ESPN

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:35 PM)

Good afternoon everyone ...starting half hour early today because I've got to end a half hour early..got to get my backside to Texas...So, without further delay, let's get this partaaaayyy started!

Kevin Harvick (N.Carolina)

OK....I'm driving around the bottom of the track all by myself away from all those knuckleheads at the top and bam.... a car falls out of the sky onto my hood. It's hard enough in these new cars to see in front and behind, now I have to be aware of what's above me? I didn't think my year could get any worse...but I was wrong. Any love for me at Texas barring something falling out the sky onto my hood again?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:38 PM)

Dude, I feel your pain..that had to be some kind of view out the windshield with Newman came "swooping" down on your car..just think how Ryan felt...like maybe I need a parachute...lol...as for you and Texas..you were really ugly there in the spring. RCR intermediate program has improved but you've been up and down on mile and a half tracks..18th at Charlotte and that's where I have you ranked going in..You're a possible budget boy pick, but I'm not sure about that until you hit the track for practice and qualifying.

Andy (Westfield)

Sent an e-mail to thank you for all you do for us "lugnuts" of the world. I hope others do the same. I am sending questions in early this week in case you need to do any research. I have one allocation left for the 48, and with the Cup in 48's grasp thanks to Chad's fuel call, would it be wise to use him this week at Texas, assuming he will be in cruise control the last two races? Also, I have one allocation left for the 24, 14, 42, 2, 11, and 47. Which tracks would be the best to use them at?My initial thoughts are: 24 (Homestead if start 48 this week), 14 (Phoenix), 42 (Texas or Homestead?), 2 (Homestead or Texas?), 11 (Phoenix). 47 (Phoenix).Since I am unloading, why not one more question? How do you see the 9 performing the last three?THANKS AGAIN for all you do!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:44 PM)

Andy...thanks for the e-mail..much appreciated..The problem with the 48 is trying to figure out what they'll do this week. They can cruise and basically lock the deal up to the point all he has to do is start the final two races, which means he could be going all out at Phoenix and Homestead but stroking at Texas..On the other hand, he could drop the hammer in Texas, go for the throat and try to win the race to absolutely put the title away. Only way to know what he's going to do is get to the track and dig out that information..As for the other allocations...my thoughts are this..Gordon at Texas...Stewart at Phoenix ...with Montoya and Hamlin in the batting order for Homestead..Kurt Busch will be the strongest at Phoenix in my opinion..As for the 9 of Kahne..his record at Texas is awful, but he's been very strong in the last four races on tracks 1.5-miles in length..So, I'd rate him strongest for Homestead..then Texas and then Phoenix where his record is so-so..If, by the way, Johnson goes for it at Texas, look for him and Gordon to lock horns.

Barry (Rutland, VT)

Hey Guru, one non-fantasy question first: Do the drivers even enjoy racing at Talladega knowing that they have so little control over their own fate? Fantasy-wise, I've run out of some allocations and wonder how you think the following drivers might fare: 20, 9, 26, 83, 00, 1? Many thanks as always.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:49 PM)

No Barry, the drivers hate Talladega because they hate having no control over the situation. As for how these drivers listed might fare at Texas..Given how he's run in the last four races on 1.5-mile tracks Kasey Kahne should be top on the list..His last four finishes on 1.5-mile tracks 3rd, first, sixth, and 3rd...but in last four at Texas 18th, 25th, 24th, and 19th..just doesn't make sense to me. I think Kasey comes up pretty big this weekend with that team on a bit of a roll. I think Brian Vickers would be rated second among this group. He was 16th in the spring..with some confidence from the Talladega win McMurray might be able to come close to finishing third like he did a year ago. 00 is top-10 material - I peg him to finish 10th to 14th..20 is unknown here at Texas..had problems in the spring.

Tim (San Antonio)

Mr. Garrow, does my man Tony have a shot this weekend? Also, given Jimmy's widening lead, do you think that will have any effect on the focus of his closest competitors? Much appreciated.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:50 PM)

Tim, I think Tony does have a shot this weekend and have him rated third in my pre-race rankings..Johnson's widening lead will mess with some driver's heads, but I doubt you can get Martin, Gordon, Stewart and Montoya to throw out the white flag of surrender.

mike p (danbury ct)

mark incredible, i picked 88,which i am a big fan,but i have to tell you i was on my rocker the whole day.i believe he did have a chance to win. texas i guys i have left are ,33,00,31,20,6 . can you please rank them,then tell me what you are thinking on how they will run. also the next two races are reg points homestead triple. i am taking 29 phonix, and 14 at homestead.also can you post your projections and scc rankings a little earlyer i go by that to its a big help. thank you .

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:53 PM)

Ranking those guys like this..31,33,00,6, and 20..I think 31 could surprise. He was ninth in the spring and we all knew RCR was way behind on track's like Texas, but Burton still pulled out top-10. That Cat team now running better and Burton's worst finish in last four Texas races is 13th. 33 and 00 also have a chance to run top-10 or top-15. 29 at Phoenix should be okay as will the 14 at Homestead...good luck with all that.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:53 PM)

Ranking those guys like this..31,33,00,6, and 20..I think 31 could surprise. He was ninth in the spring and we all knew RCR was way behind on track's like Texas, but Burton still pulled out top-10. That Cat team now running better and Burton's worst finish in last four Texas races is 13th. 33 and 00 also have a chance to run top-10 or top-15. 29 at Phoenix should be okay as will the 14 at Homestead...good luck with all that.

JJ GLOOR (Hicksville)

well 526 wow i was horrible!! Jr comes through and everyone else bombed on my team! Well all except JJ!! I am gonna go with 48,16,99,88,6 what ya think?? Ford has won 9 out of the last 16 races!!!!!!!!Should i get a another ford or ya think Jr. can do good back to back??

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:56 PM)

How about the 463 I scored...WOW is the word baby...As for your Texas team I like the 24 a little better than 48 but can obviously live with JJ..16 is good but I might want 18 more than the 99..88 should be okay and 6 should be potential top-15 to top-20.

Ryan (Gilbert, AZ)

Good afternoon Guru.......How does this team look for TMS.......48,24,18,88,02

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:58 PM)

If the 02 can come through with a top-25 should be decent score..If he can run top-20 might land you serious point territory..My problem with the 02 is that it's a tearm really thrown together by Joe Gibbs for a handful of races. The pit crew is made up of guys they are trying out or have on their "B" team so he'll get hurt coming down pit road just like did at Charlotte..

Chrystal (New York)

Hi Mark, would you use my last allocation for Ambrose this week or save him for Phoenix. Thank you.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:59 PM)

Chrystal, I think I'd save Ambrose for next week.

John (Bismark)

Interesting that we didn't hear anything from the Blue Deuce after his future teammate launched him into the Big One. I know it's 'Dega, but it seems that that was all on Brad K's shoulders.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:00 PM)

Brad K could have a lot of guys looking to get even as the season wears down..on both Nationwide and Cup he sure has ticked some folks off.

Randy (Worcester, MA)

Hey Guru, any love for Sorenson this week? How does he stack up with Dinger and B. Elliott? Thanks for the help. You're money.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:01 PM)

Dinger is in a Ford for the final three races and not too sure how that's going to work..Sorenson is possible top-25 candidate..Bill Elliott should be a top-20 car and with his price makes him a nice potential "floor" pick.

Tim (Concord)

What are thoughts on where Keselowski finishes this weekend?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:04 PM)

Tough to say. He finished 23rd at Texas back in April at Texas. It will be interesting to see how he adapts when he doesn't have all that Hendrick horsepower under the hood. He should be top-20 material but we'll have to wait an see practice and qualifying to get a real feel in this his first week behind the wheel of the #12 Penske Dodge.

Derek Jeter (NY, NY)

Mark-Love your column/chat and glad you'll be around for more! So before I go win the World Series tonight, I have to make a pick for this week's race. In a game where you can only pick a Chase driver once in a Chase race. 3 races left and have Hamlin, Kahne,. Newman, Vickers

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:06 PM)

Newman at Texas..Hamlin at Phoenix...Kahne at Homestead.

Daniel (Indiana)

hey mark, I have one start left with Stewart and Montoya and two left with Vickers. Should I use any of those three guys here?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:08 PM)

Then Daniel I'd take a chance on Vickers at Texas. He's potential top-10 and should be no worse than top-15..Big tracks are right down the alley for Vickers.

Steven (Texas)

hey mark, if you could pick to drivers from the following: Brad K., AJ, Reed, B.Labonte, hornish, B.Elliott and R.Gordon, who would you pick and why? thanks for the help!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:10 PM)

I'd probably go with Brad K and Bill Elliott..Brad and Bill could both run top-20 and could do that easier than any of the other drivers.

RAY GORDON ( FAYETTEVILLE ARK 72701)

QUESTION TO MARK GARROW ATY3.20 PM GOOD WEDNESDAY GURU WHO DOES THE FORT WORTH GURU HAVE AT FORT WORTH

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:11 PM)

I've got Jeff Gordon, like the Alamo, making his last stand at Texas. Ranking him just ahead of Johnson, Stewart, Martin...and wait Alan in PA...wait....Hamlin.

Rhianna (Alexandria, VA))

Bid on signed NASCAR gear and help United Way race to advance the common good! http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPageanduserid=unitedwayworldwide

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:11 PM)

Thanks Rhianna for dropping us that note.

Bill (Fla)

Can you rank the Roush guys? And are any of them running the new engine and if so do you see that being a problem?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:14 PM)

I think Kenseth and Ragan, but that will have to be checked on at the track..as for ranking them 16,17,99,26, and 6...New engine is a question mark no doubt about it, but it did make it all the way at Talladega..Plate track not a true test but motor is still strained.

Vince (LA)

Is Gilliand going to be racing the whole thing in the 02 and do you see him being a nice floor pick?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:15 PM)

Yes, Vince Gilliland will be going the whole way and he could be a decent, but risky floor pick. You just never know, but should be able to run at least 25th like he did at Charlotte.

Bob (GA)

Can Jeff Burton keep his Texas mojo going this week?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:15 PM)

I think so. He loves the track, has had a lot of success there even when his car wasn't that hot like the ninth place run at Texas earlier this year.

alan (pa)

At any point in time, if anyone in here would like to issue me a formal apology, i would gladly accept. i have had it right from day one... HAMLIN IS A BUM

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:17 PM)

Good to hear from you Alan...Denny's going to give you indigestion this week and that will force Nurse Helga or Brunhilde, like a radiator, to "flush" out your system...lol...

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:17 PM)

Again, want to remind everyone..I went on half hour early because I have to wrap things up today around 3:30 eastern..

Bill Pickle (Beantown)

Well Guru, this one should be a bit easier to handicap than last weekend. Do you have your pre-race Top 25 for us?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:19 PM)

Here's my pre-race top-30.......Jeff Gordon 2. Jimmie Johnson 3. Tony Stewart 4. Mark Martin 5. Denny Hamlin 6. Juan Pablo Montoya 7. Greg Biffle 8. Kyle Busch 9. Ryan Newman 10.Carl Edwards 11.Kurt Busch 12.Jeff Burton13.Matt Kenseth 14.Kasey Kahne 15.Clint Bowyer16.Brian Vickers 17.David Reutimann18.Kevin Harvick19.Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 20.Casey Mears21.Brad Keselowski22.Martin Truex, Jr.23.Jamie McMurray24.Marcos Ambrose25.David Ragan26.Joey Logano27.Bill Elliott28.Bobby Labonte29.Reed Sorenson30.Sam Hornish, Jr.

Mark Martin (Arkansas)

Where's the love? I have been doing great on the intermediates this year, but you have Jeffie, Jimmy and Tony ahead of me??

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:20 PM)

But dude..they are not that far in front of you..I still like you for a potential top-5 and give you an outside shot at winning...it's not a sloppy kiss, but still a nice peck on the cheek...lol..

Rick (FL)

Last week was everyone's mulligan and for a second I thought I saw Ricky Bobby out on the track.Seriously now, my line up 14,48,18,6,98 any advice thanks again

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:20 PM)

Rick..14, 48,18..big thumbs up..6 maybe..98 think about that again.

Kevin (Wheaton, IL)

Mark, I have one more allocation for Shrub. Do I play him here?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:22 PM)

That's possible..but I think I like him a little better for Phoenix.

Mike (Los Angeles)

My biggest question about Jimmie's huge lead is how it will affect Jimmie's racing. Now that he's practically a full race ahead of second, will he start keeping his nose clean and finishing top 15 instead of top 5 to avoid racing hard and wrecking?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:24 PM)

That's the 64 dollar question going to Texas. He said after Talladega they would go to Texas and do what they normally do put on full court press and try to win, but will they actually do it? Hard to say, but you do know when push comes to shove he'll cruise to a 10th place finish and not push to run fifth..if he can't win.

Shane (Conn)

11 or 42? 18 or 17?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:24 PM)

I have 11 rated ahead of 42 going in and 18 in from of 17.

Billy Bad Butt (NC)

Will da Dinger be getting the new Ford engun sumtime or is that just for the Rouscheteers

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:25 PM)

Dinger will run the older Ford motor according to my sources but we'll check on that in Texas.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Mark, first of all mad props to Jamie McMurray, glad to see a guy with a lot of bad luck and pure class get the win. Could he end up at RPM in the 4th car next year or the year after? Also, Mark your take on my line-up of 48-14-42-47? I'm saving Hornish for Phoenix.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:27 PM)

Don't know about McMurray in four RPM car next year..Only way that might happen is if Menard walks with his daddy's big check and RPM will do all it can to hold on to that deal..First three 48,14, and 42 are solid. 47?..I have several guys around his $$$ rated higher. He'll do okay but I think others who are cheaper will have a bigger day Sunday.

Kevin (Wheaton)

I have one allocation left for Kurt Busch and one for Montoya. Base on their previous performances, I was thinking the deuce this weekend and the former road courser at Phoenix? But you like them the other way around?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:29 PM)

Kevin..I'm thinking just the opposite..Montoya at Texas and Busch at Phoenix...Montoya's Phoenix record not good at all and he's been really strong on the big tracks here in the second half of the season.

JJ (portland)

i disagree on allocations. use 48 this week becasue you can use 5 at phoenix and get the same results.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:29 PM)

Again..all depends on whether 48 is racing at Texas or stroking..

Nick (MI)

How's 48,11,18,31,02?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

If Gilliland can run top-25 this could be really good..48,11 and 18 potential top-5 again if 48 is racing not stroking..31 top-10.

big mama (yazoo, ms)

48 for the race and cup clinch. mark it down

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

If he's going for it Big Mama..mark it down this is one of the few times I might agree with you.

cactus jack (new mex)

doesnt brad K not have hendrick power when he drives the 09? isnt that a dodge? btw stremme had 14th in texas in spring

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:33 PM)

Here's something you didn't know Cactus Jack...but that's one of the ways you know the 09 might be a start and park if they are running a Dodge..They ran a Chevy with Brad K in all their races together this year.

Doug (Wis)

Mark, how do you think Logano will do this week?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:33 PM)

Top-20 maybe...didn't look that sharp at Texas in springl. He's running better and so is car, but don't look for a giant leap up.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:33 PM)

Top-20 maybe...didn't look that sharp at Texas in springl. He's running better and so is car, but don't look for a giant leap up.

cactus jack (new mex)

is reutiman worth a look this wekk?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:35 PM)

I think so..10th and 11th in last two Texas starts..worst finish in last four races on 1.5-mile track is 15th..average finish over that span just under 10.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:36 PM)

Well that's going to do it for today folks..don't forget the race day chat from Texas..It will come your way Sunday morning at 11:00 eastern time..till then have a great week...Sadly we must announce once again "The Guru has left the building!"