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Mark Garrow

  (2:59 PM)

Good afternoon everyone...Let's get the partaaayyy started!

Brookings, Oregon

Hi Mark, I need a good score this week at Darlington. My son and I are in the same league and he's about to pass me and we can't let that happen. Which team do I use: 24,18,39,00,47 or 11,14,5,2,00. Thanks for your help, Jimmy the Juice

Mark Garrow

  (3:01 PM)

The first team intrigues me...but on balance I think the second team will score better...fewer question marks than the first team..

jeff (springdale, ar)

Mark,First time on the Wednesday chat. Had a pretty rough Richmond race. If I can have a big Darlinton I can move into first in my league. What do you think of this team going into Darlington? Hamlin, Kenseth, Ku Busch, Martin, Newman? Jeff Gordon or Kyle Busch seems like a must have for your roster, but to grab one I have to go pretty low and dump Newman...who would be your floor guy going in without crew chief notes?

Mark Garrow

  (3:05 PM)

Jeff, that's the same problem I have with my team this week...really want to pick up Gordon, but if I do I'm going to have to gamble big with one of the lower value drivers at a track that just eats rookies and drivers with less experience...On balance your team feels pretty good to me. I really don't see any major red flags...My floor guy right now is Truex, but last week was classic example of what's happened to him all year..He runs up front...leads 22 laps and finishes ....22nd...Reutimann will get some consideration..maybe Ambrose..or I may move a little higher to Vickers.

Dom (Pittsburgh, PA)

mark the "guru" I missed your chat and did terrible last week and need to make up alot of ground. I dropped 75,000 spots on yahoo OUCH!!!! please tell me who i should have on my team to get a good score this week. thanks!!!!

Mark Garrow

  (3:06 PM)

Dom...don't know if this will help..but here is the top 20 from my pre-race rankings.........1. Jeff Gordon2. Kyle Busch3. Denny Hamlin4. Mark Martin5. Kurt Busch6. Tony Stewart7. Greg Biffle8. Jimmie Johnson9. Matt Kenseth 10.Carl Edwards11.Dale Earnhardt, Jr.12.Jeff Burton13.Clint Bowyer14.David Ragan15.Ryan Newman16.Juan Pablo Montoya17.Brian Vickers18.Kevin Harvick19.Jamie McMurray20.David Reutimann

Mopar Maniac, Warren, PA

Guru thanks again for all the time you spend with us junkies. Really looking like DEI/Ganassi may be on to something. I heard Truex is in new cars comparable to Montoya now and he was looking good at Richmond until an incident late in the race. How do you feel about putting Truex and Montoya on the team this week?

Mark Garrow

  (3:08 PM)

Thanks for the props...I feel a lot better about Truex than I do Montoya at Darlington, the more I think about it. Truex has been 14th, 11th, and 14th last three at Darlington..Montoya was 23rd last year..I don't think JPM hard charging style marries up very well with Darlington..

Big Chuck ( NY, NY )

Hello Mark hope your having a great day. I've been going down in flames the last few weeks. Been hanging around here getting the advice but not really hitting my stride. I really need help to get back into game. Looking forward to your TOP drivers list, please make it a good one !

Mark Garrow

  (3:09 PM)

Hope you're having a great day too..hope my top-20 will help....going to swap out though Montoya and put Truex in his spot.

Kevin (Russell PA)

Guru is Newman for real or was it the short tracks that stepped up his performance? He struggled early on the big tracks and I'm a little nervous this week to use him at Darlington? Maybe McMurray would be a better choice for me until this shakes out. What do you think?

Mark Garrow

  (3:11 PM)

Newman is going to be a tough one this week because tire management is part of the Darlington deal and that's never been a strong suit. However, Newman is driving the Nationwide Series race too and that will be a big help....getting him in rythymn and getting track figured out. I'm like you I have questions going in about Newman, but this team is for real...how real? I think we find out Saturday night because teammate Tony is going to be up near the front...McMurray's been basically a top-15 car at Darlington last two years so I don't have mad love for him.

Billy Bob (Concord, NH)

All knowing Guru, I am trying to stay away from the 2, 11, and 14 given the limited number of allotments, and need to select four out of these five -- 39, 26, 9, 1, and 88. Should anyone else be on my radar? Many thanks.

Mark Garrow

  (3:14 PM)

I think someone else who should be on your rador is Greg Biffle and maybe Matt Kenseth..possibly their teammate David Ragan...as for picking out four from that group..I'd go with 88,1,39, and 26...

Jason:Andalusia, Alabama

Hey Mark: For my SCC game which team do you like more; 1)18,14,5,39,96; 2) 99,14,5,39,47 or 3) 14,88,5,39,1; i am worried about picking earnhardt jr. anymore till he shows that he can finish good; he just doesn't seem to be able to drive the new car.

Mark Garrow

  (3:16 PM)

Team three could all run top-10...so it comes to them or team number one..with 18 having a chance to win..14 and 5 possible top-5...39 possible top-10...and Bobby possible top-20...It's a tough call...team three isn't has sexy but that's probably the way I'd go.

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Mark: I am sending these questions in on Tuesday afternoon since there is a good chance I?ll be fishing up at Cherokee tomorrow (everything depends on the weather outlook tomorrow morning at 5:00am). Last week?s 771 rebound was a pleasant surprise to the Dega Disaster however trading JJ for the #18 now puts be in a quandary this week. The current team is 18 (+.5), 11 (+1.1), 5 (+.5), 39 (+.5) and the 47 (+1.3). Kyle won last year?s race but his best other finish was 7th in 4 trips to ?The Lady in Black? so his Darlington average is just 123.00. On paper, the 24, 48 and 11 look to be the class of the field followed closely Burton, Newman and MM. I do not think I will trade the 5, 39 or the 47 and I ready have the 11. Do you believe that I should consider trading the 18 for either the 24 or 48? The 24 has 5 straight Top 3s including a win in ?07 and a total of 7 wins over the length of his career. JJ has had 8 out of 10 Top 10s including 3 wins in ?04. The 11, 24 and the 48 are 1,2,3 in Darlington averages. What are your initial thoughts?

Mark Garrow

  (3:17 PM)

I can see trading the 18 for the 24...Jeff's record more consistent at Darlington than 48...but with Busch there's always a chance for big things...24 is, though, safer choice.

Kevin, St Clair Shores,MI

Mark give me your top 20 for the lady in black. Now what picks would you make: groupA: 18,99,24,17 group B:6,26,00,42,1 group C: 77,47,96,43,82. Need 1 from A, 2 in B and 1 in C. Thanks Guru

Mark Garrow

  (3:18 PM)

24...00 and 1....47

Beth WV

I owe you that Burger, I hit 743 thanks great one. What is up with Roush and RCR. They are not even contending for wins. 29-99-16-6-17-33. Really taking a step in the wrong direction. How much longer does this last or is this a season problem, Thanks Great one

Mark Garrow

  (3:21 PM)

Beth, I think Darlington will be a good indicator...on paper Roush's gang should do fairly well top to bottom...but if 99 struggles and 16..than watch out for bigger issues...As for RCR..this should be a good track for 31..but if he struggles and 29 doesn't do anything..again you have your answer as to whether or not they've got a little or a lot of work to do...As for the burger...double cheese...bacon...lettuce tomator..and ketchup.....

Billy (TN)

All Knowing and All Seeing Guru, Please rank these for the Lady in Black 47,96,77,43 then these please 6,26,1 Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (3:21 PM)

47,96,77,43...just like you had them..1,6,26 for the other group....

mikect

mark, can you rank these picks for this weekends race 31,5,39,88,17,and the 1 car.also rank them top five even top ten and whos your pick to win? thaks.

Mark Garrow

  (3:23 PM)

5,17,88, 31,39,1....5 is top-five potential....the others top-10...to win I'm thinking Gordon or Busch..

Gunner (MS)

Ive had Jimme and Jeff locked in for quite some time now. Ive really leaned on them early, but their performance has been average. How do you see the new values shaking up after the segment changes after Darlington? And can the Hendrick boys break back into Domination this weekend at the historic Southern 500?

Mark Garrow

  (3:24 PM)

Gunner...Jeff has scored more points than anyone..and has been pretty consistent...Johnson now he's been up and down...I think Jeff or Mark Martin have a really good shot to win this weekend..

James (Chicago, IL)

Which 2 do you like best for Darlington out of this group 44,43,96,77,7,82?

Mark Garrow

  (3:25 PM)

96 and 77

Teresa (Chicago, IL)

Who's in your Top 20 for Darlington Mark?

Mark Garrow

  (3:25 PM)

In case you missed it....again swap out Montoya for Truex.

Mark Garrow

  (3:26 PM)

oops...here's top-20 again...1. Jeff Gordon2. Kyle Busch3. Denny Hamlin4. Mark Martin5. Kurt Busch6. Tony Stewart7. Greg Biffle8. Jimmie Johnson9. Matt Kenseth 10.Carl Edwards11.Dale Earnhardt, Jr.12.Jeff Burton13.Clint Bowyer14.David Ragan15.Ryan Newman16.Juan Pablo Montoya17.Brian Vickers18.Kevin Harvick19.Jamie McMurray20.David Reutimann

ray gordon reid myrtle beach sc 29587

QUESTION TO MARK GARROW AT 3.05 PM HI MARK WHOS YOUR PICK DARLINGTON

Mark Garrow

  (3:27 PM)

I think Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin have the best chance to win this weekend...with Mark Martin my dark-horse.

Tim NC

Matt Kenseth started out on fire this year and won the first 2 races, but he seems to have really fallen off pace. As a result I traded Kenseth and Allmendinger for Kurt Busch and Truex. Did I get the upside on this trade?

Mark Garrow

  (3:28 PM)

I think so...Busch has been pretty consistent..and until Richard Petty Motorsports gets the new motors in their Dodges the 'Dinger is going to have to work his tail off to finsh top-20.

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Did you have any problem with the storms so far?

Mark Garrow

  (3:29 PM)

Nope...just a bunch of rain in my part of North Carolina....don't have to worry about the drought right now...that's for sure.

Cal (NYC)

Hey Mark. Which team do you like A)24,5,2,39,1 B)99,17,5,2,1

Mark Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

I like the first a little better...Roush concern me and Edwards concerns me right now...I like the first team a little better but not by much.

Wes- Eureka, ca

yahho league- im locking 24 and 11 in but i need to pick one from each from: 42,1,2,6,88,39 and 47,09,44,43,96

Mark Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

Eureka I have an answer!...2....47

Mike (Los Angeles)

Mark, time to go for broke before the values reset! How do you like 18-5-33-39-1 or 24-88-5-39-96?

Mark Garrow

  (3:32 PM)

I like the first team a little better on paper..96 is top-20 material maybe...all the guys on the first team are top-15 or better..

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Why so little love for Newman? The stats show he's 6th in Darlington averages and, lately, 3 out of 5 Top 6s. Additionally, both teams are now on a roll.

Mark Garrow

  (3:34 PM)

I'm a "tweener" on Newman this week..did well at Darlington in past...but not in Car of Tomorrow last year....He's on a roll coming in, but big track performance this year has been spotty at times..but he'll get some serious consideration when it comes to me naming my team..

Dougie (Pittsburgh, CA)

other experts are touting brad kesolowski as a sleeper. any thoughts?

Mark Garrow

  (3:36 PM)

If there's anybody cheap in this race that should get some thought it's Keselowski...He's in Hendrick car...and is not a raw rookie...Don't see another Talladega miracle but he's someone we're really going to digging hard about Saturday afternoon when we talk to the crew chiefs you can believe that. If he runs top-20 at that price...you can move up and go with some other high priced talent in your line-up and still go 750+...Him running the race the night before should be a big help to a younger driver.

bobby(SC)

Who do you trust more this week Vickers or Truex?

Mark Garrow

  (3:36 PM)

Probably Vickers.

Jeff NY

How is this for Darington 11-18-5-01-39.Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (3:37 PM)

01 I'm assuming is Truex...team feels pretty solid top to bottom.

Tom Gulf Coast

Mark that was a good pick last week with Sam H Jr. What are your thought about him this week??

Mark Garrow

  (3:38 PM)

Hard to say...he's beginning to put it together but limited experience at Darlington will really hurt...not sure his style is a marriage made in heaven for the Lady in Black either...But we'll get info on him Saturday afternoon as we try to sniff out the top budget busters.

Big Mama

Kyle Busch will make two in a row. mark it down

Mark Garrow

  (3:39 PM)

Yo Big Mama....this is one of the rare occasions I just might agree with you!..lol

James (Chicago, IL)

Pick 2: 44, 43, 96, 77, 7, 82

Mark Garrow

  (3:39 PM)

96 and 77

Teresa (Chicago, IL)

Mark, pick 2 please: 44, 43, 77, 7, 96, 82?

Mark Garrow

  (3:39 PM)

Ditto for you Teresa.

Rich (Saint peters, mo.)

ok Mr. Guru... 18,24,48....16,5,17....1,29,26...one out of each please....thank you and we'll hear from you next week...."You Stay Classy...."

Mark Garrow

  (3:40 PM)

5...with honorable mention to 16 and 17...I'll go with the 1 in group three...all three drivers there, though, have major question marks.

Joe (Fleetwood PA)

Going all in with Smoke, even thought he has never won at Darlington but the team is red hot right now

Mark Garrow

  (3:41 PM)

I think Tony can run top-five ...Not sure I can see him winning...Wouldn't be a great shock I guess if he did because you need to be smooth, agressive when the time calls for it and a good tire management guy...Tony fits the bill on all three.

Mark Garrow

  (3:42 PM)

Mark Martin announcing he will be back full-time in 2010....wow...you just can't retire that guy....and thank goodness...

jason (morgantown)

48,18,31,1,96 money in the bank???

Mark Garrow

  (3:44 PM)

Not a big fan of 48 at Darlington...although he can obviously win there..I like 24 better than 48..like the 11 more than 48 too..96 could be a top-20 car don't see a lot more than that...31 is a question mark too...might want to rethink top to bottom.

Alan (memphis)

Dale Jr. gonna get a win this week rye?

Mark Garrow

  (3:45 PM)

Uh....top-five maybe...maybe...top-10 good chance...win? Nope.

Craven Moorehead (NC)

go june bug!

Mark Garrow

  (3:45 PM)

I'm with you...Dale Jr. needs to come up big this weekend..not sure he can though.

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Mark: With the values resetting after this week's race I am looking for a super budget pick that will really pick up value of the 2nd segment. As you know, Ambrose was my gem during the 1sy segment and Jimmy Mac during the 3rd segment last year. Hornish has begun raising my eyebrows as of late with a 6th at RIR, a 9th at Phoenix and a 17th at Texas (I threw out the 34th at Dega). Is he beginning to get it?

Mark Garrow

  (3:46 PM)

Hornish has begun to figure it out and Penske's posse is also giving him better cars...no reason he can be consistent top-15, top-20 kind of guy.

Harry (Cali)

Which two? 18 and 09 or 39 and 83 to go along with 24,5,2

Mark Garrow

  (3:46 PM)

18 and 9

Cory (Tuscaloosa)

Hey Mark, wouldn't Labonte be a better fantasy pick than people would originally think, since he did the tire test at Darlington back in Feb or March?

Mark Garrow

  (3:48 PM)

That's one of the reasons he could be intriguing this week..plus 18th and 19th at Darlington last two years..so he's top-20 possibility...I wouldn't hope for too much more than that.

Joe Fleetwood PA

Think I will run, 14,18,11,39,16

Mark Garrow

  (3:48 PM)

Joe that's a pretty good team..if 39 and 00 come through..24,11,and 5 will score a big chunk.

kyle (WV)

24,11,39,5,00 any changes?

Mark Garrow

  (3:49 PM)

I'd keep an eye out for some other Budget Boys other than 00...I'm not saying change the pick...just keep an eye for a better pick after you look at practice, qualifying and our Saturday afternoon chat.

Mark Garrow

  (3:51 PM)

By the way, just so everyone knows, I'm traveling home to Vermont this weekend and won't be at Darlington. However, one of my crack pit reporters Steve Richards will be on the scene and his "Guru Approved" and will bring you some great information as always..just thought I'd mention that.

Kevin (Wheaton, IL)

Guru! 16 or 31? 00 or 39?

Mark Garrow

  (3:51 PM)

I'd go with the 16 over 31...and 39 over the 00.

Big Mama (Yazoo)

no love for my mark martin pick at phoenix?

Mark Garrow

  (3:56 PM)

Did I forget to pledge my undying infatuation of the heart after Phoenix? May I burn for that one and I just beg...no make that grovel....for your forgiveness..Did I mention walking across hot coals too?

Mark Garrow

  (3:59 PM)

Got to run folks...don't forget race day chat coming up from Darlington Saturday afternoon beginning at 4:00 eastern....till then may the force be with you....and now from the North Carolina mountain tops let them yell so loud...it will reverberate throughout out our great country...."The Guru has left the building!"