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Buzzmaster

  (12:54 PM)

Stop by on Sunday at 10:30a.m. ET when Mark Garrow will stop by and talk fantasy NASCAR.

Mark Garrow

  (10:19 AM)

Good morning everyone...let's get this partaaayyy started!

Mike (Clarksville TN)

Guru, I need one 99,48. Need two 88,18,6,16. Need one 44,83. Thanks for your help.

Mark Garrow

  (10:22 AM)

99 is in really good shape but starting 34th and 48 is first with number one pit..both will be up front when this is over but 48 is safer pick..16 is obvious..and I'm going to take 88 over 18...18 making some big changes this morning but he should be good too if you're uncomfortable with 88..and I'm going with the 83 over the 44...Reutimann has to go to the back because of a blown motor..didn't get much time to practice and crew chief doesn't have a good feel as to what they can do today.

Mike Provo, UT

Mark, What would be your top 25 drivers after practice and qualifying?

Mark Garrow

  (10:23 AM)

Mike, are you kidding me?...lol..

Marvo: Spring Lake, Michigan

Hey wise and wonderful guru, what do you think: 16,48,17,18 and 84; 16,48,17,8 and 44; or 16,17,29,8 and 83? I guess the 44 could also be swapped with the 5. Thanks!

Mark Garrow

  (10:25 AM)

Marvo...I like your third team 16,17,29,8 and 83..but second team swapping out 44 for the 5..I'd go with that one 16,48,17,8, and 5.

Sean- St. Clairsville, OH

Mark- your info is great every week. I appreciate it. I need some help Casey Mears or Elliott Sadler at Kansas?

Mark Garrow

  (10:29 AM)

Sadler is running a little better off the truck and was 8th at Charlotte and 12th at Chicagoland...I also like the way Mears is running but I think Sadler is a little better.

bowles: wichita falls, tx

hey mark thanks for all your help. do you think harvick can overcome his bad qual. who will be better the 29 or the 17? if you had to pick a lineup which looks better, 99,48,8,83,5 or 99,48,8,84 and one of the above mentioned drivers.

Mark Garrow

  (10:32 AM)

I would take the 17 over the 29, but 29 is very fast and will drive up to the front from 36th..I'd probably go for 99,48,8, 17 and 84...first four have potential to run top-five and if 84 can go top-15..finishing say 13th to 18th..you would be in pretty good shape.

Beth WV

How can I improve 17-24-8-1-16. This team raked it in last week. Thanks for the help and I love your chats.

Mark Garrow

  (10:35 AM)

Beth, the one thing about Jeff Gordon today is that nobody else knows this but he's suffering from strep throat. He is hurting before this race..at the same price I think 29 is a better play anyway..

Wareagle! (Argo, AL)

Which team do you think is better? 99,48,18,83,84 - 99,48,16,83,84 - 99,48,16,8,84? Also, what do you think about the 24, 88, and the 17 cars? Thanks!

Mark Garrow

  (10:37 AM)

I think the 99,48,16,8 and 84 best of the teams you have selected..24 is okay but not great and Gordon is feeling way under the weather..17 is bad to the bone and is top-five material..88 is in pretty good shape..they've gone back to the set-up they had for the first practice yesterday and feel that will be competitive..I see 88 as top-10 potential.

Big Bubba

Help keep a brutha' in first place: pick one: 17,99 pick two: 8,16,5,6 pick one: 84,44 Thanks Guru - you da mannnn!

Mark Garrow

  (10:38 AM)

17 ..running strong..better pit selection..16 and 8....84...44 has major question marks going in after engine change cut into their practice time.

Kevin, st clair shores, MI

Mark how would you rank this team. 48,6,88,83 or would you replace the 6 or 88 with the 5.

Mark Garrow

  (10:41 AM)

Kevin,To be honest I think you can do better..might want to blow it up and take a fresh look at it..48 is a keeper but after that not sure..88 and 83 are potential top-10 I guess..No telling about the 6..but al fo the Roush cars great to decent..I wouldn't replace any of those guys with the 5..Mears is good but doesn't have more upside than 6 or 88.

Paul Jobinpicard (Underhill, VT)

Why do you think that kyle busch is falling out of the chase

Mark Garrow

  (10:42 AM)

Good morning to a fellow Catamount..Busch isn't falling out of the Chase...but he needs a good run today to have any chance and they are struggling a little...He's got time to make some noise but he had better start today.

abingdon

Besides Montoya is there anyone going to the back?

Mark Garrow

  (10:43 AM)

Reutimann is going to the back because of an engine change..not far to go from 40th however.

big stone

Johnson or Edwards?

Mark Garrow

  (10:43 AM)

I'm going with Johnson although Edwards is a potential winner too.

Stan (ATL)

Is Martin OK after that hard hit yesterday? He didn't look so good after getting out of the car after the wreck.

Mark Garrow

  (10:44 AM)

Stan, he's fine according to his crew chief Tony Gibson and they are running great, which means Mr. Martin is potential top-five again today.

Bristol

Rank these four: 6,8,9,16

Mark Garrow

  (10:44 AM)

16,8,6,9

Dryden

Who do you like better, the 44 or the 84?

Mark Garrow

  (10:45 AM)

Give the questions surrounding 44 and they way 84 has run on the intermediate speedways...I'm going with 84.

Norton

Can Allmendinger finish in the top 15?

Mark Garrow

  (10:45 AM)

I can see him finishing 13th to 18th today.

Daryl (Madison, WI)

Good morning guru,help me out. I already have 48,16,17 that Im feeling good about. Should I go with 29 or 24? And pick one from this group: 22, 38, 15, 41 or 84?

Mark Garrow

  (10:47 AM)

I'd go with 29 over 24 even though Gordon outqualified him by a bunch..then 84 over 22..

1st Place Gale!, IL

Hey Mark, I need two and here are my possible combinations: 6and84, 83and84, 17and70, 8and21, or 29and70. I want a pair to lock up for the rest of the segment. Which pair? Thanks Guru!

Mark Garrow

  (10:48 AM)

I'd rank the top two combos..83,84 and 6 and 84..

TIN CUP (Simi Valley, CA)

What's happenin", Mark?! (amazing we can turn a question into a salutation)Running: 99, 48, 16, 8, 84 (same as last week). Heavily considering, 48, 17, 20, 83/6 and 2 - A) record on this track and B) high-finishing average 'Dega drivers. Any garage notes to help with this strategy? Thanks and enjoy the corn.

Mark Garrow

  (10:50 AM)

I'd stick with what you have and pray 84 finishes in and around the top-15..other four could go top-5.

one (los angeles)

goodness of the word comfort you

Mark Garrow

  (10:50 AM)

Thanks...

one (los angeles)

son of man is at hand

Mark Garrow

  (10:51 AM)

Thanks again.

Jared Placek (Downs, IL)

How likely is it that Bush could comeback and win the Chase?

Mark Garrow

  (10:52 AM)

Not very..given how strong Edwards, Johnson and Biffle are..plus too many people to climb over to get there..If, however, he can rattle off a couple of wins right now...but make himself a factor to be worried about a little.

Mark Garrow

  (10:54 AM)

By the way, I'd love to get everyones feedback on whether or not we've been doing a good job for you...what do you like...dislike if anything (hopefully not much..lol..) what makes us unique..that sort of thing...and e-mail your responses to tg2vt@aol.com ...it would be much appreciated...just want to make sure you like the product or info I give you...Thanks..

Bill (Hooksett, NH)

Good morning Great One !!! I grew up in Stowe, VT 35+ years ago and remember the times spent at Thunder Road, the best ¼ mile oval in the USA !!!! This is my first time seeking your divine wisdom, however I do lurk the blog every week.My 1-3 for this week are the 48, 16 and 17 which I feel are pretty strong. Which of the following 4 and 5 scenarios do you think are best: 6 and 5/19/44, 8 and 5/19/44, or 83 and 43 ?? Also, what are your thoughts on the 84 ??Thanks, and keep up the great work !!!

Mark Garrow

  (10:57 AM)

Bill..born in Claremont, NH..grew up in Rutland..so I know your "neck of the woods"..Thunder Road was and is still a lot of fun..I'd go 8 and 19...6 and 5 are top-15 potential..8 is top-five and 19 could be sneaky top-10..I can see him potentially finishing 8th to 12-13th.

Todd (Sarasota Fl)

I got JPM, Jamie Mac, Mark Martin and Truex, and I can only use two of them.

Mark Garrow

  (10:57 AM)

Martin and Truex...Jamie Mac ranked third here..

Dennis (Athens, GA)

my lineup right now is the 29-16-17-8-1, but i wanted to see what your opinion is on the 1. he looks good this weekend, but he usually sucks during the races. would you reccomend switching him out? and if so, for who?

Mark Garrow

  (11:00 AM)

According to crew chief of the 8, the 1 is in good shape and potential top-10...This team has been slumping lately and he makes my stomach feel funny..but let's hope he fights out of it today.

Big Ed ( Clyde, TX )

Thank you always for your input ! Pick one out of 9,6 and 5 .... and one out of 44 and 84.

Mark Garrow

  (11:01 AM)

84 over 44..5,6, and 9 is my ranking of the other three..

tim,birmingham

hi guru need help for today in my yahoo league. need one 48-99 need two 16-8-5-6 need one 83-44 thanks guru you the man ROLL TIDE

Mark Garrow

  (11:01 AM)

48..16-8...83

Jeff - Morgantown, WV

Hey Mark, who do you like.....Martin or Ragan? Thanks.

Mark Garrow

  (11:02 AM)

Martin is going to be very good..stick with him..but remember he's a trade next week because he is not running Talladega.

Slimbit, VT

any suggestions on changing this lineup? 48,99,17,8,84 thanks i have 14.1 left after the top 4 is why i chose aj.

Mark Garrow

  (11:02 AM)

You should be okay again if 84 pulls in somewhere in and or around top-15, which is possible.

Henry:(Chase City,Va

I need one 48 or 99 I need Two 6,16,18,or,88

Mark Garrow

  (11:03 AM)

48...16-88

Ryan (ATL)

Hey Guru! Who would you go with this week between these drivers: 6-1-83/ I'm leaning towards the 6 or 83, because they should run well this week and next week at Dega. Thanks for all you do!

Mark Garrow

  (11:04 AM)

I'd go with the 83..

Bigdaddygriffin Ga

Guru Good Morning to you and you can mark it down this week the 24 is going to victory lane i feel its his time to shine,How do you feel about this or tell me who has a better chance to see Victory lane

Mark Garrow

  (11:05 AM)

Sorry Bigdaddy..but Gordon big time sick and car is not that great...he might run top-10 ..but that's the best.

Big Poppa..Hotlanta

Hello mr.Guru rank theese please sir..group 1....83,44,84 and Group B the 24,48,99,20...Thanks and have a great Race day

Mark Garrow

  (11:06 AM)

83,84,44......48,99,24,20..but again remember Gordon is really sick.

butternutts (lenoir, nc)

Hey guru,Was wondering on the thoughts of sneaking the 19 or the 9 in on my team this week. What do you think? Also since everyone will have the 16,99, 48, and 17 on therir teams, which one is MOST likely to have a mediocre race (15th and below). Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (11:06 AM)

I like the 19 this week better than the 9..and among the 16,99,48, and 17 I'd be surprised if any of these guys finished outside the top-10.

Joe Settles Pomona CA

yeah or neah? 16, 17, 8, 1, 24 or16, 48, 17, 8, 5

Mark Garrow

  (11:07 AM)

If Gordon was 100 percent I'd go with the first team without really thinking about it..but now I'm going with second team figuring 5 is at least top-15 material.

Big BULL....Fl

Put it how you want to but i say the 18 leads the most laps and takes the checkered flag....How about you Guru

Mark Garrow

  (11:08 AM)

Sorry, but no.

bloodborn (alabama)

i believe dale jr. will step it up near the end of the chase. what does he have to do to insure a championship?

Mark Garrow

  (11:08 AM)

He's got to win a couple of races..and run top-five consistently..not sure I see either happening.

Rob (Atlanta, Ga)

Mark, thanks for all your help! Quick question: Do you think Edwards starting position makes Jimmy a better play today? Which of these teams would you roll with?99,16,8,6,599,16,8,1,8348,16,17,8,8499,48,8,83,84Thanks as always!

Mark Garrow

  (11:13 AM)

Just like last week, I don't think you get hurt by either Johnson or Edwards..but more than the starting spot Jimmie's got the first pit..Carl is in pit 10..not bad but in between 84 and 07 ..those two will probably stay on lead lap every day so won't help Carl..plus is 84 is always coming in behind him..could pose one of those problems Edwards ready to leave and 84 is just getting in...as for the best team..going 99,48,8,83 and 84 might not be a direction everybody else is heading and should score some big points..but other team that caught my eye..99,16,8,1, and 83..

Dog

Hey Mark, I know this is a little off topic, but I want to wish the best for those folks in the North East, I cant believe they have a hurricane barreling down on them. That is simply increadable.

Mark Garrow

  (11:13 AM)

Way to go Dog...

Mark Garrow

  (11:13 AM)

Way to go Dog...

Assassin: southeast texas

Guru which one should do better the 07 or 31Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (11:15 AM)

Both are good and happy...I like 31 a little better because he's really steady..07 wants to win here in the worst way..a little bit of a toss-up but I don't think you get hurt either way.

ryan,california

hey guru you think the 9 and 6 are good plays this week

Mark Garrow

  (11:15 AM)

9 is okay at best...6 is in better shape..but might be top-10 at best..

Bea Griffith,Saint John, New Brunswick,Canada

Hi Mark. Can you help me out with these picks. How do you think these line ups look, 99.17,6,5,84 and 16,11,83,15,41, and 48,24,83,5,84 or should I change some around. Please help, thank you.

Mark Garrow

  (11:17 AM)

Bea, I've got to be honest none of these three teams set my heart to fluttering..I think you need to start over..first thing to do is ready crew chief notes I'm about to send and then take a look at my top picks..and I'm going to be posting that in just a minute..

Mark Garrow

  (11:18 AM)

RCR, Todd Berrier, Crew Chief for Kevin Harvick...Even though they do not have a good starting spot Berrier is confidentHarvick can go toward the front as Todd feels very good that they have a top 5 car. He says all of the RCR cars are close but he ranked them as 29, 31 and 07.

Mark Garrow

  (11:18 AM)

RCR, Gil Martin, Crew Chief for Clint Bowyer...Martin wishes they would have qualified better but they do have a goodcar and should be able to make their way toward the front. He says theyare especially happy with the car on long runs as the car is very good in race trim compared to qualifying. Martin says the Roush cars are the ones to beat because they handle better on the mile-and-a-halfs.

Mark Garrow

  (11:18 AM)

Hendrick Motorsports, Tony Eury Jr, Crew Chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr...Eury says on a one to ten scale the 88 car is a seven. It was good off thetruck but they made some changes in practice Saturday that did not workso well so they are starting today with the set that was in the car during the first practice when they were very very good. Basically Dale Jr is happy with the car as they tested at Kentucky for this race. Right now Eury saysthey have a 5th to 8th place car and can be top three if they can duplicate what they did Friday. He ranks the Hendrick cars are 48, 88, 5 and 24. Mears is happy with his car and could surprise today. Meanwhile, JeffGordon has been sick all weekend suffering from strep throat.

Mark Garrow

  (11:19 AM)

Roush-Fenway Racing, Larry Carter, Crew Chief for Jamie McMurray...Carter says the 26 is pretty good but not as good as Dover. They do havetop 10 potential. They made a lot of long runs and will be good on those but not short runs. Wrecking is a main concern as well as mistakes on pit road. David Ragan is not too bad and considers him a top 15 car. Obviously the 17, 16, and 99 all have a shot to win. Carter says othercars that should challenge are the 48, 20 and 29.

Mark Garrow

  (11:19 AM)

DEI, Tony Gibson, Crew Chief for Mark Martin...Gibson says they are very happy with their car and have a top 5 car goinginto the race. The car handle well and had decent speed. Martin was able torun the high line with ease. Meanwhile, Martin Truex Jr has a pretty good caras Gibson says they are a top 10 car. Paul Menard has a 15th to 20th placecar saying he has been better than he has been in a long time.

Mark Garrow

  (11:19 AM)

Bill Davis Racing, Tommy Baldwin, Crew Chief for Dave Blaney...Baldwin says they had a decent Saturday practice and a decent weekendoverall. He says they safely have a top 20 car and that a 10th to 15th placefinish would be a good day...and they do have that potential.

Mark Garrow

  (11:19 AM)

Petty Enterprises, Jeff Meandering, Crew Chief for Bobby Labonte...They have struggled a lot this weekend are making major changes this morning. He is cautiously optimistic as going in they have a 20th to 25th place car.

Mark Garrow

  (11:19 AM)

Michael Waltrip Racing, Ryan Pemberton, Crew Chief for David Reutimann...Pemberton is not happy right now and has no idea what the day will bring.The 44 car blew a motor during the first Saturday practice so they will startfrom the back of the pack. In addition they missed the rest of the practice andmuch of the happy hour practice.

Mark Garrow

  (11:19 AM)

Red Bull Racing, Jimmie Elledge, Crew Chief for AJ Allmendinger...Both teams are decent shape after both made many changes in practice. Vickers should be a tick better but he is optimistic the 84 can pull off a decentfinish. The Red Bull cars are about 15th place cars going into the race. RememberAllmendinger is racing for a job as this may be his last race in that car and is lookingto impress.

Mark Garrow

  (11:19 AM)

Red Bull Racing, Jimmie Elledge, Crew Chief for AJ Allmendinger...Both teams are decent shape after both made many changes in practice. Vickers should be a tick better but he is optimistic the 84 can pull off a decentfinish. The Red Bull cars are about 15th place cars going into the race. RememberAllmendinger is racing for a job as this may be his last race in that car and is lookingto impress.

Mark Garrow

  (11:20 AM)

Penske Racing, Pat Tryson, Crew Chief for driver Kurt Busch...Tryson says he and his driver are happy with their car as it got betterand better in the final practices. They feel like they have made some reallynice gains as far as handling. Busch is a little better than Newman but bothappear to be 10th to 15th place cars.

Mark Garrow

  (11:20 AM)

Ganassi Racing, Brian Patti, Crew Chief for driver Juan Pablo Montoya...Patti thinks the 42 car is pretty good and that Montoya likes the way the caris driving saying he is comfortable and the balance in the corners is consistant. Montoya, of course, will start from 42nd after pole winning qualifying time wasdisallowed due to illegal shocks. Going into the race the 42 is a top 15 car.

Mark Garrow

  (11:20 AM)

Gillette-Evernham Racing, Rodney Childers, Crew Chief for driver Elliott Sadler...Rodney says their car was good off the truck and has been pretty good all weekend. Also, the test this past week at Charlotte helped them a lot. Rodney feels like theycan finish in the top 10. Kasey Kahne is decent and can be catagorized as a midto low second tier car. Childers favorites are the 17, 16, 48 and 99. After practice Saturday Sadler was optimistic says the car has plenty of speed which is a good sign and feels like they will have a good day.

Mark Garrow

  (11:20 AM)

Joe Gibbs Racing, Steve Addington, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch...Addington says his car is decent but they need to make it better and will be making some changes this morning. He says Tony Stewart was the happiestamong the Gibbs guys and that Busch and Hamlin were in the same boat, but they all have at least top 10 cars. He says the cars to beat are the 17 and 48. Meanwhile, during the winners Nationwide post race press conference Saturday Denny Hamlin said he learned some things with reguards to using different lines and is more optimistic about Sunday than he was before Saturday and that it will save him from having to experiment during the cup race. Hamlin said his car hasn't been that great this weekend.

Mark Garrow

  (11:20 AM)

Yates Racing, Charles Cully Barraclough, Crew Chief for David Gilliland...Cully says they have been having trouble getting a good handle on the trackas they have been looking for more grip. Also, Gilliland does not have a wholelot of experience here. He believes they have a about a 20th place car going in.Teammate Travis Kvpial is in the same boat.

Mark Garrow

  (11:21 AM)

Wood Brothers, Bill Elliott, Driver of the 21 car...Bill told us his car feels pretty good and the communication between himself and the team is getting better and better each time they race.Elliott thought that the handling got better as practice went on and theteam feels like they have a top 15 car.

Mark Garrow

  (11:25 AM)

Now..my top six picks..17,16,99,48,29, and 8....second tier 88,31,07,20,18,11,1,24,6,83,2,12,9...My top budget picks in order Sadler (16.5), Mear (16.3) McMurray (17.1), Allmendinger (13.6), Montoya (16.8) and Blaney (15.0)

jen (ohio)

Is this Allmendinger's last race this year? Will Harvick be able to run well next week at 'Dega? My keepers are 48-16-17, but I'm trying to think ahead with the other 2 spots ...

Mark Garrow

  (11:26 AM)

Don't know exactly what the deal is with A.J. rest of the season and I don't think he or Red Bull knows either..Harvick should do okay at Dega too.

Willie (MS)

The 99 is driving the same chassis (chassis RK-540) that finished 32nd at Chicagoland Speedway in July. Any reason to have a belief a similar situation could occur today at Kansas? This team seems to have the boat turned around after leading practice 2 and having a nice Happy Hour yesterday.....

Mark Garrow

  (11:27 AM)

Willie 99 is going to be very good today and I believe will eventually get up there and wrestle in the top-five mud.

mike (LA, CA)

wow my head hurts this am ...how will the 6 and the 88 fare today ... i have three starts left this year for junior ... only 8 races left ... but if ragan will do well enough this week i could save 88 (def using him next week)thanks!

Mark Garrow

  (11:28 AM)

I hope you have a good reason..lol...I might go with the 6...and wait for a more sure 88 play..Junior should be pretty good today though.

Taylor, Junction City, KS

Mark, I have changed up some things. What do you think about 16, 48, 17, 8, and 5?

Mark Garrow

  (11:28 AM)

Taylor, I can live with that team..it's got some potential..

garland fredericksburg, va

hi mark how would your rank these 4 1-8-16-6 i plan to run the 1 and the 8

Mark Garrow

  (11:29 AM)

16,8,1, and 6

Toast, Mahomet, IL

Mark - what is the word out of the #20 garage....Know they had a mishap in qualifying, but practice looks good. Thanks.

Mark Garrow

  (11:30 AM)

They are in good shape now but big hole coming from 41st today...I can see Tony potentially getting up around top-10..but for less mony like the 17 and 8 a lot better.

hopeful in VA....

of the two teams whats your thoughts and why ?....48/16/17/8/19 or 48/16/17/8/5 ...thanks in advance...and repost the email address at the end of today for comments ...the one thing i didnt realize til a couple weeks ago was..when you do the first tier ..its in order..when ya do the second tier and budgets they are just grouped together in no particular order..that threw me for a couple weeks...but youre awesome with info like no other ..kudos..:)

Mark Garrow

  (11:32 AM)

I'd go with the first team because I like Sadler just a little bit better today than the 5 car...Hopeful..I don't put the first or second tier in order..but I have started doing that with budget picks hoping that will be more helpful..

Rick (CA)

I know there are better choices, but if you had to choose - Waltrip or Robby Gordon?

Mark Garrow

  (11:33 AM)

I'd go with Waltrip..not half bad lately and Robby just doesn't have any positive mojo lately.

David (Madison, MS)

Is Biffle running strong enough this weekend to use my last allocation? My other choices are the 6,18and88.

Mark Garrow

  (11:34 AM)

Yes he is..6,18, and 88 all have questions but should run somewhere in and around top-10..hate Biffle is done after this for you..because he's going to have some awesome runs down the stretch.

jeff (springdale, ar)

Mark, thanks as always for the advice. What do you think? 48-16-17-8-84 is it worth ditching 84 and grabbing 19? I have the $$$ #1 in my league because of you!!!

Mark Garrow

  (11:35 AM)

I'd ditch 84 for 19..last two 1.5-mile tracks Sadler has outperformed the 84 and I think he does it again today.

dave orlando

hi guru, i have 2 starts left for 48 and alot for edwards. should i save the two starts for 48 and use 99 or should i play it safe and use 48

Mark Garrow

  (11:36 AM)

I think it's just like last week you don't get hurt with either guy..so I'd say save the Johnson starts and go with Edwards..one way or the other I think they finish in the same neighborhood..It could be Johnson a spot or two better or 99..but still a lot of points either way.

Dave(Mpls)

MG! My crystal ball is milky-white opaque at best. 5 or 83 for field filler?

Mark Garrow

  (11:37 AM)

83 was sixth at Chicagoland..So I'd say 83.

Dave(mpls)

MG I'm bouncin all over the place here......19v83?Tks much

Mark Garrow

  (11:37 AM)

I like the 83 a little better than 19..

Janet (Ascutney Vt)

HI Mark, Are you getting my questions today?? 44 or 66. 48 or 07. Thanks..

Mark Garrow

  (11:39 AM)

Janet...sorry...this chat is getting so big now..I'm dealing with closing in on 300 questions...44...48...but 44 is not in that great a shape...and I think 5 which is a little less money is better than 44.

Lynn (MO)

I get 2 out of 24,48,18,88,99,20. Then what 3 would you recommend?

Mark Garrow

  (11:40 AM)

48,99...18,88,20..if I understood question right...Gordon's sickness has me worried about what he'll do today..

Andy Cincy OH

Guru, pick one of the three roush cars? 17 dangerous when qualifies well, the 16 who's on fire, or the 99 who has dominated mile and a half tracks who' at his home track? thanxs

Mark Garrow

  (11:42 AM)

Andy, I don't want to...too tough..but 17 is overdue like a woman who's been pregnant for ten months and has looked very good in practice..so I'm going out on a limb and doing short breaths..in ...out..in..out...breath easy..in ..out...lol...

Hoss (Daytona Beach)

Mark help 1 or 83?

Mark Garrow

  (11:44 AM)

Earlier in this chat I said take the 1 think...but I really like the way Vickers looked at Chicagoland..honestly I don't think you get hurt either way..I know that sounds weasly...okay..then take this into account..1 has been disappointing at NH and Dover..thought he would be really good at Dover and wasn't..So, I'm going 83..

Camron (Frisco, TX)

29 or 8??????

Mark Garrow

  (11:44 AM)

Hate to say this again..won't get hurt by either..both are in my top six picks..Martin, though, believes he's got a shot at the win so I'll give him the edge.

doug(wi)

pic best finisher, 07 or 5?

Mark Garrow

  (11:45 AM)

07

Dega

Hello Guru!!You think Mears has a chance to run a top10 today??i think he could be a sleeper and you?

Mark Garrow

  (11:45 AM)

I agree.

james, florida

hey guru i have one vicker left in my league, do i use him up or use 44 and save vickers for dega

Mark Garrow

  (11:45 AM)

44 has too many questions today and 83 should be good...Dega is a crapshoot that is practically impossible to handicap.

Daryl (Madison, WI)

29 or 88? Thanx!

Mark Garrow

  (11:46 AM)

29

Ashley ( Dallas)

Mark a couple of questions.Who do you like? 1 or 83? 99 or 29?Thanks, Sweetie.

Mark Garrow

  (11:46 AM)

How did you know my other nickname?..lol..83 over 1 slightly..99 slightly over 29..

scott Phoenix ,Az

Hey Mark what do you think of this team 99,88,16.17,84

Mark Garrow

  (11:48 AM)

Not bad...I think 88 is maybe top-10..but I think 8 and 29 are better in that order..and would free up some cap space you might be able to bump to Sadler or Mears..

PW, AL

Hey Garrow, 8 or 17

Mark Garrow

  (11:48 AM)

17

Marc (Gulfport, MS)

99 or 07 especially considering starting positions.

Mark Garrow

  (11:48 AM)

99

lou phila pa

hey mark 17 or 16

Mark Garrow

  (11:49 AM)

odds are building 16 will eventually lose..so today I'm going with 17...but you don't get hurt a bit either way in my opinion..just a scratch difference either way.

David (Madison, MS)

Should I run the 6 and 88 and save my last start on Biffle............or go for the win with the Biff?

Mark Garrow

  (11:49 AM)

I say go with "The BIf"...and then agonize about him the rest of the year.

Andrew, Elgin, OK

Mark, 16/20/17/8/1 or 16/48/17/8/5?

Mark Garrow

  (11:50 AM)

Go with the seconed team 16,48,17,8, and 5.

Lynn (MO)

I only get 2 out of 24,48,18,88,99,20. Then what 3 drivers NOT in this group would you recommend.

Mark Garrow

  (11:51 AM)

I knew I didn't understand your question right before...48 and 99...8,16,17

Jeff Allen

how is 16, 17, 20, 29, 5?

Mark Garrow

  (11:52 AM)

Shouldn't be too bad today..but I take the 8 over the 20.

Andrew (junction city)

what do you think of this team....16,17,8,24, and 6.

Mark Garrow

  (11:53 AM)

Not the best..not the worst..24 and 6 are question marks today that may or may not pull through with finishes around the top-10..

Bea (Saint John, N.B. Canada)

Thank you Mark for all the info. out of the five different groups I had to pick from I picked the following 99,17,6 over 8,19 over 5, and I have to chose one of these out of the last group 01,41,55,22,66,84, or 7 any suggestions on which one to chose? Thank you again for your help. You are great.

Mark Garrow

  (11:54 AM)

Bea, I'd go with 84 and then send up a prayer..only other guy in that group to seriously think about in my opinion is Blaney..maybe Waltrip too..

lou phila pa

17 or 16 thanks

Mark Garrow

  (11:55 AM)

Again...17 Sweet Lou...

Henry(Chase City,Va.)

How would you rank these drivers48,99,16,88,18,6,83,44

Mark Garrow

  (11:56 AM)

48,16,99,88,18,6,83,44

Bill(NC)

Guru..crew chieks reports..

Mark Garrow

  (11:56 AM)

Bill, they have already been posted quite awhile ago..please check out full transcript..

Mark Garrow

  (11:57 AM)

Again, I want to ask everyone to e-mail me at tg2vt@aol.com to give me feedback on what kind of jobe we/I do for you in helping you pick your teams...would be really helpful as we begin to look at next year. Thanks.

Darrel Huntingtown MD

please rank 1-6-83. sounds like you have some reservations on the 6 today, maybe some on the 1 too. thanks

Mark Garrow

  (11:57 AM)

83,1,6

Michelle(Fl)

Hey Guru- Need two groups of 4 for top 5 finishes. Right now I have 17,48,29,99 then 16,88,8 who else should I put in there and do I need to switch any drivers

Mark Garrow

  (11:58 AM)

16,8,31, and 07 over 88..

Lee (NE)

Nice pick on Bama yesterday, I actually agreed with you. My poor Huskers got killed by a late personal foul. Mizzou and Bama in Nat'l Championship, stamp it!

Mark Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

See, I'm not just one dimensional..lol..

brian phila.,pa

kvapil or 44

Mark Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

Neither...

Tom (Bakersfield)

Mark, the 83 over the 1? Really? Have you looked at 83's last three finishes? 1 has outperformed him in all. A little more on this please?

Mark Garrow

  (12:01 PM)

Team Red Bull is junk on short tracks and flat tracks...but 1.5-mile program is in pretty good shape..83 was sixth at Chicago and it was no fluke..Vickers was also 12th at Fontana and 7th at Michgan..this type of track is about their only consistent strength.

Martin Fan

How is Mark Martin feeling today after yesterday's wreck? Think he will perform well?

Mark Garrow

  (12:01 PM)

Yes, he's feeling okay and can potentially run top-5 and feels like a lock top-10.

Nick Saban (BAMA)

Mark, I know football, but need help with my SCC team. Which of these teams do you like beter? 48, 17, 16, 8, 19 or 48, 17, 16, 99, 70 or 48, 17, 16, 29, 84. Thanks!

Mark Garrow

  (12:02 PM)

Nice game last night...chew the guys out for laying down in the second half though..and oh by the way..go with your first team.

Mike (lA)

Guru - where do you see the 29 and 07 finishing? Pick one 48 and 8 or 29 and 07. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (12:03 PM)

29 and 07 should be pretty but if you're asking which combo scores the most points I'm going with 48-8.

Marshall (San Diego)

Hey Carknack, as always, thanks for the great info. I'm all set thanks to you.

Mark Garrow

  (12:04 PM)

10-4..glad to help..and don't forget to give us a little love and feedback at the e-mail address I dropped in here earlier..Thanks.

Joe (Honolulu)

Aloha Guru! 07 or 31?

Mark Garrow

  (12:05 PM)

I give the 31 slight edge..but not much..I don't think you get hurt either way..both should make their way to top-10 or close.

Dom (Erie, PA)

mark you are the man. I need your advice big time. Pick one (07,99). Pick two (6,9,1,18). Pick one (44, 28).Thank you!!!!

Mark Garrow

  (12:06 PM)

99....1-18..and got to be honest not in love with 44 or 28..I'd go with 44 if I had to based on last few races..but you could do better.

doug(wi)

how about 88 or 07?

Mark Garrow

  (12:06 PM)

07

Gale, IL

Hey Mark. Can you give us a little info on any of the lower tier cars? 70, 45, etc.

Mark Garrow

  (12:08 PM)

Gale as low as you can go is Allmendinger at 13.6...after that I simply say "Don't go their girlfriend"..

Hank ( Houston)

Sadler or Vickers?

Bea (Saint John, N.B. Canada)

Hi Mark my husband has these picks what do you think of them 48,88,8,5,84

Mark Garrow

  (12:11 PM)

He's going in a different direction now isn't he..17 and 16 better than the 88 and less money..He needs to re-tool I do believe.

chris,paradise ca.

15,55,10,01,66,22,77. i need one. the leage i play in limits the # of times i can run a driver. can you pick one and why

Mark Garrow

  (12:14 PM)

Not much help here...22 is running pretty good though and 55 was decent last week..I'd go with 22 ..was 12th last week and might be a little better play than 55..then maybe 66 would be third pick..

Hank ( Houston)

Got skipped Sadler or Vickers? thanks

Mark Garrow

  (12:14 PM)

I'm going to give Vickers little edge..but 19 is in pretty good shape.

Malibu Barbie - p'Cola Florida

Good Morning Mark! how would you rank the RCR cars? how do they stack up against Rousch? Trying to decide who to put in my last spot along with 48,99,16,17,8, salary not a problem. Would you roll the dice with Rowdy? Thanks!

Dave(Mpls)

Hail U, Markus Maximus...filling out a five car team in a cap league, which combo scores more pts...17and83 or 5and16? Feel like I'm splittin' hairs here..

Mark Garrow

  (12:16 PM)

I'm thinking 17 and 83 but not by a whole lot.

Dave(Mpls)

Sir Mark, Is the 29 going to come up through the field far enough to pass the 24?

Mark Garrow

  (12:17 PM)

Yes.

Lisa Indianapolis

Hi Mark, I am fairly new to your chatrooms and greatly appreciate your inside scoop for us fantasy racing folks. Im in Yahoo racing league and have 29 and 20 for my A - can only pick one. what do you see for those two and how would you rank these B drivers. 88,6,5,18? I got a dude 80 points behind me...been 1st place all year! Thanks for your help! and have a great time!

Mark Garrow

  (12:18 PM)

I like the 29 a little better than 20 today..I'd rank the other 4..88-18-6-5...Thanks for the kind words..

Rich (Utah)

Which Driver will have the better final position? #16 Greg Biffle (Ford) or #24 Jeff Gordon (Chevy)?

Mark Garrow

  (12:19 PM)

16 is better than the 24 and Gordon is sick to boot.

Ricky Tailgate Moonshine Creek WV

Quick question mark, is this a solid lineup 99 16 17 8 5. Thanks for all the help.

Mark Garrow

  (12:20 PM)

I think it is.

Ken (Tucson)

Hi Guru. I need two of these (1,18,07,31).

Mark Garrow

  (12:21 PM)

07,31 are the safest picks in this group..don't know what you'll get from 1 and 18 necessarily today given the way they've run last two weeks..They may jump and score more points..but I think it's a safe bet 31 and 07 will get through the race without wrecking and finish in and around top-10.

Andy (Ohio)

the 24 is sick?

Mark Garrow

  (12:21 PM)

He has, as I mentioned earlier, strep throat.

pj in duluth,mn

sadler or mears today for the budget pick? Thanks for the help!!

Mark Garrow

  (12:22 PM)

I give Sadler a little bit of an edge..not much though.

Mish (FL)

Sorry Guru-I must not have asked my question right. I need two groups of 4 drivers. My first group I have 17,48,29,99. My second group I have 16 and 8 then I need 2 more drivers for at least a top 10. I thought 31 had the worst driver rating at this track

Mark Garrow

  (12:25 PM)

31-07 feel safe to me..or 88 and 18..might be another way to go..to turn it up a notch today..

CALLIE (MS)

Can't do this fantasy thing without you! Yahoo league.. A-Edwards or Kenseth B- need 2 M. Martin- Ragan-Kyle-Biffle (last time to use Biff if I use him) C Allmendinger OR Vickers? Thanks!!

Mark Garrow

  (12:27 PM)

17..save 99 pick ..both are top-five material..Martin and BIffle are the other picks..take Kyle if you can't stand to use last Biffle pick..Vickers should outdo teammate today.

Mark Garrow

  (12:27 PM)

17..save 99 pick ..both are top-five material..Martin and BIffle are the other picks..take Kyle if you can't stand to use last Biffle pick..Vickers should outdo teammate today.

Randy (Alabama)

Do you think Biffle can make it 3 in a row?

Mark Garrow

  (12:27 PM)

He's got a shot..he really does..

Andy (Ohio)

sorry just joined the conversation.....shoul I sit the 24 this week then?

Mark Garrow

  (12:28 PM)

I think so..Car is potential top-10..but Gordon is sick...not to mention Kenseth and Martin are lower value and are better..

pj in duluth,mn

Big points with the 48,16,17,19, and8or should I go with 48,16,17, 8and5

Mark Garrow

  (12:29 PM)

I'd give the first team a little edge..but not by much..I like the 19 a little better than 5 today but both could be surprisingly strong.

Race Fan (Rochester, NY)

Love your column and predictions! You mention pit positions in your above answers. Where can I find current pit positions for today's race? I know I would want to be wary of any driver who may be behind Robbie Gordon and I know they are not necessarily how they qualify. Any help is appreciated.Thanks.

Mark Garrow

  (12:33 PM)

First on the pit selections best place to go is Jayski.com...has a click for next race on Home/Main page or Cup page and then has the pit stalls...address today is http://www.jayski.com/next/2008/pitstalls/29kan2008pits.html ..to go there specifically..Robby is pit 42 today..Ragan behind him but he can stop short and not get messed up by Robby I do believe.

Craig, Charlotte

OK...picking the best option from 2 bad ones...Kvapil or Reutimann??

Mark Garrow

  (12:34 PM)

I'm holding my nose and going with 44.

Janet (Ascutney Vt)

Hi Mark, last time I promise. You said the 48 over the 07, but this is the last time I can use the 48 would you still pick him over the 07? Can the 07 get a top 5??

Mark Garrow

  (12:34 PM)

You'll give up a little but 07 should score a big chunk of points today..but you shouldn't get hurt too badly saving 48 for a rainy day.

Andy (Ohio)

ok...I have 48,24 (so Ill start 48) I also have 1,8,6,12 (pick 2) 44, 28 (pick one)

Mark Garrow

  (12:35 PM)

8-1....44...

mark (nashville, tn)

Would you take the 83 over the 8 today considering 8 will not be racing next week?

Mark Garrow

  (12:35 PM)

No, I still like the 8 and we can figure out next week..next week.

George (Austin)

Hey Mark who do you think will finish better the 88 or the 24?

Mark Garrow

  (12:35 PM)

88

Mark Garrow

  (12:38 PM)

Okay, folks have already taken this chat over two hours and 15 minutes..so I have to run..Again, if you could please take the time and e-mail me at tg2vt@aol.com to give me some feedback on the kind of job we do it would be greatly appreciated. Good luck with your picks today and I hope I've helped...So, until we talk next week..may the force be with you..Have a great day everyone!

Mark Garrow

  (12:38 PM)

The Guru has left the building..