Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:29 PM)

It's going to be sunny and in the 80s when the race in Darlington gets underway tonight, but it could get a little cloudy around 9:00 eastern and then there's about a 30-50% chance we might get hit by a scattered thunderstorm. A happy Mother's Day weekend toall the moms out there...and with the mother of all fantasy racing chat sessions set to go let's get this partaaaayyyy started!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

Going to the back in the Bojangles Southern 500 is only Bobby Labonte after they had to change an engine today. He gives upa 23rd starting position.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

Among the potential start and parks tonight are Joe Nemechek, Mike Bliss, Scott Speed, Michael McDowell, and Josh Wise.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

To learn more about the cars/chassis these guys will be racing this evening by going to http://www.jayski.com/news/races/2013/story/_/page/11-Darlington-2013-NASCAR-Race-Info#chassis

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

We'll now have the pit road analysis and start in with our crew chief notes.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

The pit road at Darlington is pretty tight with three openings between pits 7-8, pits 20-21, and pits 35-36. The toughest part aboutDarlington's pit road is the fact the entrance is just off the banking in turn four and comes up on drivers very quickly so getting"whoaed"down to proper speed and not spinning out is something they really have to work at. Now, let's take a look at who's pitting where tonight.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

Pit Road Segment One...Pole sitter Kurt Busch, as is the norm, took the first pit and taking the second pit right behind him is seventhplace qualifier Matt Kenseth. Tenth place qualifier Kevin Harvick took the third pit with the sure to be lapped Travis Kvapil in pit four.That will benefit 14th place qualifier Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in pit five and he's got the 27th place qualifier Regan Smith behind him install six. Third place qualifier Kyle Busch is in stall seven with the first pit road opening to his back. In stall eight is sixth placequalifier Denny Hamlin with Casey Mears in pit nine. If Mears gets lapped then Hamlin will be in excellent condition. In pit tenBrad Keselowski, who qualified 26th.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

Pit Road Segment Two...Right behind BradK is the sure to be lapped Landon Cassill in pit 11 and that will be very helpful to Greg Biffle in pit 12 after he qualified ninth. In stall 13 is the potential start and park of Michael McDowell which is good for Biffle and Carl Edwardsin back of him in stall 14 after qualifying 17th. In stall 15 after qualifying a disappointing 30th is Joey Logano with Ryan Newman, the 21stplace qualifier in stall 16 with the S&P of Josh Wise in stall 17 and that certainly helps Juan Pablo Montoya in stall 18 after he qualified12th. Even better another potential start behind with Mike Bliss in stall 19. That means Martin Truex, Jr., after qualifying fifth isin super shape with S

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:32 PM)

Pit Road Segment Three...Outside pole sitter Jimmie Johnson is in stall 21 with the pit road opening in front of him and the sure to be lappedDavid Stremme behind him in stall 22. After qualifying 18th Aric Almirola is in stall 23 with potential S&P of Scott Speed behind him in stall24. That will be helpful to Marcos Ambrose as well in stall 25 after he qualified 24th. The sure to be lapped Danica Patrick is in stall 26which could be helpful as well to 11th place qualifier Jeff Burton in stall 27. David Gilliland , after qualifing 29th, is in pit 28 withTony Stewart in pit 29 after qualifying 20th. Then in the 30th stall is David Reutimann, who's going to get lapped after qualifying 33rd.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:32 PM)

Pit Road Segment Four...The 23rd place qualifier Bobby Labonte is in stall 31 with last week's winner David Ragan in stall 32 after he qualified 31st. He'll probably get lapped and that will help Clint Bowyer in stall 33 and he gets another break with the sure to belapped Timmy Hill in back of him using pit 34. That puts Kasey Kahne in tremendous shape in stall 35 with Hill in front and the third pit road opening to his back. On the other side in stall 36 is eighth place qualifier Jeff Gordon. Behind him the sure to be lapped J.J.Yeley in stall 37 and that's helpful to Paul Menard in stall 38 and he gets the added benefit of having Joe Nemechek behind him in pit 39. That's also a good thing for Mark Martin in stall 40 he qualified 22nd. Jamie McMurray, the 25th place qualifier, is in stall 41 with the sure to get lapped Dave Blaney behind him in stall 42. Taking the final pit tonight is Dale Earnhardt, Jr. after he qualified 16th.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:32 PM)

So, in my opinion the cars with the best pit stalls tonight at Darlington are Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowksi,Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, Juan Pablo Montoya, Martin Truex, Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Aric Almirola, Marcos Ambrose, Jeff Burton, TonyStewart, Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Paul Menard,and Dale Jr.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:35 PM)

Hendrick Motorsports, Steve Letarte, crew chief Dale Earnhardt, Jr...He said the 88 is "okay" and that's its been pretty mucha trouble free weekend to this point. He said Junior's happy with the car, but he really isn't. He said it's been likeChristmas for Junior because he hasn't hit the wall because he really doesn't like this track. He said they've been average onspeed and felt like they were a tenth place car. If they finished top-10 he'd be really pleased. The 24 is the best Hendrick carand that they really weren't that great when they unloaded but they got better and better as the weekend went on. Gordon has a potential top-5 car, really good on the long run and was the best HMS long run car. The 48 has not been good in practice, buthe will be good in the race. He also thinks Jimmie has a potential top-5 car. The 5 car is top-5 potential too. He thinks Kaseyis good, but not great. Kasey runs this track well and that will be a difference maker..He ranked the HMS cars 24,5,48, and 88. His favorites the 56, 18, and 20.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:35 PM)

RCR, Slugger Labbe, crew chief Paul Menard...Slugger said their test here really helped. The track has been losing grip all weekendand they feel like they can adjust for that. The race pace will be slower than practice. Paul is comfortable with the car, it's hadgood speed and its been "predictable". Every time they've made a change it's done exactly what they thought it would do. They unloadedfast and have a potential top-10 car. Harvick seems pretty happy with his car and has decent speed with potential top-10. He said the 27 and 29 are running similiar chassis packages. The 31 doesn't know what to expect because they are pretty much a science project this weekend.Slugger's favorite is Truex.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:35 PM)

Micheal Waltrip Racing, Rodney Childers, crew chief Mark Martin...He said the car was okay with a loose condition turns 1 and two whilethey were getting through three and four pretty decent. They are not really comfortable with the track and tire combination. They foughtthe same thing last year so they would be thrilled with a top-10, but felt like they were a 15th place car going in . They've gotto use strategy to get Mark up near the front. The 56 is real happy and real fast. They've had an error free weekend and the car has beendriving really good. He's got a top-5 car. Bowyer is also running very well and has a top-10 car that might be able to be adjusted during the night into a top-5. He's been loose in one and two, but really fast in three and four. His favorites the 29, 24,56, and thoughtthe 5 wil get good.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:35 PM)

More coming in a moment.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:40 PM)

Penske Racing, Kevin Buskirk, crew chief Brad Keselowski...He says they spent both practices in race trim and made mostly long runsin practice, paying almost no attention to qualifying. He thought they made the longest runs of anyone this weekend and Brad was happy, the car was comfortable. There was no big fall off on the tires and handles good. Given how they qualified they just have to be patientand let the race come to them. Brad should be able to get up through traffic well and thinks they could run top-5. They're using a planset up by Paul Wolfe and doesn't see any major problem with the crew this weekend. The 22 of Logano..they're pretty happy. They've made afew adjustments this weekend, nothing major. The car should race good, but they have a long way to go after qualifying way back. Thecar thought has had good speed and could finish as high as seventh. He likes the 11, 5, 48, 18, and would be the 2 in that range as wellas the 99.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:41 PM)

Furniture Row Racing, Todd Berrier, crew chief Kurt Busch...They are "okay" and really didn't make any long runs during practice. Kurt seems to be happy with the speed and the balance of the car. He thinks they can hang with the front runners, but they need to be errorfree on pit road. He said they have solid top-10 car with top-5 potential. He thought the favorite was Kasey Kahne in the 5.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:43 PM)

Stewart-Haas Racing, Tony Gibson, crew chief Danica Patrick...The back up car is really good and this is an old Ryan Newman chassis Danicahas used in testing. He just told her race the track and keep it out of the wall. He thinks when she gets comfortable she'll find a rythmnand she'll be okay. He doesn't care where she finishes, she just needs to finish. She crashed the primary because they put on a new setof tires and the car was really fast and she just over drove it. She got upset at herself, but Tony said don't worry about it. As far as the 39 and 14 they've been struggling all weekend and it's been another one of those weekends where they just can't seem to get the frontend to turn on the new Gen Six car. There's something missing in their front end geometry because the cars just don't seem to work right.He said the 39 has been loose and tight, sometimes all at the same time. He said crew chief Matt Borland was pretty frustrated last night. So, there's telling what to expect from Newman. He said the 14 got a little bit better in happy hour yesterday. Addington told him theyhave some direction as to where they need to go. They have a little something to work with, but don't know what to expect. His favoritesare 20,78,5,88,18,and 24 along with the 48.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:49 PM)

Roush Fenway Racing, Scott Graves, crew chief Ricky Stenhouse, Jr....He said the car is good in race trim. It got loose at the end of practice, but overall okay. THey're making some minor changes before the race today and feel their speed is decent. This is Stenhouse'sfirst Cup race here so his focus is to learn the Cup car and the difference from the Nationwide car here. They'll work on staying onlead lap and feel pretty good about their lap times. He thought they were a tenth to 15th place car going in. The 99 is really, reallyhappy and really fast. He thought they were a top-5 car going in and should be a factor before it's all said and done. He likesthe 2 and 15.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:52 PM)

Roush Fenway Racing, Matt Pucia, crew chief Greg Biffle...It's been a challenge this weekend, but feels good about the decisions they've made and the direction they're going. Biffle got into the wall in practice and they were close to bringing out the back-up but damagewas only cosmetic. Last year won the pole and led a lot of laps and Puccia said their car this year wasn't not that far off from ayear ago. He thinks they are top-5 car and their speed is similiar to the 99. His favorites 48,5, and 56.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:01 PM)

Phoenix Racing, Nick Harrison, crew chief, Regan Smith...He thought they would qualify better than they did, but is confident in Regan'sability at this track since he won here. The car was tight in practice but they hope when the track cools off they gain some grip in thefront without giving it up in the back. The car has had decent speed on long runs and felt a top-10 is not out of the question. His favoriteis the 78.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:01 PM)

Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing Kevin Bono Manion Crew Chief Jamie McMurray. Bono is confident the 1 car can have a good day. Theyve had good speed but they missed it in qualifying or he felt they had a shot at the pole. The car is good on the long run as a only a few other cars are better. They have a solid top 10 car and they have top 5 potential. Bono points out that if they had not gotten caught up in other peoples messes they would have two straight top tens and be seventh in points instead of 15th. They have good momentum coming into this weekend. The 42 of Juan Pablo Montoya has shown solid speed as well and he too has a shot at a top 10 or better. Bono said going into Richmond the 42 was a tick better than the 1 and Juan almost won the race and Jamie was going to finish in the top 10 until those final cautions. Here at Darlington, the 1 car is a tick better than the 42 but both are solid.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:03 PM)

Joe Gibbs Racing Darien Grubb Crew Chief Denny Hamlin...Darien says the car is good and Denny is pretty happy with it. The comfort level is good as well and the 11 car has been consistent. They have a shot at a top 5. Kyle Busch has a solid top 5 to a winning car. His comfort level is not quite as good as Hamlin but theyre not concerned. Matt Kenseth is happy with his car as well and has been good off the truck. No issues for the 20 car and Kenseth could compete for the win. During his postrace Nationwide Series press conference last night Kyle Busch was very confident in his car and thought the 56 was steller. Grubb favorites are the 56 15 5 24 48 16 99 and 29.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:04 PM)

Richard Petty Motorsports Marcos Ambrose Driver of the Stanley Tools Ford. Marcos said yesterday was a very trying day and he hopes for a better race than practice. They just have not been able to find the balance that works for them. He has no idea what to expect today. As for his teammate Aric Almirola. The weekend has been average. Not great but not terrible. The 43 has not had the speed theyve shown in recent weeks. Both teams have work to do tonight to be competitive.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:05 PM)

Now, we're coming right back with race day rankings.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:14 PM)

1.Kyle Busch2.Matt Kenseth3.Jimmie Johnson4.Carl Edwards5.Martin Truex, Jr.6.Denny Hamlin7.Jeff Gordon8.Kurt Busch9.Kasey Kahne10.Greg Biffle11.Clint Bowyer12.Brad Keselowski13.Kevin Harvick14.Dale Earnhardt, Jr.15.Joey Logano16.Mark Martin17.Tony Stewart18.Ryan Newman19.Aric Almirola20.Juan Pablo Montoya21.Paul Menard22.Jamie McMurray23.Jeff Burton24.Marcos Ambrose25.Regan Smith26.Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.27.Bobby Labonte28.Danica Patrick29.Casey Mears30.David Ragan

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:14 PM)

Now, finally let's get to some questions...tighten the belts...it's hammer down!

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Will Tonight's Bojangles Southern 500 be Postponed until maybe tomorrow since I saw 50% Chance of Thunderstorms?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:15 PM)

It's a possibility..but they are scattered thunderstorms so let's keep our fingers crossed.

Joanne (PA.)

Hi, Mark. 29 or 24? 43,99 or 18,78? And whats ur thought about the 55 this weekend? Thanks for all that you do. Always enjoy the chats.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:16 PM)

I'd go with the 24 Joanne..18,78 over 43,99..55 is maybe a top-15...and you're welcome.

Mike p (Danbury ct)

Do u still see Hamlin battling for the win tonight?? How does he feel?? How is his car?? Thanks mark.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:17 PM)

I do...I think he's feeling pretty good and the cars pretty fast...all the Gibbs cars are for that matter. I dropped him down the rankings a little bit given first race back and some guys really impressed me in practice.

Gretta (Clarion, Pa.)

Hi, Mark. What is ur thoughts on the 78 car? 18 or 99? 55 or 1? 43 or 27? Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:17 PM)

I think the 78 could be a player tonight..their pit crew has to do the kind of job they did at Richmond and if they do he should spend the night up near the front. I'd go 18 over 99..55 over 1..43 over 27.

Don (Kenosha, wi)

I have 18 20 56 11 48 as my top 5, if I keep the top 4 and drop the 48 I have 18.2 to work with. I plan to take 17 (I have him ranked 12th). How would you rank 17 31 1 55 and 9?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:19 PM)

Our top-5s are similiar..17 scares me a little..raw rookie in a Cup race at this place..usually not a great combination. I think they'd be ecstatic with a top-20. I like the 55 the best in that bunch.

Gary (RI)

Hi GuruI have had Kyle Busch on my team for the last 3 weeks (not good).What is wrong with him and his team?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:20 PM)

A little bad luck and maybe a little bit too much "pressing the issue"..don't really know..but I think he rebounds big tonight.

Randy (Pa.)

Hi, Guru. What is ur thought of this team 1, 48, 24, 18, 78, 5, 15, 99? Anyone i should think about trading? Thanks for the help.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:21 PM)

Randy..McMurray's consistency or lack there of always concerns me...If he comes through for you, though, you should be in good shape.

Dru (Ind.)

Hi, Guru. Do you think Denny will make the whole race? Thoughts on the 20 and the 88? Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:22 PM)

Denny will definitely go the whole way..The 20 I think is top-5 with a chance to win...Junior could come in somewhere around tenth to 15th.

Jacob (Pa.)

Hi, Mark. Give your thoughts on the 14 car? To me can't really trust him yet hasn't showed anything so far. Trust the 42 and 78? How about the 20? Thanks for info.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:24 PM)

I think the 14 found a little something they liked in practice yesterday, but I'm like you there is just something missing there to put any real trust in Tony running top-10 or top-5. With his talent and the team's talent a big turnaround could come any week, but hasn't happened yet this year. I trust the 78 a little more than the 42, but Montoya really has something to build on after Richmond..20, again, could win it all tonight.

Brooke (Ohio)

Hi, Mark. Check this team out and let me know if i should make any changes: 78, 48, 18, 5, 11, 24, 15, 1? Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:25 PM)

Brooke it looks pretty solid on paper..the 1 is the one car that jumps out as a major question mark..but he's not a bow-wow either.

Brenda (Pa)

Hi, Guru. You think i could trust the 78 today? Pick one these 99 or 5? 29 or 11? 17 or 43? 42or 1? 22 or 27 or 31? Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:26 PM)

Yes, Brenda I think you can trust the 78 today..I'd go 99 over 5..11 over 29..43 over 17...42 over 1..22 over 27 or 31...and you're welcome.

Ryan (Darlington Raceway)

For the Fantasy Live game, who do you feel better on: 43 or 17? Reutimann or Blaney? Trying to make a couple value picks to be able to fund my expensive guys. Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:27 PM)

I'm favoring 43 over the 17 Ryan..I'd take Blaney over Reutimann.

Brian (Luthersburgh, Pa.)

Hi, Guru. Any rain in the area for tonights race? Any news from the garage? 29 or 56? 20 or 88? 99 or 5? Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:28 PM)

We have a pretty good chance for a pop up thunderstorm but it's not a certainty. 56 over 29..20 over 88..99 over 5.

Jon (Blue Ridge Summit, PA)

Hi Mark. After qualifying I'm thinking of Jimmie, Gordon, Truex, Newman, and Burton, which uses my budget exactly. Any thoughts or ideas of a way I could improve? Thanks for the help, Guru!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:29 PM)

I'd trade Newman for Kurt Busch and if you have a little extra $$ after trading Burton take the 55..if not..DTBG and go with Montoya.

Spencer (Ky.)

Hi, Guru. 11 or 29? 1, 43, 42, or 9? 27 or 55? And 31, 22, 1, 51 or 42? Thanks for help.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:30 PM)

11 over 29..42,43 and 55...22

Leon (Ind.)

Hi, Mark . What do you think of the 11 or 29? 15 or 20? You think i could put money on the 78? And how are the Fords looking for the race? Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:31 PM)

Again Leon I'm thinking 11 over 29..20 over 15..Yes, I think the 78 is real and the Fords of Edwards and Biffle should be pretty competitive.

Brig (Maryland)

Hi, Mark. Whats ur thoughts about this team 78, 48, 18, 24, 11, 15, 99, 5? Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:32 PM)

Brig, that looks pretty sporty..good-luck!

Stangman (Mustangville)

Hi, Guru. 24 or 29? Your thoughts about the 22 and 43? Not sure about the 43 tonight can he keep his streak going? Trust the 78 to not get in a wreck, he does have the best starting spot? and the 88 does he have it all for the race? Thanks for the help info.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:33 PM)

24 over the 29...22 over the 43..I trust the 78 to have a good race..and 88 will be decent but nothing to write home mom about.

Nick (Sparrows Point, MD)

Mark I'm making a comeback in my yahoo league and am looking to get another boost this week. Please pick 1 (A) 11,5 Pick 2 (B) 78,56,99,1 and Pick 1 (C) 17,51My gut says 5,78,56,17 Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:33 PM)

11 over 5..56,99...17..guts close but not exactly.

Jeff L (Atl.)

Hey Mark .......DTBG.....24,78,18,48 and 1 or 55...thanks for all you do

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:34 PM)

I'd drop the 55 in there and let her rip Jeff!

nicky (planflid il)

1 or 48 99 2 9 10or 27

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:35 PM)

Don't understand the question Nicky sorry.

alan moody (darlington,sc)

Do you think kurt will have a good run tonight similar to regan a few years back? Also i got hot passes for tonights race, first tine in the pits any suggestions for me to get the most of my experience tonight. Thanks!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:37 PM)

Againk I think Alan that Kurt is going to have a good night..When you have a good car you don't have to press so hard and that helps to keep you out of trouble. As for the hot pass experience...just keep your ears and eyes open to all the stuff that's going on...there's lots of little things going on at the same time so just soak it all in.

Cheryl (Nashville)

Hi Guru! Would appreciate your great advice this week....5 or 48? 51 or 17? and please pick 2 from 56, 16, 99. Thanks so much for your help each week!!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:37 PM)

48 over the 5 Cheryl...17 over 51..56, 99 and you're welcome!

boz (boston)

guru, im looking for a sleeper at an outside chance for a top 15-20. i can only use each driver once, i was hopin to use regan smith at his favorite track tonight. can he pull it off? thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:38 PM)

I think that pick is a reasonable one for what you're trying to accomplish.

Thomas (Texas)

Hello Guru, Who do you think is a better pick tonight between 99-18-88. I need one from these three. Thank you and good luck to ya.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:38 PM)

99,18 Thomas is the way I'd go.

SoCal Bill (DisneyLand)

Greetings Guru, I have 2 teams going in 2 leagues. A..20,24,48,78,42 any changes needed? and B...5,11,18,31 &55. what do you think? Why no love for the 42 for a #5 pick? Good practice times. Thanks as always for your input.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:41 PM)

I can live with the first team Bill..I like the 42's speed, but his lack of consistency make me always worry about JPM. On the second team, no one really knows what the 31 and their "science" project tonight.

Jj Gloor (Hicksville)

Well guru haven't been on in awhile!just wondering is Smoke gonna gonna finally break out? And just a shout out to Allen, Denny's back and he has like a 5.8 finish at the track to tough to tame! Peace out guru!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:42 PM)

If you're struggling to get your car handling this is probably not the place you'll get it dialed in so Smoke is still a major question mark...and I haven't heard from Allen in Pa for awhie...

Matt Rayman (Huxley, Iowa)

How BA is the 24 car tonight? Think he can get a win on his 700th start? Also, do u think we will get the race in tonight?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:44 PM)

I think Jeff Gordon has a fast car for tonight and him winning would not be a major upset. I think we get the race in with a little rain to dry off maybe.

Rich (Cleveland Ohio)

would you run the 42 or the 43 today if you had them both on your fantasy team

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:45 PM)

Probably not..but I'm the same guy who had four of my five picks crashed out of Talladega.

Jeremy Davis (Sweden)

Will Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart be able to turn it around today and finish well? Both of them have really good average finishes at Darlington over their careers.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:45 PM)

Given what Tony Gibson told us in the crew chief notes, that's not likely...

Chase (Minnesota)

How's the 31 car looking this weekend Mark? I know this "used" to be one of his better tracks but doesn't seem like he can get those solid finishes anymore. Do you see a top 10 tonight? Or would Harvick or Gordon be a better bet? One and done league here. Thanks for your advice each week.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:46 PM)

Gordon or Harvick would be a better bet tonight Chase in my opinion and you are welcome!

bj (Tejas)

11 or 5? 56 or 16?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:47 PM)

11 over 5 bj and then 56 over 16.

Sara (So Ill)

Hey Guru! Talladega wasn't the worst thing to ever happen to my season, but it sure came close! I was looking pretty good til that very last wreck...sigh. Plus I had Ragan on the bench ouch! Now my husband is only 28 points behind me in 2nd so I need to Dare To Be Great this week!! I have the 11/48, 16/18/56/99, 17/51. Thanks Guru!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:49 PM)

Sara so sorry that dirty scoundrel of a husband is threatening to over take you...on Mother's Day weekend no less...what a cad!..lol I'd go 48 over 11...18,99 in close call over 56..17 over 51.

Danny (Portsmouth, VA)

Mark, I need a darkhorse pick for today. Who's my best bet? Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:50 PM)

If you consider Kurt Busch a dark horse that's where I'd go..if not...DTBG..Montoya

Bill Scott (Lake Summerset, Illinois)

Hell-o, Mark, How's this look for "The Lady In Black"? CDM Fantasy Cup, 11, 48, 99, 20, 18, 5, 24 and the 43. It's the first 7 of your top 30 from Wed. with Aric. Other options for the 43 are the 31, 22, 55, 27, and 39. Any way to improve? Thanks, Bill

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:51 PM)

I'd swap the 55 for the 43 Bill, but that's me..sometimes the GURU and, like last week, sometimes the GOOBER!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:51 PM)

Hey I'm going to pick out my team right now..I'll be right back.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:56 PM)

DTBG Baby!!! The Guru is going with tonight 20,99,56,78, and 55......and now please give me a moment..."Hail Mary full of grace...."

kyle (foxwoods)

99 or 48 ? carl was in the tire test in febuary and has a better average last two races, and a better finish at auto club speedway this year, 48 has a great starting spot

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:58 PM)

You can make that arguement Kyle and its not a bad one..but usually when the 48 qualifies that well watch out.

Trent (Provo, UT)

5 or 24? 16 or 99?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:58 PM)

24 over 5..99 over 16.

Alan (Pa)

tonight is the one night that I will root for Denny. While he is a total bum, logano drove wreckless that day, and almost took out my boy smoke. Someday, the golden boy got only one week worth of bad pub. I'm still steamed at logano and may switch my chat hatred to him. So for one night only, go Denny! Please finish ahead of logano. As for logano, Joey Sucks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:59 PM)

Hey everybody...look who's back...it's great to have your "sunny" disposition back in the chat!...Now Nurse Helga will you please get us one of the purple pills and Alan's special thermometer out of the freezer please.

ghost (williamsburg)

the 88 showed good one lap speed and had a strong 10 lap average in the first practice..what gives?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:00 PM)

If his crew chief doesn't trust the car how in the world can I? Not to mention, Dale Jr's record at the place not all that good.

Stevie2times (Las Vegas Nv.)

Carl Edwards or The Biff?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:01 PM)

I'm going with Edwards.

Gray Hairs (Atlanta)

Pick two..... Kyle Busch, Edwards, Biffle or Truex jr. Pick one....Reagan Smith or Ricky Stenhouse. Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:01 PM)

Kyle and Edwards...Stenhouse over Regan.

Frank Travers (Hertford, North Carolina)

Better Finishers 2, 56, 78 and 51 or 24, 39, 18 and 34

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:02 PM)

Frank I'd go with the first four.

billy (beantown)

afternoon mighty guru, need a sleeper today, can bobby labonte pull off a top 20 today?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:02 PM)

I think any chance of that went out the window when they had to change engines and start in the back.

Daniel (Madison, Ms)

Hey Guru got lucky last week with 48,88,15,20,55 to put up a solid 171.. Need some help this week. Who do you like better 51 or 31...I am keeping 48,20 and I can use 88,24,51 or 99,56,51, or 24,29,55... What are your thoughts

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:03 PM)

I like the 31 more than the 51 this week Daniel..and I'd go with 24,29, and 55.

Randy (Angola, IN)

Oh Great One, I am glad this session is over! Took a beating, and am a bloody mess. Last week and nothing to lose, so I am going with "daring to be" DIFFERENT. 15-17-20-56-78. May as well go down in flames.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:05 PM)

Good-luck Randy...I, like you, can't wait for the first segment to end..as they used to say where I came from up north I've been "wicked" bad.

jana (spartanburg, sc)

Hey Guru, I hope your mom and wife have a good mother's day! who can beat kyle busch this week?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:07 PM)

Maybe no one...and I hope you have a great Mothe's Day too...I'll be buying lunch then power washing the pool area and mowing the lawn prepping for my daughter's high school graduation...and the party I just found out I'm hosting afterwards...DTBG for that too right?...lol

Racin8de (Rhode Island)

Hello Guru, Thanks for all your help with the fantasy league .Tell me what you think of my lineup: 20, 48, 99, 11 & 78

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:07 PM)

I think that team has some real po-tential!

Dan W (NY)

Knowing how well Ryan Newman has fared here in the past, does he warrant a pick here or should I stay away because of his recent struggles? I have Martin Truex in my hip pocket to use if needed.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:07 PM)

I'd definitely go with Truex Dan..Newman is a major question mark tonight.

Brian (NY)

Please pick 2 of these: 78,56,39,43.....thanks Mark.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:08 PM)

78,56

Patrick Olsen (Warwick, Rhode Island)

Hello Guru, First off Thanks for all the assistance with helping choose the right drivers each week, Mark do you think Hamlin will run good like a top 10 since coming back to attempt to pilot the 11 car? And to all the mothers out there. Happy Mothers day to you all ..

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:08 PM)

Patrick, I definitely see Hamlin running top-10 and maybe a little better than that...and ditto on the Mother's Day shout out!

Jimmy Johnson (Darlington)

What do you think of 48,24,56,29,27

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:09 PM)

As always Jimmie you are "daring to be great"..rolling with the 27..he's fast, but can he finish as high up as he'll get during the race?

casper (dc)

Good afternoon great Guru.. Watching practice yesterday, in race trim the 88 looked strong, and the 10 lap average proves that. Is Steve Letarte known to be a sandbagger, downplaying their potential tonight?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:11 PM)

I don't think so Casper..just look at Junior's record...nothing to get too excited about or sandbag...He finished 17th at Darlington last year, and has finished no better than 14th in his last four races here (DAR best 4th, twice, most recent 2008; DAR career average 15.3).

Mike (Mooresville)

I need 5 out of these, 11, 18, 20, 24, 48, 78, 99. Am I missing anyone ?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:12 PM)

18,20,48,99,and 11.

John Middlebrook (NASCAR)

Auto Update is off

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:13 PM)

uh-oh..I'll make an appeal.

Randy (Burlington, VT)

Hey Guru! Seems like the 5 is mentioned a lot more by the crew chiefs than the 11. You really like the 11 more here? Can you give me some quick reasoning for 11 over 5 tonight? THANKS!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:18 PM)

Hamlin has won at Darlington and tenth or better in six of his seven starts with career average finish of 5.9. A year ago Kahne was eigth but has four finishes of 20th or worse in last six with average finish of 13.9...and those in the famous words of the world renowned philosopher Si Robertson "are the facts Jack!"

Scott (NJ)

Hey Mark, need one from 11 or 20, two from 16 , 39 , 56 and 99, and one from 17 or 51. Thanks as always for all your help.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:18 PM)

I'd go 20 over 11...56,99..17 Scott and good-luck!

Matt (VA)

Guru, should I take the 48 or 56?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:19 PM)

56 is good, but tough to take him over Johnson starting second and the man who won a year ago.

Jo (VA)

Hi Guru, any reason for ranking 5 at the bottom of top 10? I thought he will be top 5 car based on your cc notes. Am I missing something? thanks.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:20 PM)

Jo he's got a good car and the potential to run top-5, but this hasn't always been his best track and I'm just not sure he's as good as the hype as well.

Scott (PA)

What do you think for a floor pick?31 with good practice speeds in the "science experiment" or going 42, 17, 51???

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:20 PM)

Scott...come on man..last race in segment one of the ESPN SCC..DTBG...go 42!

rhino (Syracuse)

99 or 2, 20 or 48, 29 or 88...thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:21 PM)

99 over 2...20 over 48..29 over 88.

Debbie (chicago)

Hi guru! Happy race day!! I need a top 5 car... Would you go with 18, 5, or 24 to win it? Thanks for the help!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:22 PM)

I'm thinking 18 Debbie...call me crazy or just that I dare to be great...or dare to be goober-ish!

Jay (VT)

Hi Mark, I've got the 18, 20, 11 and 56...Help me decide between the 42 and 31. Thanks

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:22 PM)

Okay then..42

Ward Burton (VA)

Guru. What u think about my brother tonight I see in your notes they say he is a science project. Think he will be better than the drivers around his points like the 51 and 42 thanks. And don't worry if u say bad things bout Jeff I wont say a word :)

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:24 PM)

Ward, not quite sure what to think buddy..would love for the science project to work out..but going in I like 31 better than 51, but not as much as the 42...and your brother knows how I am...I shoot from the hip and the lip..lol

Mike Skinner (Parts unknown :))

48-20-18-56 and thinking bout the 51. Trying to make a few dollars at work so need some help. Thanks Mr Guru

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:26 PM)

Again...break out of the box Mike...breathe the air of liberation...of freedom...of greatness..go with the 42 over 51...same price so pick it and may you eat the bear instead of the other way around..lol

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Besides Danica Patrick, What Other Women has Raced in a Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:26 PM)

Janet Gurthrie and Shauna Robinson

Oldfart (The Couch)

Mr Guru do you think Hamlin, Edwards, Biffle, Truex, and Kurt is too far out on a limb or on solid ground?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:28 PM)

Question...how do you become a Newfart? and I think there's something in the air when it comes to you.....and its not solid...lol...take that team and run.

Denver (Fresno, CA)

Looking for a low $ car for NASCAR Fantasy Live (to get four good drivers). Is Timmy Hill running the whole race? Starting way back and due to attrition could finish in the 30's.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:29 PM)

He'll run the whole race, but won't finish any higher than 33rd or so...Landon Cassill will out run him so will Kvapil and Reutimann...and Blaney.

Billy Joe Jim Bob (Pilot Mountain)

I'm only a few points out of the money for the 1st segment and need a solid week. Which way looks better Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, Hamlin, Edwards and Martin or go with the The Buschs and Hamlin switching in Truex and Montoya?It sounds like grip is a major factor and I think Truex and Montoya might be a little better in that area. What is your take?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:30 PM)

Go for it Billy Joe Jim Bob...go with the second team...DTBG...and win or lose you'll never forget it!

Mike (NY)

Hey Guru, I'm rolling out 4 big guns this week and have 17.5 left over who should I grab?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:31 PM)

go with the 42 Mike and see what happens.

Kenneth Flye (Rocky Mount, NC )

Hey Guru, 56 or 43, 16 or 29. 11 or 88, 78 or 24

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:31 PM)

56 over 43..16 over 29...11 over 88..24 over 78

David (NC)

got the 48-20-56 cant deicde if I want to take the 18 and the 51 or 11 and 31 thanks for the help eveyweek Guru

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:32 PM)

I'd go 11-42.

John Roberts (trackside)

says..." back to the circus they call NASCAR" LOL!

Efre (Kansas city)

Use and lose! Save Gordon for California? Kurt looks like he has speed this week.....Hamlin gonna be rusty?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:34 PM)

It wouldn't be a big risk to go with Kurt this week..but Hamlin won't be as rusty as you think!

DirttrackBilly (Dallas)

Your opinion here - 55, 48, 18, 24, 20?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:34 PM)

Looks pretty good to me.

mckenzie (tacoma,wa)

hey mark. jeff burton or regan smith. jeff gordon or martin truex jr. thanks.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:35 PM)

Burton over Smith...56 over 24

candace (Colorado)

11 or 99

Ward Burton (VA)

48-20-18-56-51 or 48-20-11-56-31 thanks Jeff got me scared with his science project

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:36 PM)

99...for answer before...and for Ward..team 2 seems best to me.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (5:37 PM)

Wow..just looked...just passed the two hour mark...So that's going to do it for our Darlington race day chat. So glad you joined us and, as always, I hope I've helped pick a good teamfor tonight's race and have some fun too. We get a week off from points racing with the Sprint All-Star race this coming weekend sowe won't have our normal Wednesday chat. We'll pick that up the following Wednesday so please join us then. Also pick me up onTwitter at @GuruGarrow and that would be much appreciated...Have a great night and, again, to all the moms out there Happy Mother's Day.Sad to say but must "The Guru has left the building!"