ESPN

Mark Garrow

  (12:56 PM)

Good afternoon everyone...like I always say...let's get this partaaayyyy started!

Dustin S (Newport, PA)

Mark, what's your reaction you found out that Stewart finally got his first win this year?

Mark Garrow

  (12:57 PM)

Shocked...surprised...stunned...not exactly too much talent and too much team to get shut out but did he actually win?...

justin(durham nc)

with scott riggs with a contract in his hand who do u see him with in 09.......forget all the media trash....who makes the most logical sense

Mark Garrow

  (12:58 PM)

My first thought was for the Petty 45...maybe a DEI fourth car...Ganassi if he's got a sponsor we haven't heard about..those are the three that come to mind..

butternutts lenoir, nc

Mark you got a pre-practice top 10 for Lowe's based off of recent test/Coca Cola 600 results? Thanks for all you offer us.butternutts

Mark Garrow

  (12:59 PM)

Butternuts..sorry I haven't worked that out yet..something I'm going to be working on this afternoon...I'll venture to guess it will look a lot like my top-10 for Kansas..

Mark Garrow

  (12:59 PM)

Butternuts..sorry I haven't worked that out yet..something I'm going to be working on this afternoon...I'll venture to guess it will look a lot like my top-10 for Kansas..

butternutts lenoir, nc

Mark,Of the "Big 4" (17, 99, 16, 48) that everyone seems to be keeping, which one is likely to have a mediocre finish at Lowes. I am 19th in FC and need to mix it up to gain a little ground.

Mark Garrow

  (1:01 PM)

I really don't see one of those guys having a terrible day..but if I had to guess I would probably go with Kenseth...his consistency not quite there al the time this year so he could hit a bump in the road..

Jim, GA

The post race press conference with the Home Depot team seemed very bitter sweet. Do you think has really sunk in that they are parting ways at the end of the year?

Mark Garrow

  (1:03 PM)

By the tone of the post race press conference yesterday, I think it has begun to really sink in one of the most successful driver/owner combos in NASCAR history is breaking up..And it's a pain they feel both professionally and personally...I liked it when JD talked about there were really no bad times, despite some of trouble Tony got it, there were only a few rough days..

becka, va

how is hamlin feeling

Mark Garrow

  (1:06 PM)

The latest I heard is that he was released from the Alabama hospital and he's home in NC or on the way..He had his bell rung and as an ex-boxer I can tell you you're kind of "foggy" for a couple of days after that..You're alert and fully aware of what's going on, but it seems to happen at a slower speed...Right foot/ankle pretty sore too because he got it tangled up in the pedals..He won't be 100 percent, but I've got to believe he'll be ready to go on qualifying night at Charlotte..coming up Thursday.

butternutts lenoir, nc

The 2 car ran well until blowing tire at the Coca Cola 600 earlier this year? What do you think we will see from him in Oct? Them Penske guys are really stinking right now and I'd be dejected if I was part of that organization.

Mark Garrow

  (1:07 PM)

That group struggling right now..had another disaster at Talladega..Both cars seem to put together "spurts" in a race where they run well, but have a hard time putting together a top performance from green flat to checkered flag..Yes, they're dejected and probably embarassed too.

butternutts lenoir, nc

The 9 and 19.... Why are they so darn inconsistant? I can't figure them out and in fact KK looks befuddled about what's going on when he is interviewed. This is about as frustrating as I have seen him. Can they get back to running good at Lowe's?

Mark Garrow

  (1:09 PM)

They should be okay at Lowes...but you're right their inconsistentcy is maddening...but in one sense they are consistent...other than that little run at the end of May beginning of June, Kahne and company have been about a top-15 team and that's about it...

ray gordon reid homestead fl 33030

TO MARK garrow at 1.10 pm hi MARK WHO;S WINS CHARLOTTE

Mark Garrow

  (1:11 PM)

I thinking its Carl Edwards then Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle...all three have a chance but I think Edwards wants to make up for yesterday's big, big mistake..

Mike (Nashua Nh)

Is jimme johnson the best drvier

Mark Garrow

  (1:12 PM)

I think he's the best pressure driver in the history of NASCAR..not sure he's the best driver now skill wise...I think he's 1-3 in that category..but no one comes through under the gun better than he does..no one.

butternutts lenoir nc

Riggs to DEI? Dinger in the 10 this weekend? What ya say guru?

Mark Garrow

  (1:12 PM)

I could live with that...do you have inside source I don't have?..lol...

Mark Garrow

  (1:12 PM)

I could live with that...do you have inside source I don't have?..lol...

Segment 3 is Over

Mark - 300 points down after a marvelous race by Hamlin, Dale, Gordon, JJ and Skinjner yesterday. Scored an excellent 400 points. What the heck is wrong with the tires and almost cost Hamlin his life. Anyways, I will need a rebound from you next week to make some ground like Edwards needs to after JJ comes in 9. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (1:13 PM)

I, like you, had a rough day yesterday..my team blew up when the tires started exploding...We've just got to put the pedal to the metal and forget the Talladega disaster.

Adam (Syracuse,ny)

can you recall another year when tires had such a huge impact on the outcome like this year?

Mark Garrow

  (1:14 PM)

Only when Hoosier was still in it and Goodyear was battling back and forth with them..These tire issues are regrettable and totally preventable in my opinion.

butternutts lenoir nc

Guru,Any tire problems noted during the last Lowe's 2 day test? I remember being at the May race and they were popping like Jiffy Pop popcorn.

Mark Garrow

  (1:15 PM)

They didn't see a whole lot during the test, but then again no one brought their best motors...we'll try to get on top of that day one to see if we smell another rat..

butternutts, lenoir nc

Hey guru.. its butternutts again... Is the 17 relationship with the 99 going to be more strained after Dega, and I see Kenseth bolting after contract up next year. What do you think?

Mark Garrow

  (1:17 PM)

He could leave next year, but I don't really see it..Roush and Ford have done a lot for him and Matt it seems to me values loyalty...I doubt Edwards hurt their relationship anymore than already.

Brian (LA)

Could this year be any more frustrating for Gordon?

Mark Garrow

  (1:18 PM)

I don't think so..and I waiting to see if we get down to three or four to go and still no win does his attitude changes.

Chad (Cascade,MD)

Jeff going to win this year?

Mark Garrow

  (1:19 PM)

Chad, I'm beginning to wonder..I see Martinsville and Phoenix now as his best chances..If he goes to Homestead needing a win to avoid the shutout he doesn't get it.

Mike (nashua,nh )

Who do you think is going to win the championship?

Mark Garrow

  (1:20 PM)

My fellow granite stater..Johnson has won two in a row and no one seems to be able to match his clutch performances. Unless he has major trouble, he's the man again.

butternutts lenoir nc

Boy Guru, Scott Speed is gonna tempt some folks this weekend isn't he? Is he the real deal? I don't know, he seems like a "bird of a different feather" to me. Will he be in the 84 or the 82? Didn't know if "the principle" Mike Skinner was gonna run the 84?

Mark Garrow

  (1:21 PM)

Skinner is going to run 84 and Speed will be in the 82..Is Speed a little different? Yes, he's out there, but he's done a nice job every step up the ladder this year so I would have to say at this point he is the readl deal.

lynn,va

could have matt/greg be hinding their true feelings when they said everything is cool between them and carl

Mark Garrow

  (1:23 PM)

There's always that possibility...and after the wreck yesterday I'm sure they were not super happy with their teammate, but both Biffle and Kenseth good at focusing on the here and now and putting the bad stuff behind them.

damien (oak grove ky)

is it too late for tony steward to make a run in the chase

Mark Garrow

  (1:25 PM)

203 points seems like a lot to make up..Johnson would have to have not one, but two disastrous races in the final six..and Tony can't stub his toe even once..I'd give advantage to Johnson and if he loses it won't be to Tony Stewart...

TG(PA)

I heard Jimmie was mad that Junior didn't help him. But once Jimmie got to the front I did see Junior drafting with him for a good while. It seems like the Hendrick boys can't seem to get together. But I thought Junior and Juan were great at drafting yesterday.

Mark Garrow

  (1:27 PM)

They may bicker a little bit but in the end they'll back each other up..RIck Hendrick still trying to make sure Junior and his team work together with the rest of the gang and with themselves.

Scooter (Alabama)

Why is NASCAR targeted only at rednecks?

Mark Garrow

  (1:28 PM)

Scooter, I think you're wrong there despite the fact I think I'm a redneck..more females ..more kids coming than once did...music tastes..cultural tastes can be totally different among the new fans..

PeanutHead (Bloomington, Ind)

Hello Mark . . . If (big if) Tony Steward's team does well next year, who do you see among the elite drivers who might like to try the owner's hat on next?

Mark Garrow

  (1:30 PM)

Takes a special circumstance because believe me if Tony had to put up his own money to buy half of Haas CNC he wouldn't have done it..Hard to picture that being the deal for any of the top drivers again anytime soon..Don't see that happening at GIbbs, Hendrick, Roush, RCR and DEI..

VA

How long will the Hamlin injuries hold him back? Is Charlotte a tough track to tackle not feeling 100%? Could he be lifted for a replacement driver at the first caution during the race - if so who would that relief driver be?

Mark Garrow

  (1:31 PM)

I don't think they'll prevent him from racing this weekend, but he's going to be sore and certainly doesn't want to crash like that again

Mike (LA)

Mark - prob 99.999999% people locked in 99 48 16 and 17 and tweak the weekling at the end. Now common sense tells me that we are half way to the finish and going by that strategy is not going to help me win seg 3. Lets starts off this weekend and tell me who I have to get rid of out of the big four so I can start making up some ground. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (1:32 PM)

The only way to make that call with any degree of confidence is to do it race day after we talk to the crew chiefs..a blown engine or a wreck by one of the big four in practice could also alter the thinking..

Jason (Seattle)

Since Regan Smith had no chance to "give back" the position to the 20, do you think it would have been more fair for him to be placed second than 18th? NASCAR is just encouraging guys to wreck each other if that's the rule.

Mark Garrow

  (1:34 PM)

If it was up to me to decide..I would agree that Tony Stewart gets the win and Smith finished second..putting him back to 18th could have repercussions down the road, I agree.

Pete C (Newark DE)

Any chance that Kyle Busch even wins one more race down the stretch? What happen to that car?

Mark Garrow

  (1:35 PM)

I think he'll win again before the year is over..team is in a slump no doubt about that..I talked to his crew chief at Talladega and he swears they aren't doing anything different..

Mark Garrow

  (1:35 PM)

You're a funny guy....but maybe lol...

butternutts lenoir nc

I went by the "Waltrip Estate Sale" signs in Sherrill Ford this weekend. Do you know what's going on there, and do you think that monkey-business will effect 2009 for MWR?

Mark Garrow

  (1:36 PM)

Aren't Waltrip and his wife splitting up? That probably has something to do with that.

JT (VA)

Heard Brad K. is supposed to be announcing sponsorship for next yr at Lowes Friday, any clues as to who it is?

Mark Garrow

  (1:36 PM)

If I told you ..I'd have to kill you..lol..

Mark Garrow

  (1:36 PM)

If I told you ..I'd have to kill you..lol..

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Mark, Did yuo go to any good places to eat in wonderful Alabama?

Mark Garrow

  (1:37 PM)

Did Japense in Oxford..I believe it was Fuji's I think..Top of the River good too.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Heard a rumor that AJ might have a ride for next year and could race this weekend... Any idea where he might be going?

Mark Garrow

  (1:39 PM)

There's some of that talk out there but didn't hear who yet.

Sid (Atlanta GA)

Jeff seemed to handle coming in 2nd last yr w/a lot of class and he/Jimmie say it didn't strain their relationship but if Jeff 0-fers this yr and Jimmie 3-peats (something the 24 never did) do you see it becoming a problem at some point if the 48 continues to outperform the 24 (which there's certainly no reason to believe will change any time soon)?

Mark Garrow

  (1:41 PM)

It could Sid but Jeff will continue to handle deal with Jimmie in a good way.There might be some changes though because no one wants to win worse than Gordon and if he goes winless things will change...what those changes are I don't know.

TG(PA)

Oh so Paul Newman liked Nascar so he was a redneck!!!!

Mark Garrow

  (1:41 PM)

Go get'em TG..

butternutts lenoir nc

Lets talk Jamie MAC, guru... I think he might be sneaky at this upcoming Lowe's. I think he ends up in bottom part of top 10. They are starting to run much better lately although finishes don't show for it. Do you think I got butternutts for brains for that thought?

Mark Garrow

  (1:42 PM)

If you said top-15..I would have been with you..but top-10..that will be a toughie at Charlotte for him to do.

Mark Garrow

  (1:43 PM)

Got to run folks...went overtime by around 15 but was having so much fun I didn't want to stop..Don't forget fantasy chat this Wednesday at 4:00 eastern...take care and have a great day!