Mark Garrow

  (3:53 PM)

Good afternoon everyone..The "Guru" is now in the house...and let's partaaayyyy!

dave orlando

whats up guru thanks for the help last week. wanted to know your top 10 for this week at dover. thanks again

Mark Garrow

  (3:53 PM)

Here's my pre-race top-10....1. Greg Biffle 2. Carl Edwards 3. Denny Hamlin 4. Jimmie Johnson 5. Tony Stewart 6. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 7. Kyle Busch 8. Martin Truex, Jr. 9. Mark Martin 10.Jeff Burton

Mike (Clarksville TN)

Guru, Out of these low end guys, what two do you think will run better this weekend? 55,44,28,15,66,83,84,96 or 70 Thanks for all your help

Mark Garrow

  (3:56 PM)

I think this is going to be a very good track for Vickers and that should help Allmendinger too. David Reutimann has been running so well lately he's got to get some serious thought..I also think Juan Pablo Montoya might be a "budget" pick to think about this week and perhaps Travis Kvapil who was 11th back in June.

Ed (Petersburg, WV)

Ok, Guru, I'm looking at teaming up the 8 or the 1 with the 48, 99, 16...which one would you choose? Would you wait and see how practice and qualifying shake out on these two before you decide since they seem to run well here?

Mark Garrow

  (3:57 PM)

Ed, There's not a dog in the pound right there..I think it will come down to Johnson or Edwards..but Biffle has a some nice Dover stats too...You don't get hurt too badly by any of these guys..

Idea Guy

Guru - I've been a faithful follower of yours all year. Being completely serious here: how about having a contest to be a Jr. Guru for a day, to shadow you as you talk to the crew chiefs and help you prepare your notes for the race day chat. Then watch the race with the Guru. You could advertise the contest on the main ESPN page to draw more participants to your chats. Have contestants submit a quick write-up on why they should be picked. You can pick the winner.

Mark Garrow

  (3:58 PM)

Yo Idea Guy....great idea ...let me run it by the powers that be at ESPN...It's too late to do it for this year, but something we can do for next season..

Bigdaddygriffin Ga

Hello Guru whats going on buddy how you doing ok, please rank the chase drivers for the week 1-5....and do you feel that the 18 will dominate Dover this week..Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:00 PM)

Doing great..thanks for asking..In the top-10 I just gave out as my pre-race rankings..top seven were all Chase drivers..only two that are not in the Chase to make my top-10 were Martin and Truex.

Rich (Saint peters, mo.)

Hey Mark..... I need to choose from one from each group A-99,88,31,48,16 B-11,07,20,29,18 then one driver outside the top 10. What 3 drivers do you like?

Mark Garrow

  (4:02 PM)

99,48,16,88,31 is how I rank first group..second group...20,11,18,07,29...I like Truex a lot for a guy outside the top-10..

Beth WV

Hey Guru how does this sound before they hit the track...8-16-20-17-1 Thanks"" Talk to you on Sunday

Mark Garrow

  (4:04 PM)

Beth on paper that sound nice..but 17 gives me an itch lately..Kenseth is so unconfident in his team..Still, with what else you've done 17 is not the worst place to go.

Jason:Alabama

Hello Mark; For my SCC game;pick 2; 48,99,18; also what team do u like (1)48,18,16,1,84; (2) 99,16,17,1,44 or (3) 99,16,8,1,26; Thanks for your help.

Mark Garrow

  (4:05 PM)

48,99....On paper and before Sunday morning note chasing...I like the third team..26 is always a big question mark, but Jamie's been top-10 in last two races at Dover.

Kendrick:Florida

Hello Mark;I have the 48 locked in; should i stay with him thru the chase?If so,Should i take the 99 or the 18, to go with him, i am leaning toward the 18, at that price. Is Mears even worth taking anymore, he seems to always find trouble.

Mark Garrow

  (4:07 PM)

Kendrick...I got burned by Mears last week like a bunch of folks..just as he was making a move into the top-15..bam..he's in a wreck..I know the 18 is a better price right now..but 48 and 99 are going to be big dogs throughout the Chase...and I feel safer they are not going to have really bad weeks more son than I am of Kyle and his team.

James: (Macon, GA)

Good Afternoon Guru. Tough start last week at Loudon w/ a middle of the road race, so am re-evaluating this week. Starting with 99,16,20,1, and either Almirola or Blaney (if either quals). Figure I gotta lock in the 99 for the rest of the way and then play with the rest. Early for the week I know, but what do you think? As always thnx for your valuable time.

Mark Garrow

  (4:09 PM)

First off..Martin is driving the 8 car this week and not Almirola..that according to schedule of Mark's events on DEI website...Edwards is going to be tough throughout the Chase no question about it...Just be carefuly about putting Dave Blaney on your team..he rarely pays off.

Jim:Michigan

Hey GURU: What r u hearing about the 24; it just very strange that the 48 is running so much better than the 24,they are in the same shop and even the 88 is also running better; what do u think the prob. is; i know he did make the chase, but they really aren't looking that good; Are u hearing about any changes that the 24 team may make; maybe swap the 5 and 24 crew chiefs or something.

Mark Garrow

  (4:11 PM)

Jim haven't heard about any changes to the team...but Jeff and Company spent today and will continue tonight to run laps at the Kentucky Speedway trying to find something that will work for Kansas.. The way you have to drive these new race cars does simply not marry up to Gordon very well.

Big Mama (Yazoo)

Kyle Busch will win this week. Mark it down.

Mark Garrow

  (4:12 PM)

He could bounce back..but he could also push it too hard...We'll have to see..I have him rated top-5 going in.

Cactus JAck (Santa fe)

8 or 1 this week?

Mark Garrow

  (4:13 PM)

I think the 1 is a little bit better pick than the 8..but they should be pretty close.

tom - wisconsin

Biffle seemed to shock everyone last week with the win. Who is capable of pulling that off this week at Dover??? Stewart maybe???

Mark Garrow

  (4:14 PM)

Biffle was a big surprise when you look at his past stats at NH and Roush's as a team..Stewart could win this week..I have him rated top-five..but I don't think that would be a shocker.

tom - wisconsin

Narrow it down, Garrow 11,20,24,29,48,99 (pick 2) 1,8,12,16,18,88 (pick 4) 28,44,83,84 (pick 2) Thanks Guru

Mark Garrow

  (4:15 PM)

99,48..16,88,1,18...83,44

Eric (Wautoma, WI)

What's Up Guru??...4th pick this week...If Busch & Biffle are there, who do you take?...After last week I like Biffle....He also has not finished worse than sixth in his last 4 races at Dover....Your thoughts?

Mark Garrow

  (4:16 PM)

Biffle would be a nice pick..He's a little safer than Busch right now..

Mike (LA,CA)

Mark - the two weeks, your beest budget pick has gone down the drain. I am talking about Labonte at Richmind and Mears at NH. Are you receiving bad information from the garage or is it because they have not been able to qualify for the upcoming races to get a better picture of them and the cars? Alos, who are your top 5 to win this Sunday and your 2 or 3 budget picks right now. Of course, it can change by Sunday' chat. Thanks.

Mark Garrow

  (4:19 PM)

Yeah, Mike I've gotten torched the last two budget picks..funny thing is I was going with Reutimann at RIchmond, but after talking with his crew chief I lost a little confidence..didn't intrepret him right I guess...Mears was well on his way to at least a top-15 when he got wrecked at NH..sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes you get get by the bear..For budget picks this week I'm going to keep an eye on Kvapil, Montoya, GIlliland, and Reutimann..possibly Allmendinger..Vickers should be pretty good..but don't know if I should consider 18.9 a value pick.

Jason (Bellefonte, PA)

Guru- Thanks for all the great weekly advice. Please choose two from the following for this week (20, 31, 48, 99) and four from the following (1, 8, 12,16, 18). Who is your sleeper for the weekend? Thanks again!

Mark Garrow

  (4:20 PM)

48,99...again 18,15,1,8...Vickers could end up being my sleeper this weekend.

BOWLES: WICHITA FALLS, TX

FOR THERE SCC VALUE, WHO IS A BETTER PICK THIS WEEK, MARTIN OR TRUEX JR.? ALSO WHO SHOULD WE LOOK FOR AS A BUDGET PICK? THANX.

Mark Garrow

  (4:21 PM)

I think Truex,Jr. is a little bit better than 8...

Gus: (Washington D.C.)

Guru, I have a big lead in the overall and a slight lead in my group going into this week. I'm callin for the 99,48,8,1 and 44. Have I got this thing in the bag or what?

Mark Garrow

  (4:22 PM)

If 44 runs at least top-15 you should be in really good shape.

mike ct

mark who do you like to challange for the win on sunday 12,1or the 16 .can you tell me please rank yours also? thaks big time.

Mark Garrow

  (4:23 PM)

I'd rank that group 16,1, and then 12..Not sure 1 will make a run at the win, but he could finish top five..Biffle has a shot to win and run top-five..

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Mark, is it time to get back on Kyle's bandwagon. He does have the 2nd best average at Dover.

Mark Garrow

  (4:25 PM)

Not sure about getting back on the Kyle train..99 and 48 are so fast and consistent lately hard to bet against them...especially after the way Kyle has been so up and down lately.

Mark Garrow

  (4:25 PM)

Not sure about getting back on the Kyle train..99 and 48 are so fast and consistent lately hard to bet against them...especially after the way Kyle has been so up and down lately.

Gale, IL

What do you think Guru? 99 & 84 or 18 & 78? Also how would this look for Dover - 48,16,99,1, & 96?

Mark Garrow

  (4:26 PM)

99 and 84...forget about the 96 I don't see much coming out of that deal again this week.

ray gordon reid nashville tn 37214

question to mark garrow hi mark who;s it gonna be

Mark Garrow

  (4:27 PM)

I think it's going to be Edwards or Biffle.

Jill Griffin Ga !Nascar Nation :)

How are ya Guru??Whats the best C pick for this week ya think??Thanks so much!!:)

Mark Garrow

  (4:29 PM)

Not sure all of who's in "C" group..but I like Brian Vickers a lot going in..I think he's in C.

rob albany ny

any luck on the wedding ? thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:30 PM)

Wedding?...who got married?

Stan (ATL GA)

You told us last Sunday that Kyle had problems with his car from the time they unloaded and they were making wholesale changes to try and compete. Then they go out and it immediately breaks. Do you think that was a coincidence for did they just never find the problem till it was too late?

Mark Garrow

  (4:31 PM)

Could be Stan, you never know..but car could have been "flexing" before sway bar mount broke.

Justin (Sacramento, ca)

what is your take on Rickey Carmichael and his NASCAR ambitions?

Mark Garrow

  (4:32 PM)

Well Kevin Harvick is going to run him in the ARCA race at Talladega and we'll just have to see where it goes from there..He's got talent..but is it too late for him to put together a stock car career?..That's my question.

kevin Detroit MI

Mark did bad last week need a big pick up this week, need some help. Pick 2.99,11,48,20,or 31 Need 4. 1,6,18,88,26,16 Need 2. 83,84,28,66,or 44. Do you see anybody being a surprise pick this weekend for a win or a top 15 run?

Mark Garrow

  (4:33 PM)

48,99...16,1,18,88...83..44..

rob albany ny

hey mark need some help. gettin married saturday and leaving for honeymoon early sunday. i need to pick my drivers by tomorrow and leave. was wondering how you would rank these lower end guys. truex, newman,ragan,allmending and root-man. thanks for the help

Mark Garrow

  (4:35 PM)

Okay..now I know he's getting married..congratulations..I think...First, why would be a problem with your future wife if you brought along a laptop so we could chat Sunday morning...Is she going to come between us already?...Didn't you explain the relationship before you two got serious..Come on man.....lol...Truex, Newman, Ragan, Reutimann, Allmendinger...and good luck...with your team..

Zachary Poopy Rapson (Miami aka 305)

Is the rumor true that Carl Edward lost control of his car due to the fact he ran over a poopy diaper that was in the middle of the field?

Mark Garrow

  (4:37 PM)

I noticed he ran to wash his hands after the race...but don't know if that's the reason he lost control of his car...if he ever did lose control of his car...

The Man, IN

Guru! 11 & 84 or 8 & 44?

Mark Garrow

  (4:38 PM)

8 and 44 will be better average I think..but the 11 outscores the 8 by enough and 84 does good enough where those two will outscore 8 and 44.

Billy (KY)

All Knowing-All Seeing Guru, Please rank these 17,31,20,11 then 6,12,9 then 44,28,66,15 thanks for your weekly vision.

Mark Garrow

  (4:39 PM)

11,20,31, 17....12,9,6...44,28,66,15

ray gordon reid NASHVILLE TENN 37214

QUESTION TO MARK GARROW AT 4.35 PM RIGHT/NOW HI MARK WHO;IT GONNA BE THIS WEEK

Mark Garrow

  (4:40 PM)

Ray Gordon..didn't I tell you alittle while a go my top-two going into Dover are BIffle and Edwards..

JC (rancho cordova, ca)

Could you do a bit of projecting and give your favorite for the next few races? obviously we wont hold you to them, but give an estimate based on the past

Mark Garrow

  (4:42 PM)

For Dover and Kansas...Biffle and Edwards going to be in very good shape as will Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart...Clint Bowyer should be strong a both places too..Allmendinger could be in good shape for Kansas when it comes to a budget guy..After Kansas is Talladega and that's always a crap shoot..

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Mark: What do you feel abot Schrader? He is almost always good for 60-80 points at the short tracks...he sure frees up a lot of salary cap.

Mark Garrow

  (4:43 PM)

I wouldn't go there..A) I don't think you score that many points..B) I think you might end up putting yourself in a box value wise.

Big Mama (yazoo city)

rank these non chase cars please- 8,1,6,12,84,28,44,26,9,5

Mark Garrow

  (4:45 PM)

1,8,12,26,9,6,44,28,5,84

JC (reno, nv)

any thoughts on who will win the pole? those bonus points add up

Mark Garrow

  (4:46 PM)

I think Kyle Busch is going to let it fly in qualifying..

Mike (LA,CA)

Mark - Who are your budget picks besides Vickers and A.J. Vickers value is way too high to be a budget pick.

Mark Garrow

  (4:47 PM)

Jamie McMurray #26 - Ford 17.5 Juan Pablo Montoya #42 - Dodge 17.2 Travis Kvapil #28 - Ford 17.1 Elliott Sadler #19 - Dodge 16.7 David Reutimann #44 - Toyota 16.3 might good along with maybe Allmendinger at 13.1

JJ (portland, or)

yahho league- i have 2 more times i can use 18. i figure if he blows this race he is worthless the rest of the year. so im using him.

Mark Garrow

  (4:49 PM)

I'd hold off...they'll get things straightened out and you'll be able to use him somewhere where he's money in the bank..not just a wing and a prayer.

Norman, New York

Is Brandon Marshall and JT O'Sullivan for Tony Romo a fair trade? I am getting ROmo

Mark Garrow

  (4:49 PM)

I think so..but then again I'm a NASCAR guy so what do I know...AND..I'm a big Dallas Cowboy fan...so I couldn't resist answering the question..

Ed (Petersburg, WV)

Mark, I currently have the 20 and 11 on my team. Would you replace those two with the 99 and 16 even looking ahead to next week in Kansas?

Mark Garrow

  (4:50 PM)

Ed, I think all four of these guys will be strong at both tracks..they way though 20 and 11 shot themselves in the foot last week..99 and 16 certainly feel safer to me.

Jill Griffin Ga !Nascar Nation :)

C group,well out of these the 44,83,84 or 28??Pick two?!Thanks again!

Mark Garrow

  (4:51 PM)

44,83...and then ten Hail Marys..four Are Fathers....etc..

jd (vero, fl)

what do u think 48 20 8 1 and either 42, 2, 43 or 26. or take 48 16 8 1 and either 42, 43 or 26

Mike (LA)

Mark- Vickers is too high in value to be budget pick. If you go Vickers as your budget pick than the team might consist of 48, 16, 1, 84, and 83. You cant count on Vickers and Reutimann ti be top 10. That kills the score. Need another budget pick ont he chat on Sunday. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:55 PM)

I have him now and he killed me at NH and that's Casey Mears 15.9..but after practice and qualifying Allmendinger might end up being worth a flyer at 13.1..Just have to see how Allmendinger does off the truck..he's been pretty good lately to the point his past stats don't mean a whole lot anymore.

Hamlin IS LOSER

Mark - What da heck was wrong with Hamlin lat week. Giving up his 2nd place to fuel up and drop like 20 spots. What a loser, cost me tons of points in scc even though he made alot of the spots back. What was he thinking. You knew there were gonna be many more cautions left in the race. LOSER.

Mark Garrow

  (4:56 PM)

I got burned by that one too..and I got burned by Stewart who was second or third best car and he messes up twice in the pits..Those two have got to stop making these mistakes if they are going to have any shot at the championship.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Mark, currently have the 48 locked in at 22.8, but was thinking of changing to the 99 this week. I think 48 will win the Chase, and like his value in low. Will 99 "out-point" the 48 enough this week to be worth losing 0.4 in value?

Mark Garrow

  (4:57 PM)

That's a tough call..because right now I think the only two cars that are guaranteed money every week are the 48 and 99...I opted last week to spread out the values and didn't take either..I won't make that mistake again..

Dreaming in Cali

99, 48, 1 16, and dinger. Can I count 48 99 and 16 to end up at 1, 2 and 3 positions while Truex takes 5 and dinger goes 10. Bam 900. Reality or not even in my dreams.

Mark Garrow

  (4:58 PM)

It works all the way up until you give a top-10 to Dinger...top-15 is more realistic..top-20 more probable..b

Mark Garrow

  (4:59 PM)

It works all the way up until you give a top-10 to Dinger...top-15 is more realistic..top-20 more probable..b

Mark Garrow

  (4:59 PM)

But if you score 900...I'm coming to rub your head and go buy a lottery ticket..lol

Mark Garrow

  (5:00 PM)

JD..I think I answered you already..but will take another shot just to make sure you're happy..customer is always right you know..I'd go 48,16,8,1, and 26..

mike texas

hey guru , need two drivers from these options 20-11-48-24-29-31--99-17-2 need four from these 88-9-18-12-1-8-16-and two from these 44-28-83-thanks guru good luck

Mark Garrow

  (5:01 PM)

48,99...18,88,1,16.....83 and 44

Dreaming in Cali

Hey - top 20 from Dinger and top 5 for othre four guys. Man I take that anyday. That still scores in the high 7 and low 8's. You guarantee top 5 for 48 99 16 and 1 anfd top 20 for Dinger?

Mark Garrow

  (5:02 PM)

Sure I'll guarantee it...but if it doesn't happen you'll have a tough time collecting....My mom is tougher than a two dollar steak...lol..

Mark Garrow

  (5:02 PM)

Got to run everybody..talk to you again Sunday morning at 10:30 eastern..