong lately..so combined those two things to rank him where I did.

I Won Segment 2

Mark Garrow : (4:37 PM ET ) So am I the original Guru?...Is there any cash bonus for the title?...lol.... No cash bonus but a slick 1100 dollar circuit city card and XBOX for me. But thanks for the help and yes you are the Original Guru.

Mark Garrow

  (4:45 PM)

Any money left on the Circuit City card?...lol...maybe you can buy me some batteries..lol..

Denny Hamlin, NH

I thought I was the car to beat last week. Didn't seem like it so much during the race. Jimmy and Kyle make me so mad....

Mark Garrow

  (4:46 PM)

Three words...get over it.

Chris(Philly, PA)

I need to use a guy this week that is a mid-pack, darkhorse. What do you see out of Mears and Reutimann this weekend?

Mark Garrow

  (4:46 PM)

I think Chris you might be on to something this week with those two guys..I really do..need to keep an eye on them in qualifying and practice though to know if they are a "go".

jay, charleston, SC

Thank you for your help last week, it was defintly a good call about the 48. what do u think 24 or 29 for this race?

Mark Garrow

  (4:47 PM)

I think the 29 might be able to run top-five..24 top-10.

Jerry (LA)

Almirola over Logano? Are you sure about that? Don't you think Logano can get into the top 20. Also, what time is your chat on Sunday?

Mark Garrow

  (4:48 PM)

Two things that I'm weighing..Logano has no experience in Cup and will have to take it easy not to ruffle any feathers..Almirola has a little experience and DEI's flat track , short track program is pretty competitive..Again, as I said earlier I wouldn't want to pick between these two until the final practice was over.

josh, GA

So oh great guru, i have 99,48,24,17,84. I know 99 is not going to be good here but I wanna set him up for the rest of the chase, also what do you think of 24?

Mark Garrow

  (4:49 PM)

I'd be more worried about the 84 than anything.

ray gordon reid HOUSTON TEXAS 77004

QYUESTION TO MARK GARROW 4.20 HI 99 OR 48 OR 18 THIS SUNDAY

Mark Garrow

  (4:49 PM)

48

Mark Garrow

  (4:50 PM)

Guys..got to run and catch a plane to NH to get ready to broadcast race on radio this Sunday..Don't forget our Sunday morning chat which gets underway at 10:30 eastern...till then..take care and may the force be with you...