ESPN

Mark Garrow

  (2:55 PM)

Good afternoon everyone....you know what I always like to say at a time like this....Let's get this partaaaayyy started!

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)

Hey Mark...Before I ask any advice I would like to thank you for being around for us gear heads twice a week....It is really a nice little treat ....On to my team, What do you think about the 48,11,00,9,77.....I would like to get the 5 in there, but don't know how to get there....Think I should stand pat?? Thought about swapping the 77 for the 78 and the 00 for the 5....What do you think?? Thanks for all the work you do...

Mark Garrow

  (2:59 PM)

Thanks for the props...During the next two or three weeks I'm going to be asking folks like you to tell what you think of what I do for ESPN fantasy racing by e-mailing me comments to tg2vt@aol.com..If you'd like to do that please feel free...working on next year already...As for your team that's not bad, but thinking outside the box with Regan Smith might be an interesting play..You can count on him finishing somewhere around 20-25..and 5 should outpoint 00 and 48,11, and 9 should score a big chunk of points...might not be a bad play...keep an eye on the #78 during practice and Sunday morning chat.

Ryan F (Houston,Tx)

Is Hp overrated at Pocono? I know it's important but getting your car to handle in and out of the turns is more important. Please rank engine manufacture Hp as you currently know. I rank them as...ECR, Dodge R06, Hendrick, Gibbs, Roush/Yates, TRD for Waltrip and Team Red Bull and finally Petty Enterprises.

Mark Garrow

  (3:02 PM)

Horsepower overrated at Pocono?...you do know they have two straights over 3,000 feet long?...Plus, a strong engine will help you handle like a hero..Horspower wise I'd rate the teams now...Hendrick, Gibbs, TRD, Earnhardt-Childress, Roush, Dodge R06, Petty

Scrub (Colorado Springs, CO)

What's up Guru....Long time, first time....Need some help with my Y! league....Looking for some prelim picks.....Please pick two from the 5,18,24,48,99.....Please pick 4 from 00,1,2,9,11,14,26,39,42,83,88.....Pleasepick two from 43,44,47,77,78,96....Thanks for your insight Guru.....I hope to rock on the rest of the year, with all props to you...

Mark Garrow

  (3:05 PM)

48-5....14,39,11, and 9 in close call over Vickers..47-77 and close 78....and thanks for the thanks Mr. Scrub..

Daniel(IN)

hey Mark, got a question for ya. How do you think these 8 guys will fare Sunday, those 8 guys being: Johnson, Martin, Stewart, Kahne, Vickers, Hamlin, Labonte and Allmendinger? Thanks for all the help man!

Mark Garrow

  (3:08 PM)

Daniel...you had me all the way up to Labonte and Allmendinger...Bobby's average finish is 23.9...Dinger's is 23.8..Think you might be able to do better there...what about Logano...Hornish..Mears...

Mark Garrow

  (3:08 PM)

Daniel...you had me all the way up to Labonte and Allmendinger...Bobby's average finish is 23.9...Dinger's is 23.8..Think you might be able to do better there...what about Logano...Hornish..Mears...

Billy Bob (Concord, NH)

Didn't have a question today, but wanted to log in to express gratitude for your weekly insight. It's much appreciated.

Mark Garrow

  (3:09 PM)

Billy Bob, you made my day..thanks man...again if you like to e-mail a comment about my "services"...please do at tg2vt@aol.com..

JAG Plainview, MN

How is my driver J. Gordon holding up after a tough G-Force track like Dover? Also, is his magic at Pocono going to show on Sunday? Gracious Guru...

Mark Garrow

  (3:11 PM)

I'm recommending you stay away from Gordon...not because of his back...but just above him in SCC value is Stewart and Johnson who I'd take over him right now...just below him Newman and the Busch brothers..I'd go Kurt first..Jeff will be pretty decent at Pocono...but I think price-wise right now he's a tweener that doesn't fit for me..

Craig (Illinois)

Mark, who would you prefer at Pocono...Kahne, McMurray, Truex, or Montoya? Pick one.

Mark Garrow

  (3:12 PM)

Kahne is starting to get it together...and if he's back with another new RO6 engine then I'm really psyched for Kahne..

big t (wyoming)

Oh mighty Guru, thinking of taking the 48 over 11,24,14,2 also need to pick one from 17,16,5,99,39) 00,9,83,42,1)26,47,07) 77,20. Thanks for the great advice last week.

Mark Garrow

  (3:18 PM)

48 is a real safe pick right now...the worst he'll be is top-10...and will usually be swimming around the top-five..but 14 is hottest driver right now...hasn't won yet but six top-fives including three runner-ups in last eight races. Pocono has a little "Indy" in it so I like Tony a little better this week..In the other group look at Tony's teammate Ryan Newman...wow is he hot...last five races worst finish is eighth..and over that span averaging like 4.1...and he loves Pocono...5 should be really good too and Roush cars will be decent...In group 3...I'm going with Kahne...In group 4...26 over 47 and 07...then 20 over 77...and you're welcome!

tom orlando fla

can Montoya run well @ Pocono its a lot like a road course

Mark Garrow

  (3:20 PM)

Like DW says it's a "ro-val"...He should run well there but last year failed to finish top-25 in either race..the year before 16th and 20th...Overall, JPM is running better everywhere he goes this year Pocono should be no different...Will he be a world beater that I don't know until they get on the track..

James (Chicaco, IL)

Mark thanks for all the great advice you give week to week. Who do you have in your top 25?

Mark Garrow

  (3:21 PM)

Here's my pre-race top-30.......1. Tony Stewart2. Jimmie Johnson3. Denny Hamlin4. Mark Martin5. Kasey Kahne6. Ryan Newman7. Carl Edwards8. Brian Vickers9. Kurt Busch10.Kyle Busch11.Matt Kenseth12.Jeff Gordon13.Greg Biffle14.Dale Earnhardt, Jr.15.Jeff Burton16.Juan Pablo Montoya17.Joey Logano18.Martin Truex, Jr.19.Clint Bowyer20.David Reutimann21.Jamie McMurray22.David Ragan23.Kevin Harvick24.Marcos Ambrose25.Sam Hornish, Jr.26.Casey Mears27.A.J. Allmendinger28.David Stremme29.Bobby Labonte30.Michael Waltrip

Z-Monet (LA)

Conspiracy time... The running order in the Dover race was totally shuffled due to the caution during green flag pit-stops. Reason for caution: Debris. I never saw any debris. Why would NASCAR throw a debris caution during green flag pit-stops?? They usually allow pit-stops to cycle before throwing debris cautions. Who benefited the most? Dale Jr.

Mark Garrow

  (3:22 PM)

It was a tough yellow flag to deal with for a lot of guys that all I can say that's totally fact...after that I don't know...

Dave (Dallas, TX)

How would you rank these 4 drivers chances this weekend? Hornish, Labonte, AJ, and Ambrose?

Mark Garrow

  (3:23 PM)

Ambrose Hornish, A.J., Labonte....going in that's how I see it.

Jason (Bellefonte, PA)

Guru: I need a little advice for the Pocono race. Choose two drivers from the 2,9,39 or 88; choose one driver, the 44 or 47. Thanks for all your help!

Mark Garrow

  (3:24 PM)

39 is a definite..then 9 over 2 slightly...47

Ed (La)

Last week I was running 1-2-3-4-7 before the BS debris caution shuffled half my team a lap down. Nascar owes me another 200 SCC points! 48,99,16,1,and 26 from last week. Thinking of dumping 16,1, and 26 for 11, 88, and 44. Thoughts all mighty guru?

Mark Garrow

  (3:26 PM)

I feel your pain Ed.....I'm good with 11, but not sure what 88 has up its sleeve...although falling off a rock now they should be top-15...44 has done nothing lately so I'm a little nervous about him...Logano has been my "floor" for three weeks and he's doing a great job..

Zardnok-Shreveport La.

Greetings Guru! Thanks for taking the time to help us all out. Which 3 drivers to go with 48 and 99 this weekend?? A(11,9,20), B(11,88,44), C(18,9,98), D(11,1,20), E(16,1,26) Your pre-race top 6 and sleeper rankings? Any drivers to avoid??

Mark Garrow

  (3:27 PM)

Thanks for the props...I've never "chatted or met" a Zardnok before...lol...I like the 11,9 and 20 trio.

Mark Garrow

  (3:27 PM)

Thanks for the props...I've never "chatted or met" a Zardnok before...lol...I like the 11,9 and 20 trio.

Richard(California)

Hi Mark,I've listen to PRN broadcasts during Sat. night races while at Irwindale Speedway and am always amazed at the "being there" feeling. Well, in case you missed it, Michael Waltrip mentioned Monday on "This week in NASCAR" that he and Denny Hamlin had listen to the end of the race on PRN after leaving Dover early. He was very vocal(go figure) about how much he enjoyed the broadcast and how the intensity, excitement and drama of the race came through.So thank you to the on-air reporters and behind-the-scenes crew from those of us who can't be in the stands or in front of the tube.I'm sure I speak for lots of fans.GREAT JOB!!!!

Mark Garrow

  (3:29 PM)

Appreciate the kind words...remember though PRN is on the air for only the races held at the tracks Bruton Smith owns...Charlotte, Altanta, Texas, Bristol, Las Vegas, Sonoma ...It's a lot of fun and I think both PRN and MRN do a great job...appreciate that you agree...Thanks...

Beth WV

What is wrong with Harvick. Maybe a better question is Gibbs, Hendrick head and shoulders above everyone else. Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

Harvick is struggling that's for sure...not sure how quickly they can get it turned around..and yes Hendrick and Gibbs are the top-2 right now..even Roush has fallen a little bit behind...

Billy (TN)

All Knowing All Seeing Divinely Inspired Guru,please rank these for Pocono 44,96,47,77,43 Thank you.

Mark Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

47,77,44,96,43..P.S. I like the "divinely inspired" thing...lol...

Jimbo (Houston, TX)

I'm in a bit of a bind with my starts of some top guys such 2, 11, 14, and 39 who all look good for this week's race. I want to swap out two of those drivers for two of the following: 9, 83, 6, 20, 1, 88, 00, or 26. How would you lean and how confident would you be about the changes? (Hope that was clear.)

Mark Garrow

  (3:33 PM)

I'd go with the 9 and 83...Vickers a runner-up a year ago and Red Bull Team does well on the big, fast tracks..

dom (pittsburgh, PA)

Mark the guru thanks for the great advice last week!! need some help in who are the best 2 guys from this list below?Reed Sorenson, AJ AllmendingerBobby Labonte, Sam Hornish Jr.Robby Gordon, Marcos Ambrose

Mark Garrow

  (3:33 PM)

Ambrose and Hornish ,jr...and thanks for the props..

Kacie (kansas)

Boyfriend beat down time for segment 2. I picked 48,17,5,99,77 since the segment started, is my team "money in the bank" for the rest of the segment?

Mark Garrow

  (3:35 PM)

Kacie...that doesn't look too bad...need to have 77 come through on consistent basis.

Jay

is it time to jump on the JR train while he's cheap?

Mark Garrow

  (3:36 PM)

I'd say stay another week or two on the sidelines with Junior and let's see if he's found any consistency..

Carl (OH)

lets see how good you really are "guru", give me the top 5 at eldora

Mark Garrow

  (3:37 PM)

It rained out....moved to Sept. 19....sorry to have to tell you that...

BIG BOB

5 or 16 this week?

Mark Garrow

  (3:38 PM)

I'm leaning towards Martin..

RAY GORDON REID CHARLESTON wva 25301

questtion TO MARK GARROW A 3.30PM HI MARK WHOS YOUR PICK FOR POCONO

Mark Garrow

  (3:39 PM)

My pre-race number one is one Mr. Tony Stewart.

Mark (LA)

guru - how about this line up - 48, 24, 5, 9 and Regan Smith. Or do I drop 24 and upgrade.

Mark Garrow

  (3:39 PM)

24 should be a top-10...but I'd drop him and take 14 or 39...

Goober

thanks for the advice last week. I scored 805 with 48,17,16,99,77. your the man!

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Do you see Harvick having a top 15 run this week? Although things have not gone well for them, this track is decent for them.

Mark Garrow

  (3:40 PM)

Thanks Goober...glad I could help..

William Freeman

Do you think Kasey Kahne will be a consistent option over the entire segment 2? And also, is it time to give Jr. a shot at redemption? I'm thinking of a team that is 48,14,9,88,20 for the long haul, but just not sure... any help would be appreciated!

Mark Garrow

  (3:42 PM)

I think Kasey has a chance to put together a pretty good summer if they can keep bringing him to the track with the new R06 engine...I'm waiting another week before I consider the Junior band wagon..You're team feels pretty strong to me..but if you have room...I move up from 88 to 83...

JuLiE (nc)

Just wanted to let the world know that i am Reuty's #1 Fan!!! go david!!!

Mark Garrow

  (3:43 PM)

Message delivered!

Mark (LA)

guru - why is it easeir to drive in the IRL than in NASCAR?

Mark Garrow

  (3:44 PM)

IRL cars are so light and with their downforce you gently guide them on the track..but stock cars have to be manhandled...Danica Patrick would have all she could do to finish 500 laps at Bristol or Martinsville...

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Where do you think Harvick would have finished if he didn't go down a lap because of the debris caution at Dover?

Mark Garrow

  (3:44 PM)

top-15 to top-20...

Cory (johnson city tn)

who do you think will make the chase?

Mark Garrow

  (3:47 PM)

I have a hard time seeing anyone in the top-12 now fall out..one or two might but that will be it..Reuti and Kahne might be able to sneak in there but I think Reutti's team lacks consistency and that will eventually cost him Bowyer's made it last two year, but RCR is struggling too much ..

Richard(California)

Hi Mark, That Kyle Busch has talent isn't the question, but is his bad luck a product of the way he uses the equipment? Also ,did you receive my PRN comment? Thanks as alwayd

Mark Garrow

  (3:49 PM)

Yes, I posted PRN comment earlier in the chat....and yes tire trouble like he had at Dove may have been from pushing it too hard...but he knows no other way..

TIN CUP

Hi, MarkThought I'd check in with ya and get this week movin' early. Please choose from theese 3 scenarios:a) 17, 11, 99, 9, 20b) anyone I want/11, 99, 88, 20c) 39 or 5 or 18, 11, 99, 83, 20Thanks, man. Catch ya Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

Mark Garrow

  (3:51 PM)

I like C with 39...

Joe (Sioux City, IA)

Whats up with Ragan this year. 13th last year and running average of 24th. Do you see him picking up at all...

Mark Garrow

  (3:53 PM)

He's got a tempting value...but hasn't shown much...This was supposed to be a guy that moved into the "Chase" and h's 31st in the points...Maybe Michigan is where I might climb up on the Ragan bandwagon.

Corey Hodges: Kill Devil Hills, NC

Hey, Mark! First time on Wed. chat!I am keeping most of my lineup from Dover: 48, 5, 83, 20...but was wondering who may be a good sub for Rowdy Busch? He really has had a struggle at times at flat tracks this year..Martinsville, where I went to the race in March, he was pretty bad off. Any suggestions for a fill in besides obvious Denny Hamlin. And what about Denny's luck so far these past few races? Thanks for the pointers.

Mark Garrow

  (3:55 PM)

Glad you could join us on "Hump" day...I'd think about Newman...he's been hot..maybe Kasey Kahne....

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Mark: For years they have said that Pocono drives somewhat like a road course. Ambrose's specialties are road courses but at 18.2 I think he is a little too rich for my blood. It would not surprise me if he runs 10th to 15th but do you think it worth the gamble with Kahne locked in at 19.7? Kahne seems to do either great or just so-so at Pocono?4 Top 10s in 10 races but 5 finishes 22nd or worse.

Mark Garrow

  (3:57 PM)

Ken...on this I'd wait until after qualifying, practice and Sunday chat...Ambrose should be pretty strong but we don't know exactly where he fits into the puzzle yet..Same thing for Kahne...Going in my gut tells me Kasey is going to have a big weekend..

Dan (DE)

Which EGR team is stronger this weekend?

Mark Garrow

  (3:58 PM)

Probably the nod goes to Montoya...He's been a little better just about every week.

Squid(Charlotte)

Hey GURU, 48-39-11-47-20 how does that sound? Thanks

Mark Garrow

  (4:00 PM)

47 and 20 need to come through...if they do you should be sitting in pretty good shape.

Corey Hodges: Kill Devil Hills, NC

Hey, Mark!How is this lineup for the Tricky Triangle? 48,11,5,83,20? Thanks for the help as usual!

Mark Garrow

  (4:00 PM)

I can live with that...it could be show me the money time...

Ken (Hendersonville, NC)

Last Wednesday I agreed with about Biffle but by end of practices I thought he was nothing special until you twisted my arm (darn thing still hurts) and convinced me into using him. Biffle (only 17% use him) combined with the 48, 99, and the 20 left me just enough to take a chance on the 9?bingo 784 and 75th in the country. I don?t like Biffle for Pocono so whose you gem around 21.2 this week.

Mark Garrow

  (4:02 PM)

Mark Martin 21.1...Vickers 19.4

Big Mama (Yazoo)

carl edwards for the win, mark.

Mark Garrow

  (4:02 PM)

Sorry Big Mama....not going to happen...

SAL

whats your team this week?

Mark Garrow

  (4:03 PM)

Preliminary team this week...14,11,9,83 and 20...

William Freeman (Tampa, FL)

I asked earlier about a team that was 48,14,9,88,20. You recommended that I move 88 up to 83 if possible. In order to do that, I could go with 48,39,9,83,20 instead, but thats the best I can do. I could also do the 2 instead of 39 but ya know... So basically, the question is... 14 and 88 OR 39 and 83? Seems like a close call!

Mark Garrow

  (4:06 PM)

Tough call William..Don't know where to go with that one right now to be honest..39 and 83 is probably it..

Ken (Fairfax)

ok - Mark Martin or Jeff Gordon with the better finish this weekend

Mark Garrow

  (4:06 PM)

I think Ken that's going to be Jeff Gordon...

Mark Garrow

  (4:08 PM)

Well that's going to do it for this Wednesday afternoon chat....Don't forget we're right back at it this Sunday morning at 10:30...until then may the "force" be with you....The Guru has left the building!