Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:28 PM)

Good afternoon everyone. It is going to be another scorcher here in Charlotte today and there's virtually no chance for rain. Right now almost nothing but blue skies. So, with the weather stickys let's stomp the gas and get this Sunday afternoon partaaaayyyy started!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:29 PM)

As we head into the chat, NASCAR has only Kurt Busch technically going to the back and really how far does he have to go with a 42nd starting position?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:29 PM)

The possible start and parks tonight are Josh Wise, David Stremme, Scott Speed, and Joe Nemechek. Michael McDowell is normally a S&P, but his team has sponsorship for this race and they will try to go the whole way for the first time this season.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:30 PM)

Since we are on today until only 3:30 here's what we're going to do..coming up next will be our crew chief notes, then our pit road analysis, our updated top-30 rankings..and then my team...At that point then we'll go to your questions...so here we go!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:31 PM)

Stewart-Haas Racing, Steve Addington, crew chief Tony Stewart...The car is pretty good and we made a lot of improvement. He was happy with the car after practice and felt really good about the balance. Tony's got a nice feel for what he needs to have balance wise so even though the temperatures aren't like wer'e going to race in but he knows what the car at least needs to feel like. We tried some stuff in the second practice that didn't work out so we went back to what he liked the best. We ran some laps like that again and made a few little tweeks and the car got better. We'll have a better car when the sun goes down. As for Newman, he's pretty happy. They got off a little in practice and they are working on a little different package than us. We feel like the 14 is a top-5 car and 39 maybe a top-10 at this point. Danica is doing a good job helping the 10 team with her feedback. She's talked to everyone on both teams and is really working on getting a handle on what she needs to know. He likes the 16,48,88,56 and feels the 14 is right there with them.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:31 PM)

Hendrick Motorsports, Steve Letarte, crew chief Dale Earnhardt, Jr...Practice yesterday was basically a waste of time, running in the middle of the day. We were just playing off some stuff to see how we wanted to start the race. We know what we need early and what we need for the night. We just have to get there. This is the same car as we had in the all-star race. It ran good and didn't have a scratch on it. We feel like every week we're at least a top-10 car. Anybody that will tell you though how they think they'll actually do tonight is lying. It's all about staying on the lead lap and going from there. The 48 is really good and so is Kasey in the 5. The 24 is not quite as happy and they made some changes to get a little better. I think when the sun goes down and the track cools whoever the leader is then it's probably all over. He likes the 48,88,29, and 55 although he cautions Martin has won practice many times before and not performed as well in the race.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:31 PM)

RCR, Slugger Labbe, crew chief Paul Menard...We have decent speed. We want to hang around the first 250 laps, stay on the lead lap, and then go from there. The chassis set-ups for all three RCR cars are much different. We all chose are own set-ups and hopefully one of us will hit on something that will help the entire organization. Our package should get better as the night goes on. We're going to start out a little more "free" with the sun out and car and track should then begin to "tighten" up. It's hard to predict what the deal is but we were surprised out car had that kind of speed with the sun out and when it goes down we should be in even beter shape. When it became apparent Johnson was going to run away with the deal in the all-star race we went into test mode. He likes the 48,55,16,17, and says he was surprised by how good the lap times were for Marcos Ambrose.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:31 PM)

RCR, Drew Blickensderfer, crew chief Jeff Burton...Practice went pretty well today and this is the best car we've had on a big track in quite some time. We're similiar to the 29 set-up but way different than the 27. Two different philosophies..We're getting better slowly on the bigger tracks, but we're not going to go from 20th to 5th in one week. We tested recently two straight weeks at Nashville and we learned a lot. It's taken awhile, though to get all those changes incorporated and we're not there totally yet. I think we're the best of the RCR cars. We were a top-7 car going by what we ran in both practices yesterday, but we don't know how that will translate to tonight. Top-15 is what we're shooting for, is what we need and is a realistic goal. He likes the 11,55 as the two guys who stood out.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:32 PM)

Wood Brothers, Len Wood, co-owner Trevor Bayne...We kept having to fight tight in practice and we're planning on being a little tight to start tonight and then will spend the night undoing it. We're a longer race team. We're better for 500-600 mile race as opposed to 90 lap race last wek. We had a good car last October and could have run top-10 if we didn't have a fueling problem. We were better in the race that night than we were in practice and hopefully that's the case again. We were probably a seventh place car that night until we had that issue. I think we can be close to that again and would be mad if we didn't run top-15.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:32 PM)

Richard Petty Motorsports, Mike Ford, crew chief Aric Almirola...We felt like the car was close in race trim. We're trying to get a read on what we need and thought we ended pretty close to that. Our mission is to put a complete race together. We have to do all the little things right. We need to get on and off pit road better and if we do all the small things right we should have a pretty good finish. We feel strong about that, but we need to execute. We need to get over that hump. Aric hasn't run a lot of these tracks in a Cup car so we are having to work on little things. As an example, we spent some time in the second practice yesterday just having him come on and off pit road. We've got good equipment and good people, but we just need to put it all together. If we can come out of this race with a solid night, keep out of trouble a top-10 is achievable..but, again, we need to do all the small things right. They guys out front aren't usually the ones out front at the end. The track will change around 8-8:30 and if we're running well then we should be in good shape.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:32 PM)

Richard Petty Motorsports, Todd Parrott, Crew Chief Marcos Ambrose....Todd saus they feel good about their car...it has had good speed since they unloaded. Theyve been a little on the tight side but overall the balance has been good. The challenge will be to keep up with the changing track conditions so Todd will rely on some of his notes from the Charlotte race last fall. Todd feels like the 9-car is a top-10 car.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:32 PM)

Roush Fenway Motorsports, Craig Puccia, crew chief Greg Biffle...Practicing yesterday when the track temp was 140 didn't really help. We, though, have got a good notebook on the track and our cars in the past. Unfortunately, we didn't get to test as long as we wanted to because we blew up so early in the all-star race. We concentrated on tonight's race in the first practice yesterday. In the second one, we were testing for hot slick conditions we may face downt he road at a few of the tracks. In that first practice, we put what we thought we were going to race into the car, got Greg comfortable and then made a few tweeks. We come to the race track thinking we're a top-5 car ever week. When sun goes down the temperatures will stay about the same so we think the track will stay consistent so our changes will be small. The 17 and the 99 have to fight poor track position. Both have good cars and have to get there and then they can run behind us..lol...He likes the 48,11, and the 18.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:32 PM)

Roush-Fenway Racing, Jimmy Fennig, Crew Chief Matt Kenseth...Jimmy says he doesnt know how good or bad the 17-car will be because the track was so slick during practice they couldnt get a good read on their car. They learned a little from the All-Star race...but overall Jimmy thinks theyll be okay.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:32 PM)

Michael Waltrip Racing, Rodney Childers, Crew Chief Mark Martin....Rodney says the car has very good speed and drives easy...much different than theyre All-Star car. Theyve made virtually no changes to the chassis since they unloaded Thursday. Mark says its the best car he has had this season. The easier he drives the faster it goes. They have a top-5 to a winning car. As for their teammates...the 56 of Martin Truex Jr has been up and down. Their speed has been good, but not outstanding. In qualifying the splitter hit the track...they start 15th. When they made adjustments to get the splitter off the track, the car got loose. They were not very happy in practice but they feel like they may have gotten a set of tires that didnt agree with the car. Overall, Truex doesn have a top-10 car. As for the 15 of Clint Bowyer...overall theyre not too bad but Clint has never liked Charlotte Motor Speedway. Clint is about as happy as he can be here at Charlotte. Overall, Bowyer does have a top-10 car. Rodneys favorites are the 48, 11, 55, 16, 17 and 99

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:33 PM)

JTG-Daugherty Racing, Todd Berrier, Crew Chief Bobby Labonte...Todd had very little to say today as it doesnt appear the 47 is very good, at least at the start of the race. Todd said he had no idea how good or bad the car is. The only thing he would say is that if they can stay on the lead lap they will be estatic.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:33 PM)

Phoenix Racing, Nick Harrison, Crew Chief Kurt Busch...Even though theyre starting 42nd because Kurt got loose and crashed in qualifying, Nick is very optimistic about their chances in their back-up car. Kurt says the comfort level is good...they are making some last minute chassis changes as theyve built adjustibility in the car for tonight. They have good speed and are using almost the same package as in the All-Star Race. Nick believes Kirt can drive up to 25th and then it will get a bit tougher but he believes they have a top-10 car.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:33 PM)

Penske Racing, Todd Gordon, Crew Chief AJ Allmendinger...Todd says theyre alright...very close to last weekends car when they passed a lot of good cars in every All-Star Race segement. They have good speed. The car was loose in qualifying. A top-5 is possible if they manage the race properly. As for teammate Brad Keselowski...they are happy with the 2-car. The lap times dont show how good they can be as Brad goes more by feel than lap times and Brad has a good feel for his Cup car. Gordon thinks the 22 is faster than the 2 but Keselowski does have a top-5 car. His favorites are the 48, 18, 11, 17 and 55 who he says has a lot of speed.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:33 PM)

Joe Gibbs Racing, Dave Rogers, Crew Chief for Kyle Busch...Dave thinks the 18 is okay. He says there are certainly cars faster, but they have good speed and the balance is decent. Kyle has a good comfort level. This is a different car than their All-Star car which is good because this one he doesnt have to drive as hard to get a good lap. The 18 is a top-10 car going into the race. As for their teammates...Denny Hamlin is very happy with his car....its very fast and he has a good comfort level. Hamlin has a top-5 to a winning car. Joey Logano seems happy with his car as well. Speed-wise the 20 is not as fast as the 11 and just a tick off from the 18. Overall, Logano has a top-10 car. Rogers favorites are the 11, 55, 48...he said the 27 showed strong speed in P-2. And, the 18 is close to a top-5 car speed-wise.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:33 PM)

Furniture Row Racing, Pete Rondeau, Crew Chief Regan Smith...Pete says the 78 is just okay. Theyre using notes from the All-Star Race. He expects long green flag runs and starting 10th is a good thing. The balance is okay...this is a brand new car. It appears the 78 is a top-20 car going into the race.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:34 PM)

Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Chris Heroy, Crew Chief for Juan Pablo Montoya...Chris says they were flighting a tight condition and theyve made lots of changes to the 42-car this weekend. He feels like the changes theyve made today are in the right direction. They did learn some from the All-Star Race. This is theyre Kansas car which ran well and they finshed 12th and led 4 laps. Overall, Chris says they have 15th place car going into the race. Teammate Jamie McMurray is happier with his car. The 1-car has been loose in practice but Jamie is usually good at Charlotte so theyre not worried about him. Going in, McMurray has a 10th to 15th place car.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:34 PM)

Charlotte's pit road is pretty good size, but we saw some issues yesterday with guys getting blocked in. So, let's take a look at who's pitting where for the Coke 600.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:34 PM)

Pit Road...Segment 1... With his first career pole position Aric Almirola has earned the preferred first pit stall and right behind him in pit two is 21st qualifier Tony Stewart. A.J. Allmendinger is in pit three after qualifying 11th. It could get a little tight there. Allmendinger gets a break with Travis Kvapil behind him in stall four. He'll get lapped early and open up things for the 'Dinger. That will also help his teammate Brad Keselowski in stall five. Right behind him in number six Ryan Newman, who qualified 16th. In pit stall seven is Juan Pablo Montoya, the 29th qualifier with Martin Truex, Jr., who qualified 15th in stall eight. Those three cars will have to be careful around each other. Truex gets a break with T.J. Bell behind him in stall nine. He'll get lapped quickly so Truex will have clean in and the man in stall ten, Jeff Gordon, will get a clean out because of Bell. It's surprising Gordon got such a great pit after qualifying 23rd. To make things even better, he's got the start and park of Joe Nemecheck behind him in stall 11.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:34 PM)

Pit Road...Segment 2... Nemechek's position on pit road also helps Kyle Busch in stall 12 and the fact another start and park, Josh Wise, is behind him in stall 13 puts Busch in super shape. So is fourth place qualifier Greg Biffle in stall 14. He's got wise in front of him and behind him is the first pit road opening. On the other side of the opening is outside pole sitter Marcos Ambrose and right behind him in stall 16 is David Ragan, who will likely get lapped pretty quickly so Ambrose is in great condition. Jeff Burton qualified 22nd and is in pit stall 17 right behind Ragan. Burton should stay on lead lap so Ragan situation will give him an easier exit. In stall 18 is Kurt Busch in his back-up car with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in stall 19. Those three drivers will have to take care not to get tangled up. Helping Junior is the fact, the start and park of Scott Speed is behind him in stall 20.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:34 PM)

Pit Road...Segment 3... Speed is also helpful to Denny Hamlin who qualified eighth and is in stall 21. He's got Speed in front and in back the second pit road opening. On the other side in pit stall 22 is third place qualifier Jimmy Johnson. In also have a clean in all day with Danica Patrick behind him in stall 23. She'll get lapped early and that puts Johnson in great shape. Trevor Bayne qualified 13th and is in stall 24. With Patrick in front of him he'll get a good "out" all day and might have a good in if if can stay on the lead lap and Jamie McMurray, in stall 25, can't. Regan Smith is in stall 26 and right behind him is Michael McDowell, who again is trying to go the whole way today and will not be a start and park. Joey Logano is in stall 28 and feel that could end of being a little bit of a hornet's nest today. David Gilliland, who will get lapped fairly early, is in back of Logano in stall 29 and so Logano will have an easy in and be able to pit shallow in his box to try to help exit. Bobby Labonte is in pit stall 30.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:34 PM)

Pit Road...Segment 4... Landon Cassill, who surprised with an 18th place qualifying effort is in stall 31 and right behind him is Carl Edwards in number 32 pit and Paul Menard in the 33rd pit stall. That situation could get a little dicey. What helps Menard is the fact Stephen Leicht is behind him in stall 34. He's another guy who will get lapped early and that opens things up a little for Menard. That will also help Kasey Kahne in stall 35, who has Leicht in front and the third pit road opening to his back. On the other side of the opening is fifth place qualifier Clint Bowyer. He's got Casey Mears behind him in stall 38. In stall 38 is Cole Whitt. He'll get lapped and that will help Kevin Harvick in stall 39, who also got the start and park of David Stremme behind him in stall 40. Matt Kenseth is in stall 41 with Stremme in front and Davey Blaney in back he should be in great shape too. After qualifying sixth, Mark Martin took the last pit stall, number 43.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:35 PM)

Having the best pit stalls tonight in my opinion are ..... Aric Almirola, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Greg Biffle, Marcos Ambrose, Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin, JImmie Johnson, Trevor Bayne, Joey Logano, Kasey Kahne, Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, and Mark Martin.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:35 PM)

Race Day top-30 Rankings.......1.Jimmie Johnson2.Denny Hamlin3.Greg Biffle4.Matt Kenseth5.Kyle Busch6.Kasey Kahne7.Tony Stewart8.Dale Earnhardt, Jr.9.Brad Keselowski10.Mark Martin11.Carl Edwards12.Martin Truex, Jr.13.Marcos Ambrose14.Kevin Harvick15.Ryan Newman16.Joey Logano17.Clint Bowyer18.A.J. Allmendinger19.Jeff Gordon20.Paul Menard21.Aric Almirola22.Jeff Burton23.Trevor Bayne24.Kurt Busch25.Jamie McMurray26.Juan Pablo Montoya27.Regan Smith28.Bobby Labonte29.Casey Mears30.Danica Patrick

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:40 PM)

My team today is going to be the 48,11,5,55, and 9...and now we'll get to your questions.

Cal (NYC)

Can't beat this 48, 11, 14, 99, 78. What ya think?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:40 PM)

Interesting team Cal...78 worries me though.

Jim P (Mi.)

Good afternoon Guru...I could use your wisdom in making a pick....88 11 or 18....choose one please

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:41 PM)

I'd go with the 11 from that group Jim.

brian (oh)

hello Mark, who is your favorite for tonight? Johnson or Hamlin? thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:41 PM)

As you've seen Brian I have Jimmie ranked first and Hamlin second...that's how close they are.

Roscoe (Langhorne, PA)

Mark, missed qualifying but noticed the 51 made the show on points. What happened to Kurt on Thursday and should owners be worried going into the race? Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:42 PM)

Roscoe, he crashed in qualifying and never finished even one lap. He's in a back-up that was last run by Landon Cassill at Dover that makes the car a huge question mark.

Bowtie51 (MD)

What gear are the drivers in coming to the green flag? Whats the fuel milage situation...any makes getting better milage?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:43 PM)

They are usually in second gear and fuel mileage is all over the place. Roush likes to make horsepower over fuel mileage..and so do most of the others.

Mark D (Wilkes-Barre, PA)

What do you think about the 88?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:44 PM)

I think the 88 can be top-10 material tonight.

Big Daddy Racing (Easton, PA)

Howdy Guru, 9 and 51 or 21 and 11?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:44 PM)

I'm thinking the 21 and the 11.

Scott (PA)

How do you like my team Mark? 11-14-17-21-48

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:45 PM)

If Bayne finishes as well as he did at Vegas Scott it could be SHOW ME THE MONEY BABY!

Troy (Augusta WV)

Mark need a little help pick one 17,48 pick two 20,5,88,51 pick one 43,13 thanks buddy

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:45 PM)

48...5,88....and 43 Troy...that's the way I'd go.

Bob (P'cola FL)

Happy Memorial Day weekend everone. Great day for racin' fanatics. Pick one: 48,14, Pick two: 88,9,20,56, Pick one: 21,36. Also, who finishes better tonite, 2 or 9?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:47 PM)

48....88,56...21..the 9 is good, but I think 2 finishes ahead of him...The 56 over 9 pick is tight I have them ranked right next to each other that's how close it is between them. I think the 9 is faster, but 56 has been better getting good finishes at the end of races.

Michael (Cerro Gordo, NC)

Mark, Charlotte is my worst track in fantasy racing. Based upon the all star race and what you are hearing in the garage this weekend. My A drivers this week are Kenseth and Johnson. My B drivers are Truex, Martin, Allmendinger, and Ambrose. My C drivers are Almirola and Bayne. Pick one A driver, two B drivers, and one C driver. Thnak you for your hard work and information you provide to us fantasy racers.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:49 PM)

Michael I'd go with Johnson...I'd go with Martin and Truex....and Almirola I think is a little faster but Bayne has more experience here in Cup cars so I'm going with Bayne over Almirola in close call. Almirola needs to get that one complete race put together and as we saw in the crew chief notes that's the goal of new CC Mike Ford.

Jeremy (Henderson )

Mark he is the teams I came up with please tell me what you think 48,16,17,21,18 or 48,16,88,21,18 if you see any changes please let me know

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:50 PM)

They both seem pretty good Jeremy, but I think the first one is a little stronger.

Dave (Michigan)

will there ever be a chat about soccer?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:51 PM)

Sorry Dave I don't have an answer to that one..it's above my pay grade.

Andy (Cincy, OH)

Guru, with tracks like Pocono and the road courses coming, is there anyone you think who is a good value to add now? Im thinking the 11 and 14! Would the 18 be a good add for the segment with those type of tracks?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:52 PM)

I think 11 and 18 will be good for Dover and Pocono coming up. Remember Tony has had his troubles at Dover.

tom (stegar,ill)

hi-mark my? is would kyle busch be a safer pic than edwards cause if it is like darlington green-flag edwards would get laped quickly cause he is starting 28th

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:53 PM)

I also think Tom Kyle is a better pick because he's also faster and Edwards doesn't have any track position early and that could be a problem. Remember though this is a very long race so early problems don't mean the end.

Novak (Florida)

Hey! Do you think Jimmie Johnson will be able to win another championship after his first loss in a while last year?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:53 PM)

When you have that kind of talent...that kind of crew chief...that kind of car week in, week out...yes it is certainly possible.

Troy (florida)

Hey whats ur take on regan smith this segment was trying to load up on top drivers with taking him, the 2 teams im debating between r 48,17,18,56, and 78 or 48,88,99,18, and 78 which team do u like for the whole segment

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:54 PM)

I'm not a big fan today of making Smith your floor pick. Bayne, Burton, Martin I think are better picks.

shaquan mcdaniel (florence sc)

which team to play? 48, 56,5,21 or 17 39,88,13 and is addretti really comin to nascar with dodge?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:55 PM)

I'd go with the first one Shaquan.

smokefan (fl)

Hey Mark, how is 14,56,48,9, and 22? Any changes? Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:56 PM)

That team has potential...but you might want to rethink it.

Tony (Poconos, PA)

Guru, Love the chats. Need some suggestions for today. I got 48, 18, 17, 5, 21. Bayne is so cheap I almost can't pass him up but I'm left with 2.9 under the salary cap. Any ideas? Thanks brotha!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:58 PM)

Tony that's a pretty strong team...about only thing I would do is add Hamlin in the mix..he should also be good at Dover next week. Again, if 21 comes through with a top-15 you should be in really good shape.

joe (Sunrise, fl)

Hey Mark. Thinking of the upcoming races, what do you think of 48,29,18,11 & 78

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:59 PM)

Dover isn't a very good track for Harvick..not a big fan of the 29 today either or Regan Smith..I think I would rethink this one Joe.

Zipnada (St Paul MN)

First HUGE thank you to all the current and former armed services members. Between Amnrose, Logano, Kahne, and AJ how much of a gaps is there between each?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:01 PM)

Amen on the military folks Zippy...we appreciate their sacrifices and don't forget the families left behind and the sacrifices they make...I think Kahne is clearly better car in group and the other three pretty close.

Mike (Lebanon, PA)

Hey guru! How's it going? Hope you're enjoying your memorial day weekend. How does this team sound? Kenseth, Ky. Busch, Khane, Martin, and Allmendinger. I've still got some flexibility. Anyone that you'd trade someone for. I'm kind of worried about Kasey, I've had a bad luck string of picking him. But I keep picking him because I loved him racing sprints. What do you think keep him this week? Have a great holiday!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:02 PM)

Kahne has been coming on lately Mike so I don't think he's the guy to worry about. Allmendinger has been fast, but the finishes have been so-so..

Chuck (TX)

Guru which combo does better 88, 9 or 2, 55?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:04 PM)

close call but on paper it's the 2 and 55...but it's tight and I'm not jumping up and down with confidence on that one.

Dave (Motown)

Guru which team do you think will score more points today? 48-18-5-55-9 (more balanced team) or dare to be great with 48-88-16-17-21

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:05 PM)

I like the first team a little bit better Dave.

Scott (Titusville,Fl)

Good afternoon Guru, do you think the 22 and 20 will be good enough to save allocations for the 88 and 5? Also 17 or 18 thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:06 PM)

22 and 20 on paper are not a wash with the 88 and the 5...I have Kenseth ranked fourth and Busch fifth so really can't go wrong there Scott.

fast eddie (hewitt, mn)

I've got 48,17...88,56,16,5...43 and 21...but Kahne and Bayne didn't look very fast in any practice, should I leave them on my bench???

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:07 PM)

I think you're okay Fast Eddie.

Marco (CT.)

Greetings , Great Guru. I could use your advice on my Yahoo lineup. In A group I have 48 and 2, in B group I have 5, 9, 22, 56 and in C group 21 and 13. As always , thanks for the great insight you give every week.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:08 PM)

Marco I'd go with the 48....5,56..and 21 and you're welcome!

Joe (St.Louis)

Hi Mark, I seem to have trouble picking the right B guys to start in Yahoo, and there's only two weeks to go in their first segment. The top guns are Biffle, Kahne, Truex Jr, and Junior. I only want to start them once more in this segment, so which two would you start today, and which two should I then save for Dover? Thanks!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:08 PM)

I'd go Biffle and Kahne today Joe.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

What NASCAR Race was so hot that the fans had to go to the Emergency Room for either Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:10 PM)

There's been more than one Chris...but I'll never forget a race at Darlington more than one driver was carried out of his car and there was 40 something Bobby Allison wearing them out to win..That day they had to cut a hole in Bobby's roof during a pitstop just to get him a little cooler air...So hot that day sweat rolled down your back if you were just standing still.

tyler (pflugerville)

Tough call guru..17, 18, or 2?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:10 PM)

Tyler I have them ranked 17,18 and 2.

big daddy with the caddy (texas)

Having a hard time deciding between kyle busch, kenseth, keslowski, and carl edwards. Need two how do you rate these guys?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:11 PM)

I'd go with Busch and Kenseth Big Daddy with a Caddy!

aimee (ducktown)

Need 1...harvick, edwards, stewart or truex?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:11 PM)

Aimee I'd go with Tony.

Scott (NJ)

Hey Mark, please pick one from 17 or 48, two from 5 , 16, 22 and 88, and one from 21 or 43. Thanks for your help as always!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:12 PM)

48....5,16...and 21 Scott..good-luck.

nascar fan (fl)

Hi Mark, First I want to ask you if you're watching any of the Indy 500? And now I would like to know what you think of my team? 24 29 18 5 55

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:13 PM)

Yes, it's on screen here in media center..So I get to look up every once in awhile...As far as your team all I can say you're "daring to be great" baby.

KARL (COLUMBIA)

18 OR 99? SAME TWO FOR DOVER? THANKS!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:13 PM)

18 Karl.

BB (Salisbury NC)

Good afternoon Mr Guru. pick one 48-11-5-20-22 or 22-24-5-18-48 or 29-18-5-56-22 or 11-99-56-5-22 or 11-18-56-5-22 thanks for all the help everyweek. And i am open to taking pointer :)

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:16 PM)

Okay BB..here we go...It comes down to fifth team for me..

Mike (Utah)

Did I miss your top 25?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:16 PM)

Had it early but here is again..top-30...1.Jimmie Johnson2.Denny Hamlin3.Greg Biffle4.Matt Kenseth5.Kyle Busch6.Kasey Kahne7.Tony Stewart8.Dale Earnhardt, Jr.9.Brad Keselowski10.Mark Martin11.Carl Edwards12.Martin Truex, Jr.13.Marcos Ambrose14.Kevin Harvick15.Ryan Newman16.Joey Logano17.Clint Bowyer18.A.J. Allmendinger19.Jeff Gordon20.Paul Menard21.Aric Almirola22.Jeff Burton23.Trevor Bayne24.Kurt Busch25.Jamie McMurray26.Juan Pablo Montoya27.Regan Smith28.Bobby Labonte29.Casey Mears30.Danica Patrick

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:18 PM)

Wow...what a finish at Indy!..Franchitti wins for a third time.

robert (wyo)

how is the 18 today? is he happy with his car?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:19 PM)

I think they are in pretty good shape Robert.

Richard (California)

GURU, Just wanted to thank all of those serving and the veterans who have served to preserve the freedoms we share as Americans. Thanks as always GURU

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:19 PM)

DITTO...DITTO...DITTO to our veterans and those serving today.

lisa (Mississippi)

How's this team guru, 17,48,18,55,42???

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:20 PM)

Lisa you had me all the way up to the 42..might want to rethink that.

gillum (sidney)

help!!! i cant even pick a team. everytime i choose a driver he replaces the first driver i picked and i cant even fill a team.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:22 PM)

I don't understand Gillum..Just hit add beside each name...pick five under 100 and hit save..hope that works my friend...make sure when you click add it takes and you'll know that because drivers face will show up in the box.

Fred (Georgia)

Which team is better 29 99 24 2 or 17 14 88 5.Thanks as always.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:22 PM)

I'd go with the second team Fred.

kathleen (brooklyn,mi[home of mis])

hi-mark which team is a better keeper team 17-48-18-5-78 or-17-14-11-18-78 /thank-you

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:23 PM)

I like the first team a little better Kathleen but worry about the 78.

Cheryl (Nashville)

Almighty guru! Please lend me some advice. Need to pick 1 from 48 & 17. need to pick 2 from 5, 56, 20, 88. And finally pick 1 from 43 or 21. As always, thanks so much!!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:24 PM)

48....5,88...21..that's what I have for you Cheryl.

Adam (Indy)

Thinking more long term with values reset....11-18-5-2-22. What do you think?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:25 PM)

Daring to be great Adam ...good-luck...no bow-wows but I worry about 22 finishing as well as he's going to run inside the race.

Jill (OH)

Hi Mark. What do you think of this lineup:88,48,5,55,& 22? Any changes? Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:26 PM)

Not bad Jill ..good-luck.

Howard (Wisconsin)

Need to pick one of these: 2, 5, 14, 29, 88. I know Kahne's past success at Charlotte, but that 2 car intrigues me.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:26 PM)

I'd stick with Kahne Howard.

Ray Miller (Lenexa KS)

high hopes for 9 and 22. If they fail to shine today, they are doubtful top 15 Material. Toss 20 into the mix.

Nurse Helga (AllanTown Mental Ward)

Hey Mark been long time, we had to send Allan up state, now that it is quite around here I thought I would put a team together, out of these 4 pick 2- 16, 88,5,56.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:28 PM)

Look who finally came back to the chat folks...now if Alan in Pa would just come back we could get those two back together...16 and 5 Helga..and don't forget to keep that special thermometer in the freezer..lol

24fan (fl)

How is the 24 tonight?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:29 PM)

No way to tell how the 24 is going to run...they are not super happy..He's always capable of big things but it seems it's only big trouble he's been able to find this year.

Dave (Chicago)

Mark,I have 17, 18 in A group, 5, 9, 20, 22 in B group. I was going to start 18, 9 and 22 to save Kahne for later (6 starts left)... would I be better off with 17 and 5 or 20?Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

17...5,9...is the way I'd go..but you could do what you want to do...and not get hurt too bad.

Fred (Georgia)

Thanks for your time and hard work.Use your tips every week .Like my wife your always right...

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:33 PM)

Wow...thanks for the major compliment...I've got to go on the air with PRN here in just a little while so I'm going to end the chat today on that note...I hope I've been able to help and wish all of you the best of luck as we open up segment two of the ESPN SCC...Have a great holiday...and again many, many thanks to our veterans and our current military..and their families...and most of all to the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice..We will never be able to thank you enough! Sad to say but must "The Guru has left the building!"

DW (Lexington, Ky)

@Gillum:Saw your post and want to say that I've had that same problem in the past weeks. Finaly I hit the undo button, logged out and back in and that fixed the problem. Hope that helps. Thanks Mark for letting me post that.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:34 PM)

Wanted to help Gillum if I could...have a great day and night everyone!