ESPN

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning everyone...to get us up to speed quicker this morning..I'm going to take ten minutes to finish up the crew chief notes...I just got back in from the garage..So, I'll be back no later than 11:15 eastern to begin to taking questions...So, let's get this partaaaayyyy started!

John (Texas)

Mark 14 or 99...9 or 29 or 33...12 or 20 Thx

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:16 AM)

Time to get back to the questions...crew chief notes up shortly...Okay, John..14...33...and 12...

greg (arnold)

hello mark! beautiful day here in the midwest. heading to the golf course. first i need to ask you a favor. can you pick one of these:5,48 pick two:9,14,26 (had reutimann, but saw he was not entered. whats going on with that?) pick one:keslowski,43.not sure what car keslowski is in this week. thanx for the help every week. i sure appreciate it.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:17 AM)

48..14 and 9 and 00 is entered and Reutimann is actually running pretty strong...Keselowski is in the 12 and I'd take him over 43..

Roger (Toronto, CAN.)

Big fan Mark...appreciate the info you bring to us smart enough to trust you. Who is going to run better - Ambrose or Keselowski? Is Keselowski's qualifying run an indicator he will not be strong right out of the gate for Penske? BIG Thank-you!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:19 AM)

Tough call..but Ambrose has been back and forth and not quite hitting on it yet..So I probably give an edge to Keselowski..should finish pretty close to each other though.

mike p (danbury ct)

hi mark, i went with jeff burton, he looked like he was going to qualify really good but he crashed during practice. really nurvous can you tell me about this car and what he thinks he has. does he still have a chance for top ten? please help.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:20 AM)

Mike, get away from the 31. They are really struggling and Burton may be hurting a little more from the practice crash than we know.

Do or Die (ATL)

I've gotta make up some ground on the leaders. Hope there's enough "laps" for me to catch em! Please choose one: 24,48 pick two: 9,83,00,42 pick one: 12, 21. Thanks for all you do GURU...we love you man!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:22 AM)

Tough call between 24 and 48..I'm going to go with 24..especially if you're looking to make up ground because most people will go with 48..Then, 00 and 9....12

Andy (Westfield)

I have to head out of town for a birthday, so I am sending this in early. What is the latest answer to the $64,000 question? Is Jimmy going to go all out this week, or save him for Phoenix or Homestead?. I have one allocation left for 48 and 24. Should I start the 24 this week and then go with the 5 (or 48) at Phoenix, and save 48 (or 5) for Homestead? Who would you start where? I am trying not to end up holding a valuable 48 allocation, where he is just trying for a top 10-15.THANKS AGAIN for all you do, GURU KING OF THE LUGNUTS.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:23 AM)

Jimmie and company swear they are going for it today, but you've got to believe they won't push the envelope too hard..I go 24 this week..48 next and 5 at Homestead..and thanks for the props.

Barry (Rutland, VT)

Hey Guru -- favorite place to eat in Forth Worth? Also, I need to rebound from last week and am looking for some wisdom -- how would you rank the 9, 14, and 42? And then 12, 21,

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:24 AM)

I went to Delfresco I think the name was last night..Guest of Spring...about $250 a plate for a great steak and service..ranking 14,9,and 42....then 12..21

Eric (Turn 4)

Mr guru, MY MAN! I'm sitting here as happy hour ends and wondering what we all are, who you thinkin' bout? Tent city says jr, but let's be honest, there's been heavy drinking involved. I got Jimmie and jeff, need one. I've got Tony, Juan, kahne and Newman, need two. I've got brad k and labonte, need one. One start left with all the B drivers, who do I "kill"? You da man, I'll be in turn one tomorrow when I read this.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:26 AM)

Eric..here's the deal dude...Dale Jr. is bad to the bone going into this race..what happens to mess that up is the question...24 over 48 because it will be a road less traveled..Go Tony and Kahne ..Brad K...and enjoy the PRN broadcast today.

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)

Good morning Prince of Pavement...........Need your advice.......Please pick one 24,48.....please pick two 2,9,14,42......please pick one 12,77.......Thanks and may the force be with us today

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:27 AM)

you know how I feel about 24 and 48 and why...14,9..and I'd go 12 over 77.

Caddis1 (Duluth, GA)

Greetings "Guru" Gassin UpHow does 24, 14, 29, 88 and 6 look in the old crystal ball? Thank you!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:30 AM)

That team isn't that bad..not real big though on 29 and that souped up on the 6. I like the 24,14, and 88 a lot though.

Austin (Denver)

Hey Guru how does my team look? 14,9,12, 88,44?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:31 AM)

Austin..that is defintely is a road less traveled..14,9, and 88 should be really good..12 decent...Allmendinger first race in Ford...not real sure about that one.

Austin (Denver)

What do you think about Keselowski for a Top 15 or 20? I think he'll finish 15th or so.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:31 AM)

I think you've got that right.

Ron (Vegas)

Good morning Mark! Need either 48 or 5 (last start with 48, tempted to run him now), two from 00-9-42-83 and either 47 or 12 (Keselowski?) Thanks for the help this year!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:32 AM)

I'd hold 48 until next week at Phoenix...00,9...12 over 47..

HAMMER TIME! (ALASKA)

Thanks for the help last week I was looking good before THE BIG ONE! I need help again this week PLEASE pick a team a 48-14-16-6-98 b 48-17-16-6-26 or c 24-48-18-6-98. Thanks soooo much for your help! YOUR COLD FRIEND IN ALASKA!! HAMMER TIME!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:36 AM)

All five of my cars led the race...and all five of my cars crashed big time....48 good..14..then I'd take 18 over 16..and then 21 over 98..If you have anything than switch out 6 for the 88 that would be good too.

homechicken (riverbank,ca.)

Hey Mark. I need some help ,14,48,99,88, and the 7. Show me the money or what? If not, what would change. Please Help oh wise one. Thanks Mark!!!!!!!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:37 AM)

I like the 18 better than the 99..and you know as well as I do the 7 is a total crapshoot.

John (The OC)

Hi GURU! Now that we are back to real racing, which team looks the strongest? A) 18, 5, 11, 6, 88 B) 24, 5, 6, 83, 43 C) 42, 5, 16, 43, 6 or D) 9, 5, 11, 6, 44 Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:37 AM)

I like "A" the best John.

Billy (Dover, DE)

Burton has had a rough weekend. I have one more pick to use of him this year. I thought I would use him at Texas due to his decent record here but he seems slow in the back up car. Better of saving him for PHX or Homestead or will the veteran find a way to finish goo today? What does your crystal ball say Guru? Thanks as always.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:38 AM)

Burton is no way to go today...way too many question marks.

Mishelle (Sebastian)

Good morning "ALL KNOWING GURU"- writing in early this morning because I have to go to work....so Need one 24 or 5, I only have one race left for Jeff, then please pick two 9,83,00 or 39, I only have one race left for Newman, and please pick one from Keso or Dinger...As always thanks for your help and may everybody keep their wheels on the ground today!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:38 AM)

24...00,9...Keso

jeff (springdale, ar)

mark, I had this team for the past three races and it is working well. I have everyone at a great value other than hamlin. What are your thoughts? 48-11-18-88-6

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:39 AM)

Jeff...On paper that's still a pretty good team...6 needs to come through with a top-20 and you should be looking pretty good.

Steve (Lemont, IL)

Since speed is king at Texas, what happened to Kahne in the final practice? He went from 12 to 6 to 37? I need two from 9, 42 (one start left), 11 (one start left), 00. I was initial thinking of 9 and 42 (or 00). Your WISDOM please. Also, 44 over 35?THANKS GURU!!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:57 AM)

Sorry for delay...got knocked off and had to reboot computer...Kahne wasn't trying to run fast in the final practice running on old tires...I'd go 9-11 or 9 and 00...save 42 ...44 over 35?...44 over 55 maybe.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:57 AM)

Crew chief notes next...here we go...

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:58 AM)

Earnhardt - Ganassi Racing, Brian Pattie, crew chief Juan Pablo Montoya...He thinks they have a top-10 car. Said they reallydon't run that well here and JPM is not as dialed in to track like he is at Charlotte and Atlanta. We ran 9th - 12th in the springand wound up seventh. We're trying a lot of new stuff to get ready for next year. We haven't ever used this chassis set-upbefore. He said the #1 car of Martin Truex, Jr. is okay maybe a top-15 car. He likes the 88,14, and 48.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:58 AM)

Hendrick Motorsports, Steve Letarte, crew chief Jeff Gordon...We were a 10th - 15th place car in practice yesterday. The cargot too tight, too quick. We're adjusting the car a little more than I would like this morning. Then again, we never really seemto practice that well, but we're right there at the end. Still, believes they've got a shot to win. He also said that because of a harder tireand track a little wore down, after five laps following a restart most of the passing will be done. He said the 88 and the 48 were thetwo best Hendrick cars and that the 24 and 5 struggling a little bit yesterday and in just about the same boat...He ranked HMS cars 88-48-24-5...Asked about favorites he said he liked the 88 and the 14.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:58 AM)

Hendrick Motorsports, Lance McGrew, crew chief Dale Earnhardt, Jr....McGrew flat out told me we're as fast as "crap". We've been fast right off the truck and stayed that way in race trim. We've got back a little on chassis from yesterday to the placewe were the fastest and Jr. was the most comfortable. He said it was nice to finally have the other crew chiefs at Hendrick walkingup to him asking him what they had under the car. Along with themselves, he likes the 48,11, and 14.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

Joe Gibbs Racing, Mike Ford, crew chief Denny Hamlin..Qualifying 25th doesn't bother him because he said we never qualifygood here. In practice yesterday, though, he felt they had a top-5 car and they are making a few minor adjustments this morningto take into account it will be a little overcast today and not totally sunny like yesterday. He feels like they have a top-5 car going in andis a little better than 18..Both have basically the same chassis set-up..As for a favorite he said he liked the 88.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

Joe Gibbs Racing, Wally Brown, crew chief David Gilliland...They are doing RandD today and have made no less than 10 big changes for today's race.He David was pretty comfortable with the track but they are not that great and that's why they are making a lot of changes.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

Joe Gibbs Racing, Greg Zipadelli, crew chief Joey Logano...Theyve been struggling to find a good comfort level and he is not sure how good the 20 can be. They just hope to survive the day.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

Richard Childress Racing...Shane Wilson, crew chief Clint Bowyer...We're in pretty god shape and feel like we are a top-10 car going in.He also feels they are the best of the RCR cars followed by 29,07 and 31 in back-up. They are a little tight in the center, but when racepace slows down that should fix that problem. He likes the 00,48,88,14, and 9.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

Stewart - Haas Racing, Tony Gibson, crew chief Ryan Newman...He said we're not that good and that Ryan is really hurting from lastweek's Talladega crash. Newman's back and head are really hurting. So, what they're going to do is just get the car comfortable andhave him ride it out and make it as easy on him as possible. He said Tony was really good and had a shot to win and is every bit asgood as he was here in the spring. He likes the 88,48,18, and 14.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

Wood Brothers, David Hyder, crew chief Bill Elliott....They have changed everything under the car from where they started Friday. They are also trying some new stuff for 2010..It's a little loose and a little tight. Since they are starting so far back, they are going to"air up" Elliott's tires at the beginning of the race and tell him to go out and pass as many people as he can.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

TRG Motorsports, Slugger Labbe, crew chief Bobby Labonte..We're fighting the tire. Bobby is just not very comfortable and feelslike the car lacks total overall grip. Labbe said they loosened it up in practice yesterday and it was fast, but Bobby didn't think hecould drive it that way all day.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (11:59 AM)

Rousch-Fenway Racing, Drew Blickensderfer, Crew Chief for Matt Kenseth...Drew says the 17 is okay...wasnt real good in practice and start 30th but he is fairlyconfident they can make their way toward the front and by the end of the day they should be at least in the top 10. The 99 of Carl Edwards is decent...Edwards is pretty happy. The 99 has a top 10 car with top 5 potential. The 16 car is happy as well...they have at least a top 10 car and could very well be in the top 5. The 26 and 6 are off just a bit asthey have top 15 cars. His cars to beat are the 48, 11 and 88 saying Dale Jr was surprisingly strong.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:00 PM)

Michael Waltrip Racing, Rodney Childers, Crew Chief David Reutimann...Rodney says over all theyrehappy...a top 10 car with top 5 potential. Its the same chassis they finished 4th with at Las Vegas. Marcos Ambrose has been back and forth on set ups...he is just okay...a top 20 car. The 55 is not good at all. His favs are the 48, 24, 88, 11, 99 and 16.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:00 PM)

Penske Racing, Travis Geisler, Crew Chief Sam Hornish Jr...Travis is optimistic about the 77 car. Texas is one of their better tracks. Its a new chassis and they were decent in practice...a top 15car. Brad Keselowksi is happy with the 12 car...a top 15 or better. Brad was disappointed with his qualifying but was good in practice. The 2 car has been good all weekend...a top 10 car with top 5 potential. Kurt seems to be very happy with his car. Travis favs are the 11 and 88.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:00 PM)

Richard Petty Motorsports, Kenny Francis, Crew Chief for Kasey Kahne...Kenny isnt sure how good or bad the 9 car is...he says the good qualifying run will help but he doesnt know if they can stay upfront. The car has been tight in some places and loose in others. He hopes they can stay in the top 10.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:00 PM)

Richard Petty Motorsports, Sammy Johns, Crew Chief for Reed Sorenson...the 43 guys are optimistic today...think they can finish in the top 15...the 44 of AJ Allmendinger is in the same boat. Don't look for muchfrom the 19 and Elliott Sadler.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:00 PM)

Team Red Bull, Ryan Pemberton, Crew Chief, Brian Vickers...The 83 is just okay as they have been havingissues getting through the bumps. They making a few small changes to hopefully help the situation. They have potentially a top 10 car if the changes they make work.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:00 PM)

Robby Gordon Motorsports, Doug Richert, Crew Chief Robby Gordon...Doug is hopeful they can finish 15th to 20th as they tend to run better on the mile and halfs. They have lots of changes and felt they hit on somethingpositive at the end of practice. His favorites are the 48, 24 and 16.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:01 PM)

Furniture Row Motorsports, Jay Guy, Crew Chief Regan Smith....The 78 is running a new chassis as they gather infofor 2010 as well. He says the car is not too bad...a top 20 is possible. His favs are the 48, 42, 5 and 11.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:01 PM)

Back with top-6 picks in a moment...

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:04 PM)

My top six picks..48,88,14,18,24, and 11....next tier 9,16,2,42,00,99, 5,17,33...budget boys...88, 12,6,26,1,29,43,44,77, and 21 for lowest and safest $$ guy that could run top-25..

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:04 PM)

coming back with my team...be right back..

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:09 PM)

My team today...going for road less traveled and to pick up ground after last week's disaster...14,18,88,00, and 6.

robert (Wyoming)

71 a start and park? Looking for a low low low floor, help me out!!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:09 PM)

No he's not a start and park.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:10 PM)

Again, sorry for technical problems that knocked me "off the air"...but I've got to tell you some of the comments I getting over that are flat over the top.

Magnuss` (San Diego)

This is my first post, been watching and learning. I thinking 14,99,00,88,6 would you stay with the 99 if having a choice with the 16,8,17. Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:11 PM)

I would go with the 16 and 9 over 99 today..not a bad team on paper...

Doug (Wis)

9 or 42?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:11 PM)

9

Drake (Owings, Md)

If you had to take one would it be the 00 or 88?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:11 PM)

88

Burton (Texas)

I have a great history here you fool...Pick me, I'm a lock for a top ten!I am not hurt and my car is fine!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:11 PM)

Sorry dude...but no way do I see you finishing top-10...sorry..

robert (Wyoming)

this working????? must have ran across some Texas BBQ. How is the 26, 83 and the 1 today??

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:12 PM)

They are okay...nothing great but okay..top-15 potential I guess at best.

Trent (al)

the guy in front of me has had this team the past few weeks, 48,14,29,1,88. So who can i pick that will beat this team

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:14 PM)

Hard one to answer...I start with 14 to open up cap space..drop down to 18 to open up more space..then maybe 00..88...and 6 or even 21 if you have to go low, low...just a thought or two..

Mike (Los Angeles)

Is it time to sell on Montoya? I've had him since the beginning of the segment and he's +1.6 for me, but I'm thinking of trading him in for Kyle Busch. Would you make that swap?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:15 PM)

Yes, I'd make that swap today..Busch is on a roll and this is not one of JPM's best tracks..

Your Daddy (Kentucky)

00 or 9

Danica Patrick (Concord)

Guru,Can't wait to meet you, I think you are a cutie!! anyway, 5 or 16 today?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:15 PM)

Yeah, I'm a real stud muffin..I'm ranking 16 ahead of 5 today.

Colin Cropley (New Hampshire)

Who's Better Vickers Or Sadler?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:16 PM)

Vickers

Brenda (MN)

Pick 2 out of this group my main man...16,99,18,33,17,00...thanks as always!

Terry (FL)

Please rank the following cars: 9,00,2,99

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:18 PM)

For Brenda..hit wrong button..9,00...for Terry 9,2,00,99

josh (kona, HI)

start and parks today Mark?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:18 PM)

McDowell, Nemechek, Skinner..

Mama B (Canada)

Good day Mark...looking for some major help. Leading in our league and this could be the make or break week. Pick 2 from each group please. A)39,99,9,16,83,11: B)20,31.17.00,33,47,18: C)07,1,44,19,6,29,88: and D)77,71,55,43,7,34,12,98. These will be added to 24,48,14 so any help will be great. Thank you so much for all your help this season and glad to know you will be back with us again next year. May the force be with you and good luck in todays race.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:20 PM)

9 and 11......00 and 18......88 and 6....12 and 43..and thanks for the props Mama B!

Mooncricket (Down South)

Oh Great One,Biffle or Edwards?Thanks for your help.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:20 PM)

Go with "The Bif"

BUTTERNUTTS (NC)

For all you bashing Garrow, I think it's unfair and selfish. Where are you going to get accurate garage chatter to assist with your fantasy teams? Do you think the "other guy" is at the track digging up info for you? Give the guy a break, he does good work, is always here and goes way above and beyond what he is required.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:21 PM)

Thanks man..I try to let most stuff roll, but one post really ticked me off.

help (thanks (us))

11 or 18

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:21 PM)

18

Danica Patrick (Concord)

you "think" you are a stud muffin?? Every women on here knows that!! Cant wait, maybe we can have an ice tea some time, huh??? ONE LAST QUESTION: need 2 of the following: 88 (my man), 9, 83, or 1?? HELP!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:21 PM)

Clearly "Danica" you're yanking my chain..lol...go 88 and 9...

John (Ontario Canada)

What do you think about 88, 14, 48, 1, 29?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:22 PM)

I could live with that..1 and 29 have got to come through for you though.

Bruce (Mia)

9 or 16 or 99?

Malibu Barbie (** p'cola florida **)

no worries about the off- air time! we appreciate the effort it takes to get those notes together, with that said, there were no notes on kyle busch? or brother kurt? what's up with them? xox, mb

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:23 PM)

I had a little bit on Kyle in notes from Mike Ford..he said the 18 was a little bit better than them and he felt 11 was top-five car..As for Kurt should have plugged in Penske note but missed it...He's top-10 material and in pretty good shape.

Leslie (Pittsburgh, PA)

Hey Mark!!! Thoughts on 24,14,18,88,02 ? I had 48,42,5,88,71 but need to make up ground or its going to cost me to lose a bet.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:25 PM)

Leslie..02 is a real crapshoot but if he can run top-25.the other four picks pretty strong.good luck..

Mike (Los Angeles)

Need 2 of these 4 for today: 16, 99, 18, or 42. 42 is locked in at +1.6.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:25 PM)

I'd go 18 - 16

adam (raleigh)

ambrose or aj?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:26 PM)

Tough call...I'll lean towards 47..AJ in Ford first time and this team has virtually no experience with the car.

RANDY RITCHIE (WHEATFIELD INDIANA)

HEY MARK need help please need to pck one out of these groups18, 9 or 16 11 or 1733 or 00please help

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:27 PM)

18...11..00..

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (12:29 PM)

Folks I've got to run..have to get ready for the PRN broadcast...Sorry again, for the technical glitch today...good luck with your teams and I'll chat again this Wednesday..till then..let the voices be heard to the heavens with a sad wail..."The Guru has left the buidling!"..