Mark Garrow

  (3:43 PM)

Good afternoon everyone..going to jump on early so I can get as many questions in as possible.

George (West Texas)

Mark, it is getting down to the nitty gritty. Need your help brother. Out of the A Group rank these 48,24,31,11 .... Rank the B Group ... 12,6,5,9,26,42,1 .... Rank the C ... 44,28,66,15 .... thanks a million !

Mark Garrow

  (3:46 PM)

I would rank the first group 24,48,11,31...B group..26,6,5,42,9,1,12...C group...44,28,66,15

Hot Mama-CALI

GURU,Hello!Rate your fav top 10 drivers for Martinsville??Thanks for your help!:)

Mark Garrow

  (3:47 PM)

I'll double that..and here's my top-20 pre-race ranking...1. Jeff Gordon 2. Jimmie Johnson 3. Denny Hamlin 4. Kyle Busch 5. Jeff Burton 6. Tony Stewart 7. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 8. Clint Bowyer 9. Carl Edwards 10.Kevin Harvick 11.Jamie McMurray 12.Matt Kenseth 13.David Ragan 14.Greg Biffle 15.Casey Mears 16.Juan Pablo Montoya 17.Kasey Kahne 18.Kurt Busch 19.Elliott Sadler 20.Martin Truex, Jr.

Bruce, Wyoming Michigan

Mark, Need help for Sunday out of Reuitmann, Kvapil,Menard, or Dinger or Smith which is a good one for Sunday. Also is the #8 being driven by Martin. thanks for aall the help!!

Mark Garrow

  (3:49 PM)

Reutimann has been the steadiest in that group lately so he's probably the safest bet..Almirola is in the #8 and not Martin.

RJ, Suwanee, Ga.

Mark, Wanted to get your take on NASCAR's trend to line up by points when it rains during qualifying time with no effort to tweak the schedule to get it in (Sat. mornings). It appears they would almost prefer to line up by points, especially once the chase starts. Past Champion rule aside, do you really think they would skip qualifying if some of the "stars" were in danger of not making the race. Suppose it rains out qualify 3 of the first 5 races next year, would they let Stewart and Newman sit it out? It's getting real old! Please help with picks this week also by ranking top to bottom within each group: A; (11, 20, 24, 48, 31) B: (1, 6, 9, 12, 18, 26, 88) C; (8, 15, 28, 44) As always thanks for your help!

Mark Garrow

  (3:51 PM)

I agree with you it's getting kind of old..believe it or not qualifying has been rained out eight times this year..If rains a bunch at the start of next season Tony will be okay but Newman could be in real trouble. Tony will take the 66 points and that car is top-35 in points..A..24,48,11,20,31...B..18,88,26,6,1,12...C...44, 28,15,8

Ben, West Sac, CA

Hello Mark, is Johnny Sauter racing in the sprint cup this sunday. Did'nt see him on entry list?

Mark Garrow

  (3:54 PM)

He's not racing this Sunday..the under bugdet #08 team was going to run Martinsville but decided against it...If they did Sauter was going to try and qualify their car.

josh, ga

so guru how do you feel about dennys, gordons or stewarts chance this weekend? Also who would you pick for someone in the low range price in scc?

Mark Garrow

  (3:56 PM)

Gordon, Hamlin and Stewart are all in my top-six pre-race rankings so I think they will do very well...In the low price range keep an eye on Regan Smith 14.2...he ran top-15 last time and was very steady..DEI short track program not too shabby..In the five short track races so far this year Smith has scored the 16th most amount of points..You'll have to keep an eye on his qualifying and practice speeds but he might be a good bet this Sunday.

Daniel(IN)

about of these five drivers: Stewart, Gordon, Johnson, Burton and Hamlin, which two do you think have the best chance in winning on Sunday, and do you think any of these 5 are going to win the pole?

Mark Garrow

  (3:59 PM)

Jeff Gordon is my pre-race number one pick for a couple of reasons...two seconds and a third in last three Martinsville races..and I think he's due to win and almost has to win this week or he could get shut out on the season and he knows that..He'll be turning up the volume on the "loud" pedal you can believe that...Gordon and Hamlin would be good pole picks because Gordon grabbed the top spot earlier this year and Hamlin was second fast..They should be that good again.

Big Poppa..Hotlanta

Mark whats going on playboy...Hows the week going..The 88 had another failing tire issue..But you can mark it down the 88 going to victory lane this week i got a gut feelin...you feel the same...

Mark Garrow

  (3:59 PM)

Sorry Big Poppa..can't agree with that one..top-10 maybe..but not a win.

Bigdaddygriffin Ga

How do you like the 24 chances this week or how about the 16 both top 5 maybe

Mark Garrow

  (4:01 PM)

I like the 24 a lot..but 16 is question mark..In 11 starts at Martinsville only one top-10 and average finish of over 23...Still, his NH performance could mean a more positive result but he's risky at Martinsville because past record is so bad.

Richard(Anahiem,Ca.)

Hey Mark,with 48,24,20,and 16(at day one price)will Biff hurt enough to consider a swap?

Mark Garrow

  (4:02 PM)

Like I just said, Biffle is going to be a tough call this week. I have him on my team and I'm undecided right now what to do with him because he should be very good at Atlanta and Texas.

Jason:Alabama

Hello Mark: For my SCC game; what about this team; 48,20,24,11,for a 5th what about either petty or dinger or elliot?

Mark Garrow

  (4:05 PM)

Petty won't be in this race..McCumbee is supposed to drive #45...Allmendinger in a new deal and this has been a tough place for him so don't go there..Elliott as in Bill Elliott don't like that pick either..Elliott as in Elliott Sadler that's a maybe...As I talked about a moment ago you might be able to get some help out of Regan Smith..Montoya's not a big price either and he should be good for a top-15..

tom - wisconsin

Need your all-knowing advice Mr. Guru A Drivers (pick 2)- 11,20,24,48 B Drivers (pick 4)- 1,6,9,12,18,26,42,88 C Drivers (pick 2)- 01,15,28,44 Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:05 PM)

24,48...18,88,26,6...01,44

Ryan in Lincoln

Thanks for all the great help GURU... How will Carl Edward fare this weekend at Matinsville? If I have the chance should I replace him with someone else, and if so who would you suggest? I already have the 48, 24, 11, & 70....

Mark Garrow

  (4:08 PM)

Edwards has eight Martinsville starts with one top-10 and average finish a little over 19..You could replace him with Burton or Stewart and be in pretty good shape..Both of those guys should be strong at Atlanta in case you couldn't afford to buy back Edwards..

BOWLES: WICHITA FALLS, TX

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF 48,99,17,12,44? ALSO WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SWAPPING THE 99 FOR 24? THANKS!

Mark Garrow

  (4:09 PM)

I'd make the swap of the 99 and 24..12 is a little scary to me..You might want to rethink the 12 and 44 and see what you can do with some of the money you save getting rid of Edwards..

1st Place Hopeful (The Garage)

Thanks for having these chats Guru! Which team do you like preliminarily at the paperclip of Martinsville? 48-31-24-11-70 or 48-24-11-26-5. I love points! Had to disguise my name - don't want my competitors seeing what input Im getting from the master!

Mark Garrow

  (4:11 PM)

If you feel confident Tony Raines and the 70 can come through with at minimum at top-20 that go with first team...thanks for the props..Second team has a little more "balance" in the final two picks..but first team has four potential top-five drivers going in..

kevin st clair shores, Mi

Mark give me your top 2 out of the 12 drivers in the chase. Give me top 4 out of the following. 1,5,6,9,18,26,42. Give me 2 more. 01,28,44,83,66,15. thanks for the help last week, gained 94 point, was 99 points out of first last week, thanks again.

Mark Garrow

  (4:13 PM)

Jamie McMurray and David Ragan are theh two I'd give you for Martinsville..18,26,6,5...01,44

Corey (Sioux Falls, SD)

Hey mark....I am currently in second place in our fantasy league with the remaining races left.....We get 10 pts for first place finish, 9 pts for second, and so on through the top 10.....I need one of each chevy, ford, dodge, and Toyota...Thoughts? Thanks Again!!

Mark Garrow

  (4:14 PM)

Chevy..Gordon..Toyota Hamlin...Edwards Ford..and Montoya Dodge..

Justin Morrison Lebanon VA

Dear Mark do you think that Dale Jr has a shot of winning one of the last five races left in the chase and do you think he will win in 2009?

Mark Garrow

  (4:15 PM)

He's got a shot at another win but I don't think it's this weekend..I'm thinking Atlanta or Texas..Yes, I think he wins again in 2009 and probably wins more..I said before the season he would win three to five races and he'd have two maybe three in the bank already if not for circumstances..

mike ct

mark what about burton maybe back to back wins

Mark Garrow

  (4:16 PM)

I don't think he'll get back to back wins, but I think he'll be rock steady Sunday afternoon and will end the race somewhere up near the front.

raygordon reid RALEIGH NC 27695

QUESTION TO MARK GARROW AT.3.55 PM HI MARK WHO GONNA WIN

Mark Garrow

  (4:16 PM)

I'm guessing Jeff Gordon right now..but Hamlin and Johnson will probably challenge him.

Joseoh (LA)

Mark - I sen t you an email for your excellent chats and I need you to do me a favor also because I know you are th eman at ESPN Fantasy Land. You see there is a problem. ESPN is thinking about not bringing back NBA Fastbreak Fantasy Game. I mean they got Bass fishing and Gold and Soccer and not to have NBA Fastbreak Fantasy game is ridiculous. Thats like going to Europe and say guys, no soccer fantasy this year, we'll give you horse racing instead or something like that. So I need you to get hthose guys at NAB Fastbreak Fantasy Land to give us one of the top games at ESPN fantasy world back and quickly. The season starts in 13 days. Can u help us out? thanx

Mark Garrow

  (4:18 PM)

I just sent your words to me to someone at ESPN Fantasy..hope it all works out..

Mike (LA)

Mark - 48, 24 11 4 and 26. Does it give me 800 this weekend or drop 5 for Kyle or T Stew and drop McMurray for whoever is available at 12 and under or so. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:21 PM)

Mike..not sure how to answer your question is 4..44?

J D Castlewood VA

Hi Mark do you think that Mark Martin moving to Hendrick next year has a good shot of winning the 2009 Daytona 500 and the championships too?

Mark Garrow

  (4:22 PM)

That would be a lot to ask but Mark should have a shot in both instances..I think it's probably a little less than a 50-50 shot for each one..I'd love to see both though.

becka, va

reed will be a fantasy sleeper next year at gem true or false

Mark Garrow

  (4:22 PM)

At this point..false

butternutts lenoir nc

I got riggs in the 41 next year... whay you say guru.... they say no new drivers have came through the door, that they may be meeting "off-campus"

Mark Garrow

  (4:23 PM)

Could be..Riggs says he has a contract in hand..Allmendinger wanted that ride but sources close to the deal tell me Ganassi wasn't all that much in love with him..

Ryan in Lincoln

Mark. How do you feel Edwards will fare this weekend? my team right now is looking to be 99, 48, 24, 11, 70. I have the chance to change out edwards for this race, but not sure if its a good idea for the last 4 races. If I were to change out edwards who would you take in his place? Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:25 PM)

I think Edwards has a shot to run top-10 Sunday but don't expect a whole lot more..If you drop the 99..Burton and Stewart I think are two good picks to potentially replace him.

ray gordon reid RALEIGH NC 27695

questuion to NASCAR GURU MARK GARROW AT 4.10 PM HI MARK WHO;S GONNA WIN SUNDAY AT MARTINVILLE

Mark Garrow

  (4:25 PM)

24 will show them the door..how about that and it rhymes too!..lol

steve (kansas)

what do you think of this lineup for martinsville: 24-11-20-6-26?

Mark Garrow

  (4:27 PM)

Shouldn't be too bad..24,11,20 should be in really good shape..You need Ragan and McMurray to run top-15 at a minimum which they did earlier this year.

butternutts lenoir nc

Guru, Why can Derrike Cope not get a ride? I mean he is running a mickey mouse operation with cars and trucks in 4 different divsions and its ridiculous. What is his chances of making the field this week?

Mark Garrow

  (4:28 PM)

It's going to be very tough..I always though Derrike got a really bad break when the team he won the Daytona 500 with and at Dover folded during the season..you never know how his career would have turned out...his stock was really high and there were just no rides..

butternutts brother buttersquash lenoir nc

i think the 26 runs top 10. He is pretty sporty here lately. You think he might be best of Roush camp this weekend?

Mark Garrow

  (4:29 PM)

I think Edwards will finish a little better because he has to..but McMurray should be very strong..

butternutts

what ya say on the 43 Guru? He's capable top 12 and Petty's been doing testing lately...

Mark Garrow

  (4:30 PM)

Don't see anything like a top-12..maybe top 20 or 25..

alex (FLA)

I know this not fantasy but what about Mark Martin in 2009 do you really think he has a sho at a championshp in 09?

Mark Garrow

  (4:31 PM)

I believe he'll make the Chase...which gives him a chance to win it all..hard to see that happening but boy would I like it to.

Mike (LA)

Mark - when is the chat on Sunday?

Mark Garrow

  (4:31 PM)

10:30 eastern

Joseph (LA)

Mark - Mark Garrow : (4:18 PM ET ) I just sent your words to me to someone at ESPN Fantasy..hope it all works out.. Much appreciated.

Mark Garrow

  (4:31 PM)

No problem.

Mike (LA)

Mark - I gotta get rid of 48 if I wanna have c chance at winning. How about a I make a lineup of 4 in top 6 of your pre race ranking and Regan Smith. Does that equal 800

Mark Garrow

  (4:32 PM)

It could this week..and then repeat after me "bless me father for I have sinned....."...lol..

Mike (LA)

Mark - Typo - 48, 24 11 5 and 26. Do I drop the 5 for Kyle or Tony and drop 26 for some low priced driver. Or do I keep hte original lineup

Mark Garrow

  (4:33 PM)

I might drop the 5 for Tony..then take a look at what you have left over..

Chris (MN)

Smith or Riggs this week as a better budget pick?

Mark Garrow

  (4:34 PM)

I think Smith is...Riggs, though, has had some good performances at Martinsville..But Smith was top-15 in the spring and has been consistent on the short tracks this year scoring the 16th most amount of points in those five races..

jd (vero)

what do u think is better this weekend 48 16 99 24 and someone like the 70 car or 48 16 17 24 and 66, id likw to pick up edwards wit his lower value before he goes on hot streak

Mark Garrow

  (4:36 PM)

If you don't have Edwards not sure this is the week to buy...01 may be the best of the budget picks as opposed to 70 and 66.both of whom could surprise, but just like I said 01 has been pretty consistent on the short trakcs this year.

Mike (LA)

Mark - Dow dropped another 8% today. What do I do with my 401k which is going into the trash as we speak.

Mark Garrow

  (4:38 PM)

I say hang tight..I'm confident the good ole USA will make a comeback..like crashing in practice, going to a back-up and then winning from back of the pack..not easy, but can be done...I must now offer that I am no financial Guru nor to I pretend to be..lol...

Egg (Memphis):

Guru, different type of question: Rank best to worst Kyle Busch's prospects for the final 5 tracks.

Mark Garrow

  (4:39 PM)

Best..Atlanta..then Texas..Homestead..Phoenix..Martinsville..

Rob (ND)

Would you drop Chad Ocho Cinco and pick up Vincent Jackson?

Mark Garrow

  (4:39 PM)

Sorry Rob...literally out of my league..lol...

butternutts lenoir nc

Hey Guru... I think 42 will be a sleeper. His past here is solid for a guy new to stock cars. And "Cheep" (as Montoya says his name) Ganasi is given him some better stuff lately. I say he gets to the bottom end of the top 10 this week.

Mark Garrow

  (4:41 PM)

He's not cheap, cheap..Value of 16.3 decent though. Montoya gets around Martinsville pretty good because you charge the corners using a lot of brake like you would on a road course, for which Montoya has a lot of experience..I can see him running top-15..

Justin (Sacramento)

is almirola worth a gamble this week? how bout mears?

Mark Garrow

  (4:45 PM)

Mears has only one good short track performance this year but it was at Martinsville so you rate him a little better than 8..Hard to say what 8 would have done in the spring since he blew an engine.

Mark Garrow

  (4:46 PM)

Mears has only one good short track performance this year but it was at Martinsville so you rate him a little better than 8..Hard to say what 8 would have done in the spring since he blew an engine.

Egg (Memphis)

I see you've got budget picks ranked as follows -- 44, 01, 28, 15, 66 -- but are there a lot differences here, best case top 25 for all?

Mark Garrow

  (4:47 PM)

I don't know if they can all finish top-25 but potentially can run strong enough to do that.

Big Mama (Yazoo City)

This is the week a non chase driver wins. Mark it down.

Mark Garrow

  (4:47 PM)

Sorry Big Mama can't agree with that one...mark it down..but don't hurt me..lol...

Mike (Los Angeles)

Mark, how's this for a first look: 48-20-24-26-42?

Mark Garrow

  (4:48 PM)

On paper going in that's not bad..48,20, and 24 potential top-five..26 top-10 and 42 top-15..

Mark Garrow

  (4:49 PM)

That's it for today folks..don't forget we'll do it all again this Sunday morning at 10:30 eastern. Thanks and have a great week!