ESPN

Mark Garrow

  (2:54 PM)

Good afternoon everyone.....It's a beautiful day so let's get this partaaayyy started!

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

Is the 88 capable of dominating this race again like last year? How do you think he'll do?

Mark Garrow

  (2:56 PM)

Justin, that's a tough call. With a new value of 18.8, Junior might be enticing, but they've got to put together a whole race...green flag to checkered flag...In the first segment Junior burned but it wasn't rubber. I think he has potential to be a great value pick at that price but I'm hands off unless he's a big dog in practice and qualifying for the 600.

Beth WV

Well I have made up some major ground. I need to lock in a team early...Which Team do you like best and what is your top five for the entire next segment.48-18-99-29-26 or 18-5-99-29-88 Both look good.I need your wisdom great 1..

Mark Garrow

  (2:57 PM)

Beth...why the love for the 29? RCR is really struggling on the bigger tracks right now so I don't see that pick. Edwards hasn't done much...just average..McMurray is up and down...I think you really need to rethink this...sorry..

Mark Garrow

  (2:57 PM)

Beth...why the love for the 29? RCR is really struggling on the bigger tracks right now so I don't see that pick. Edwards hasn't done much...just average..McMurray is up and down...I think you really need to rethink this...sorry..

Jeff NY

Do you see any hidden drivers, like Ryan Newman and JPM from the first segment. Who bounces back 99-88-29-26. Thanks Mark

Mark Garrow

  (3:01 PM)

I think Brian Vickers is going to do pretty well in the coming weeks...other than Sonoma road course...all of the upcoming tracks could be in his wheelhouse..I also think Logano and Ragan could make some noise. As for the other group you to think at some point this group Edwards is going to get going..I think he has the most upside potential in this group along with 88...No telling with the 29 and 26...probably a bumpy, up and down rollercoaster ride.

Ryan F. (Houston, Tx)

How do you make your predictions on race day? Is it based on a combination of historical data, momentum, practice speeds and interviewing crew chiefs? I guess what I'm looking for is if you have the ability the analyze practice speeds or have someone analyze practice speeds for you....average speeds, who's better on the longer run, etc...? As we all know predicting is a crap shoot but would hope you would have more data to predict better than most. However, it seemed like you or your partner had bad data at Darlington. For example, race predictions at Darlington for the 39, 9, 1 were lack luster at best, however, all had dominating cars from the drop of the green flag and throughout the night except for the 9 car due to smashing in the nose of his car during a restart. Just curious how you assess who's strong and who isn't?

Mark Garrow

  (3:07 PM)

Ryan...yes, we use historical data...what they've been doing lately..are they trending up or down?....I have a chart of last four races at that track and last four races on tracks of similiar size...we do look at practice speeds and what usually happens on a Sunday morning is that one of the crew chiefs will give us a look at the lap tracker and average speeds and then you get more feedback from his fellow crew chiefs...Sometimes we swing and miss no doubt..but we're usually in the ballpark and one thing you can take to the bank as gospel truth no one gets this deep into trying to help you make your picks. No one else provide crew chief notes on race days etc...no one goes on and chats with fantasy players right up until an hour or two before the race starts...I hate more than you do when we don't get it right, but I can tell you we work really hard to get you the best info we can and sincerely hope it helps you build a better team.

Ryan F. (Houston, Tx)

Did we learn anything from the Showdown and All-star race? Or maybe it's a bad idea to analyze because majority of the teams were using experimental equipment or equipment / set-ups for the short run?Any new changes for the 4 Richard Petty teams? New engine package?The 83 is historically strong on this track, just had some bad luck. Unfortunately, didn't learn much from him during the Showdown race due to early contact with the 20 car...aggressive driving trying to make up positions. Did he look good in Friday's practice session?

Mark Garrow

  (3:09 PM)

The All-star night does give us a little insight into the 600...there is a little bit of a correlation between running well then and this Sunday...Petty cars won't have new engine in one of them untl Dover next week...I think the 83 is going to be strong this week. This team and driver like the big tracks and see his only weakness in the next couple of months being the road course in Sonoma.

mike ct.

hi mark, can you please rank my picks for sat race. also can you pick a top five and a good chance on winning the race? double points race this week. 5,31,17,2,88,48,18or who if you have somebody else in mind? also to note i need stewart for the road race in california.already took him once only alound to use him twice. thanks again.

Mark Garrow

  (3:12 PM)

In this group I rank them like this 48, 2,5,18,17,31,88....Here's my pre-race top-15.......1. Tony Stewart2. Jeff Gordon3. Jimmie Johnson4. Kurt Busch5. Mark Martin6. Kyle Busch7. Matt Kenseth8. Greg Biffle9. Ryan Newman10.Carl Edwards11.Denny Hamlin12.Brian Vickers13.Clint Bowyer14.Kasey Kahne15.Jeff Burton

Jason:Alabama

Hello Mark: For the 2nd segment: Who do you think are the best bargain values: I really like the 99,5,18, for the entire segment;also choose between the 88 and 29. Thanks for your help.

Mark Garrow

  (3:13 PM)

I'm not super excited about the 99 yet..but 5 and 18 I can live with...as for between the 29 and 88...I'd go with Dale Jr.

Jim:Michigan

Hey Mark:For the 2nd segment; who do u see that has a great price with alot of upside (give me 5 ); and also who do u like for a 5th driver; 96,6,or 77.

Mark Garrow

  (3:16 PM)

When it come to guys I think will grow big in value...5...99 should be moving up too..as well as 39...88 should have a lot of upside...I also see a big jump for Ragan, and Logano...As for third driver it comes down to 6 and 77....I'm figuring Ragan breaks out of his slump and when he does will be more consistent than 77...

John:Florida

Hello Mark; Which team do u like for the 2nd segment.a)48,18,5,88,96; b)18,5,99,88,29; c)14,18,5,88,6; or d)11,18,5,99,77. Thanks for your advice.

Mark Garrow

  (3:17 PM)

I like C) best...14,18,5,88, and 6.

Mark Garrow

  (3:17 PM)

I like C) best...14,18,5,88, and 6.

Kendrick: Georgia

Hey Mark; Give me 2 must have drivers for the 2nd segment; and also give me a 5th driver; pick either 14,48 or 24 for the top driver for this segment. Thanks for the help.

Mark Garrow

  (3:19 PM)

I think Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart are must haves.....as for a fifth driver not sure I understand what you want....a big value pick would be Ragan or Logano...I rate those three going into segment two like this 24,14 and then 48...

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Mark: I always look with amusement and amazement every time they reset the values at the start of a new segment and swear that whoever resets the prices must be from California and smoking funny cigarettes. That said, there are generally one or two drivers that stand out as a bargain. The drivers that jumped out at me for this segment are: Smoke at 22.7, Edwards at 20.6, Mark Martin at 20.9 and Jr. at 18.8. On the budget side, Ragen at 15.6 and since Hornish and Logano look like they may be finally getting it, may be worth a shot at 14.7 and 15.8 respectively. MM and Smoke look like they could win every race and Edwards has to be worth strong consideration at 20.6 but even at 18.8 Jr still looks like a gamble?.although tempting. On the other side, even though I love the guy from down under, at 18.2 Ambrose is a little rich for my blood (at least until they go to Sonoma. Your thoughts

Mark Garrow

  (3:22 PM)

Ken, you must have been reading my race preview for this week...same thoughts and almost same words in some cases....scary....I'm like you on Ambrose...at 18.2 I need someone who can go run top-10 on a regular bassis and he's not there yet..

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Mark: I just finished updating my Charlotte results and was somewhat surprised that Kahne and Labonte rank 3rd and 4th in Charlotte averages. Bobby scored at 17th and an 11th in last year?s races and he pulled off at 5th at Vegas this year however a 40th at Atlanta and Texas throws a little cold water on using him this weekend.Kahne at 19.4 is another story. He was 1st and 2nd in last year?s Lowe?s races and was 11th, 7th and 16th at Vegas, Atlanta and Texas respectively this year. Additionally, he has three 1st place finishes at Charlotte in 10 races?a pretty good percentage. Now the rub with both drivers. Do they have the cars for Labonte to finish in the top 20 and for Kahne to finish in the top 5?

Mark Garrow

  (3:24 PM)

Labonte could possibly run top-20..Kahne top-five at Charlotte? I don't know about that...Can't say I would be too confident in Kahne doing a top-fivell

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Mark: What are your thoughts on the 14, 5, 99, 9 and 6 for a preliminary team for Charlotte?

Mark Garrow

  (3:25 PM)

Not bad...14 and 5 should be really good...Carl's going to be "okay"...9 should be top-15 matial and 6 is totally unpredictable.

Dan (IN)

hey mark, got a few quick questions for you: Number 1.) Do you think Jeff Gordon's back will be a problem this weekend? Number 2.) How do you think biffle will do this weekend? I know he's not been racing particularly well this season so far, but he's finished in the top 10 in both events here a year ago, and he's also ran fairly well on the 1.5 milers this season so far, just want to get you thoughts on both questions, thanks a bunch!

Mark Garrow

  (3:27 PM)

No, I don't see Jeff's back being a difference maker this weekend..He had a shot yesterday so hopefully that will help...I'm pretty high on BIffle this weekened and think he's top-10 material..

cincin, ohio

So mark when do you think ragan and edwards will make a bounce back? What do you think about marcos ambrose or hornish for this race?

Mark Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

Ragan will be harder to predict when he bounces back than Edwards....Edwards is really close to getting it turned around ...but not sure about Ragan..Ambrose is going to continue in my opinion to be a guy who can finish 14th to 20th but value is a little too high for him right now..Hornish has begun to figure something out...I've never been a big fan of him in stock cars but he's beginning to "get it"...and low value...He's going to be up and down, but if you can pick Sam on the high he could be handsome payout..

steven; ohio

nascar needsto havethe car bodys madeand give them to the teams andlettheteamsput there owne sticers on like dodge ford gm onecomonbody forall

Mark Garrow

  (3:33 PM)

Steven, that's the direction NASCAR is going but I toally disagree with that...We have a car now you can't pass....a guy can be running 15th...but stay out on a yellow and look like a world beater....

Billy (TN)

All Knowing-All Seeing Guru, please rank these 77,96,43,44 for the 600. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (3:34 PM)

77,96,44,43

Brandon (Westland, Michigan)

Ive got my lineup set with the 18 48 9 14 83 26 77 and 96. What did you think about these drivers and did I forget any that you think will be strong on sunday. Thanks again.

Mark Garrow

  (3:36 PM)

I like the 18,48,14,83 a lot...mixed about 9....leary of the 26,77, and 96...but 26 could run top-15 or better...77 maybe top-20..96 no telling...

Billy (TN)

All Knowing-All Seeing Divine Guru, can we take much stock in the All Star results or do they run a "Hot" engine and short run set ups because they know short runs are all they will have to endure?

Mark Garrow

  (3:37 PM)

I think the All-star results can help us...we saw 77 and 20 passing good cars in the main event and we shouldn't forget that..Some guys used it as a test for the 600.

William Freeman

I know Carl Edwards has had a bit of a rough start, but in the ESPN Stock Car Challenge game, his price is a decent 12th most expensive. Is this a steal to place him on your team for? How do you think he will fare on the upcoming tracks?

Mark Garrow

  (3:39 PM)

Edwards price in the SCC does make him intriguiging...most of the tracks ahead he should run pretty well..

Kevin, St Clair Shores, MI

Mark I'm in yahoo, mypicks look like this so far, Group A 18 and 48 Group B 2,9,14,and 39 Group C 43 and 77. What changes if any would you recomend, I still have alot of starts with all my drivers. Thanks Mark

Mark Garrow

  (3:43 PM)

18 and 48 not bad...might like the 24 a little better than both those guys...In group 2 like the 2, 14, and 39...not sure what the 9 will do..On paper your team looks pretty good though.

Ben (ATL)

Mr. Guru,Out of these I need 2: 18,24,48,17Out of these I need 4: 11,14,2,9,2,20,83,39Out of these I need 2: 43,44,47,96,77

Mark Garrow

  (3:45 PM)

24 and 48....14,2,39, and 11..close call over 83... in group 3 ..47 and 77.

Gunner (MS)

Mr. Garrow, great to have you back after a few weeks off! Since the segment has changed for the SCC I wanted to ask your opinion on picking up some "undervalued" or "steal value" drivers. Looking over the numbers you have the 5 (20.9); 99 (20.6); 88 (18.8); 29 (18); and the 6 (15.6). All these guys are on great teams, and anyone who follows the sport knows anyone of these guys can get it done! My question is, as the segment progresses who do we not want to miss-out on. Seems like there are many Roush tracks that make up segment 2.... Am I headed in the right direction?

Mark Garrow

  (3:47 PM)

Personally, I think all of these teams will see their values rise throughout this challenge...drivers too good and cars to go super fast.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Mark, what do you think about these picks? Winner:Mark Martin, Contender:Matt Kenseth, Darkhorse:Jamie McMurray?

Mark Garrow

  (3:48 PM)

Not bad..not bad at all.

Gunner (MS)

Mr Garrow! Welcome back my friend! Which combo do you like better for the 600? 88 and 96 or 9 and77?

Mark Garrow

  (3:49 PM)

9 and 77 feels like it will combine for more points..I can see 77 outrunning 96...with 9 and 88 balancing each other out..

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)

Hey Mark, what do you expect out of the 00 this week? He finished 10th in this race last year, so he knows how to keep it together for 600 miles...He has qualified well on the C.C. tracks this year...Is he capable of another top 10?

Mark Garrow

  (3:53 PM)

I have him ranked 17th in pre-race rankings...I'm staying away from because the wheels have literally fallen off..Reutti has finished 26th, 28th, and 29th last three races...has been 20th or worse in four of last six..Can he run top-10? I don't think so.

Jake (Orlando, FL)

Do you see truex being a good value this segment since he has run much better the last few weeks? seems like ever since the 1 got the Ganassi front clip he's been a top 10 car every week

Mark Garrow

  (3:54 PM)

Truex at 18.5 could be nice value pick...It will be interesting to see how well he runs in Charlotte, because he should be bad to the bone at Dover.

Marc (Gulfport, MS)

Hey Mark-- Top o' the afternoon. What do you think of this lineup, 24,48,16,88,77? Call me crazy but I think the 88 has a good run.

Mark Garrow

  (3:55 PM)

I don't think you're totally crazy....that team does have some potential...need 88 and 77 to come through for you...

Billy Freeman

Would it be best to go with three studs, say 14, 48, 5 along with a tier 2 like Kahne and then a 5th, or FOUR studs, 14,17,5,99 and a 5th? Is the value better with three top drivers or 4 above average drivers?

Mark Garrow

  (3:58 PM)

Billy...hard for me to really answer that one until we get to practice, qualifying and race day...If we find we think Ragan 15.6 is going to have a strong run potentially top -10....so if you see that starting to develop than you can go with four big dogs...

Doug(wis)

Even though Newman is on a role, but has a poor record of late at Lowes, how would you rate him with Kasey Kahne? Stick with #39...go with #9...or maybe use both on my team?

Mark Garrow

  (3:59 PM)

Don't get rid of 39 ...at worst go with both...but I don't take 39 off my team..Newman's team is surging...Kahne's is not.

big mama (yazoo city)

sam hornish will finish in the top 10. and watch out for roush this week. they will return to form

Mark Garrow

  (4:01 PM)

There's a bunch of people who hope your right....I see 77 having a strong run...top-10 I don't know about that...but then again I am "the guru" and your Big Mama..

norm, palm springs ca

Hi Mark, Glad it a points week, I don't like non points racin. Anyway have you got your new team for the second leg. I am making my first go at it. My other contest has no breaks you pick 2 from 1-10, 11-20 and 21 thru remainder. So you do not think Harvick is a good low budget pick. I took Truex.

Mark Garrow

  (4:04 PM)

Preliminarily, I'm going wtih 14,18,5,83 and 6....at this point I'd take Truex over Harvick..1-10 I'm going with Tony...11-20...Martin...21 down...not sure...Harvick's a potential..so is McMurray...

Lee (NE)

The 24 is a must have? Don't you think just coming out of a back surgery will affect the mental and or physical aspect of the race for him?

Mark Garrow

  (4:06 PM)

sorry but no...usually guys focus hard when they're in pain and people are counting them out.

Ryan WV

Guru, You do not find Value in the 29 but you do in the 6 and 20. Not sure I understand that. From a potential stand point I would be thrilled to have 29 as my scrub driver.. Your thoughts

Mark Garrow

  (4:08 PM)

There's potential there..but given how the RCR cars have been lately and on 1.5-mile tracks this year...do you think this is the race to jump on his bandwagon? I'm guessingn probably not...maybe Dover..If you go down to Ragan or Logano..you minimize your risk a little because you can pick another big dog who can help offset an off day by the 6 or 20...

Aaron (Dallas)

I have a set of picks and can choose only three which group would you go with. 14-48-99 or 14-17-24? Thanks.

Mark Garrow

  (4:09 PM)

14,17, and 24...

chad fl

what's the best 2 from these choices? 7,43,44,47,77,96

Mark Garrow

  (4:09 PM)

47...77

Dave (Memphis)

What about the 31? Strong at Vegas, decent at Texas, one showing worse than 6th the last 3 years at Lowes, strong engine program...sleeper?

Mark Garrow

  (4:11 PM)

I live up near RCR shop so I'd love to see it..He might run top-10....but I don't see as world-beater this week..With SCC value of 21.9..I can go up a little and get Gordon, Stewart of Johnson...or drop down a little and Martin is better pick.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Truex looked like he was starting to turn it around at the end of segment one. Is he a guy to watch for at the start of segment two?

Mark Garrow

  (4:12 PM)

He could be...If he's decent at Charlotte watch out because he's always good at Dover..

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)

What up Guru...What do you expect out of "The Franchise" this week...He finished 10th last year in this race so we know he can keep the fenders on it for 600 miles....That team seems to run pretty well on the downforce tracks...Think he is top 10 material??

Mark Garrow

  (4:13 PM)

Maybe...I think it's a stretch and this team has been awful last three weeks and in four of last six races...

norm, palm springs ca

You giving Logono any luv this race?

Mark Garrow

  (4:15 PM)

With his price and way he's been running lately...I'm going to give him some serious thought and you can bet his crew chief and I are going to talk on race day.

James (ATL)

Mr. Guru,It appears you are picking Hendrix and Stewart Hass cars for your picks. Any reason behind that?

Mark Garrow

  (4:17 PM)

All of the Hendrick cars but 88 looked pretty good last week...with 14 and 39 really fast at the end...One thing I liked about what I saw last weekend - they have plenty of "ponies" under the hood...Cars looked stable and were not laying over on splitter.

Greg (Indianapolis)

what do you think of my picks 14 18 5 88 20 and would you swap the 20 for anyone else? thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:19 PM)

Looks pretty decent...might look at swapping 20 for 6 down around same value but would wait until I saw who did what in practice.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

Kahne has a good history at Lowes. Is he a solid play for Sunday night?

Mark Garrow

  (4:20 PM)

If you're expecting Kasey to come out of nowhere and win...forget it...top-15 car...might squeek into top 10, but I doubt it.

Mark Garrow

  (4:20 PM)

If you're expecting Kasey to come out of nowhere and win...forget it...top-15 car...might squeek into top 10, but I doubt it.

Mark Garrow

  (4:21 PM)

Folks got to run...we'll talk again Sunday from Lowes Motor Speedway...until then let the force be with you...and pray she let's you out of the house...lol...The Guru has left the building!