Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:32 PM)

I have to go on early today because of a plane to catch to Miami...so here we go...let's get this partaaayyyy started..and remember to keep one of our "regulars" Ken in NC in your thoughts and prayers..Let's do this thing!

mike p (danbury ct)

mark i hope you get this one. need your expert help. this race is triple points at homestead. i have the 14,33,31,or the 00. i am leading by 72 points. i need to qualify in the top ten if possible, and try to lead a lap.00 is comming back with the texas car.which had a chance for top five if he didnot have to pit for gas. i know the 14.ave finish is 8.8, and the way the 31,33 are running i dont know who to pick. i want to pick the 14,but if you have something better let me know.can you break them down,rank them and tell me were you think they will finish? thanks for everything. also i pick wendsday by 9pm, can you put out the scc rankings and also your projections by 8.15 this is a big help also. thankyou.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:36 PM)

I think 14 gives you the best chance to qualify up front and stay there. He was top-10 a year ago at Homestead and has been rock solid in the last four races on 1.5-mile tracks..with all his finishes top-15..that's what you need to take the championship to the house....and here's my top-30 rankings for Homestead...I've gone out on a limb up front .......1. Matt Kenseth 2. Juan Pablo Montoya 3. Mark Martin 4. Jeff Gordon 5. Kyle Busch 6. Kurt Busch 7. Kasey Kahne8. Greg Biffle 9. Denny Hamlin10.Carl Edwards11.Tony Stewart 12.Jimmie Johnson 13.Martin Truex, Jr.14.Ryan Newman 15.Clint Bowyer16.Jeff Burton17.Kevin Harvick18.David Reutimann19.Marcos Ambrose20.A.J. Allmendinger21.Casey Mears22.Jamie McMurray23.Brian Vickers24.David Ragan25.Joey Logano26.Dale Earnhardt, Jr.27.Brad Keselowski28.Bill Elliott29.Bobby Labonte

mike p (danbury ct)

do i dare to ask about about the 29 chances,i am only asking because you are around the headlines allday?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:37 PM)

Harvick is a dark-horse top-10 but feels more like a top-15 to me.

Don B. (Lexington, AL)

Guru, Which Ford drivers (if any) will be running the FR9 engine at Homestead this Sunday? Also, are there any tracks which closely compare to Homestead?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:38 PM)

There will be one driver using the new Ford engine and that's David Ragan..as far as tracks that compare to Homestead..I think just about all the 1.5-mile tracks do after they reconfigured it a few years ago.

Jeff (Santa Barbara, CA)

Just wanted to start off saying thanks for all the great insight and advice this year. What other tracks are most like Homestead and who are some of the drivers that tend to finish well at those tracks?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:41 PM)

Again, I think most of the 1.5-mile tracks compare to Homestead pretty well..Jeff Gordon has scored the most points on the superspeedways this year and he's been no worse than 13th in last four races on mile and a half with a second at Kansas and fourth at Charlotte..Kasey Kahne has been good in the four races too along with Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth,Kyle Busch, and Mark Martin..those are they guys I can quickly see in last four looking pretty good.

Barry (Rutland, VT)

Thank you for the help this past Sunday -- the only driver that kept me from a great week was the 14. Looking ahead, I am wondering what your thoughts are on the 17? JJ isn't an option and I need someone to go along with Gordon in my top tier. Martin, Biffle, & Edwards are also available. Many thanks and I'm looking forward to wrapping up the season.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:43 PM)

I told everyone to swap Tony for Johnson...17 should be really good this weekend..As you just might have read, I've gone out on a limb and predicted a win for the 17 this weekend..You don't want Johnson anyway he'll be in cruise control..Gordon-Kenseth shouldn't be a bad combo come Sunday.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:43 PM)

I told everyone to swap Tony for Johnson...17 should be really good this weekend..As you just might have read, I've gone out on a limb and predicted a win for the 17 this weekend..You don't want Johnson anyway he'll be in cruise control..Gordon-Kenseth shouldn't be a bad combo come Sunday.

Joyce (Keene)

Mark, after the season, is there a certain length of time drivers usually spend "getting away"? What about yourself, do you step away from it for awhile and when do you start preparing for next year? Thanks for all your chats.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:45 PM)

Joyce, thanks for joining in the chats..with the test ban things are pretty easy on the drivers now from Homestead until Daytona..They'll do a little testing but not much..as for me..I still have radio shows and podcasts due year round, but I try to take three or four days off in the first week of December and then get a week or so off in and around Christmas..this sport is year round now...schedule is easier though..less travel and no fantasy Cup until I start working my way through some stats at the beginning of January.

Melinda (Des Moines)

Guru, one last week my man. How would you rank the following 00, 1, 9, 14, 26, 42, & 83? Is there a distinctive break somewhere in this group? Much appreciated.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:46 PM)

Congrats on the win last week...42,9,14,1,26,83..and you're welcome.

Frank (Portland)

Mark, how do you think the 'Dinger will do this weekend? How would you stack him up against the 43, 77, & 12? Really enjoy the weekly chats, but I'm looking forward to the end of the season?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:48 PM)

The 'Dinger was tenth at Phoenix which was nice..but what's even better in the last four races on 1.5-mile tracks he's turned into an almost guaranteed top-20 runner..I rank those four this week 44,12,43, and 77.

Joey (Brooklyn)

Are there any drivers/teams who you might stay away from this week? People who are just ready for it to be over with. Also, what are the prospects for the 88 this weekend? Nice job this year.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:54 PM)

Thanks for the props Joey..did that with my Brookylyn typing accent..lol....I am advocating staying away from Johnson because he's just going to cruise...here is what I had to say on the subject in this week's race preview...you get the sneak peak.........In the top category, as I have already talked about, Jimmie Johnson is just going to cruise in this race so you can not count on him to score a large amount of points. I am also not a big fan of Clint Bowyer and Ryan Newman. They will run decent, but drivers just above and below them will outperform this duo. In the serious coin category Brad Keselowski I do not think is the way to go. Normally, I would be a big fan of Brian Vickers on this size of track, but that team just has not done much lately. Among the budget boys, I am finally getting off the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. train. Maybe if I tell everyone to drop him like a bad habit, he will have a good run. Sam Hornish, Jr. will tease you with a good finish every now and then, but he has been too successful at finding trouble lately. He has finished 40th in three of the last five races with the other finishes 36th and 17th on the flat track at Phoenix.

Paul (West Orange)

Burton, Bowyer or Harvick this week? Harvick scares me right now even though he is good at this track. Bowyer has been running well but no where near as well as Burton I think. Can Burton keep it going this week?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:54 PM)

Burton is on a roll with three straight top-10 runs and two of those were actually top-5. I'd say he's the safest of the three to go with...Bowyer would be my second choice.

derek (nc)

What's up mark I got 33 31 29 00 47 17 1 and some others below and around that what you think need 4 four

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:55 PM)

17,31,33 and 1..in close call over 00 and 47..

Jim (Louisville, KY)

Guru, I had Jimmie, Biffle, Reutimann, Truex Jr, & Hornish Jr in PHX for 717 pts. For Homestead who would you drop/keep from these 5 and who would you add? Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:57 PM)

I would drop Johnson and Hornish for sure..My prelim team has 5,42,17,1, and 09..hoping Gilliland can give me a top five...

Andy (Alaska)

Thanks for all the help Mark, I am in a Yahoo league and with your help I was able to win back some of my dollar dollar bills yall. My league offers a final prize for last race high score; since I am out of the top tier drivers I need some last race long shots. (It?s time to gamble). Win or lose Sunday, it has been fun and look forward to seeing you next year. Take careAndy

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:59 PM)

Thanks Andy...One of my main goals in life is to visit your beautiful state...when I do I'll buy you a cup of coffee..I think you can pull out a bunch of longshots to go with this week..17,42,1,31,33..I think the mid-tier guys will offer some help this week in a big way, I really do...So go for it..no guts no glory...dare to be great.

Dan (Indiana)

hey mark, if possible, can you please pick four drivers from the following list: Kahne, Logano, Newman, Reutimann, Truex, Vickers, McMurray, and Ragan, thanks and I only need four!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:00 PM)

Kahne, Truex, Newman and Reutimann is my best guess.

Steve (Texas)

howdy Mark, need you to pick two drivers for me from the following: Sorenson, A.J., B.Labonte, Hornish, Speed, Kez, and Bill Elliott, just need two guys, thanks a bunch pal.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:01 PM)

Steve..I'd go with Allmendinger..Keselowski in close call over Awesome Bill.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:01 PM)

Again, folks because of plane to catch I went on half-hour early today because I need to wrap it up at 3:30 eastern...more of your questions coming up..

Eric (Tx)

I took over the points lead last weekend and head into the final week with a three point lead so need advice bigtime. So...Jimmie wrecks at Texas and comes out and says he's being too conservative and needs to go out and drive. He dominated last weekend. Does he drive like that on Sunday or will it be his typical homestead joy-ride? Thinking of pairing him with Martin but also thinking 24 and 99. Would you take 00, 1, 20 or 88? Thanks for everything all year long, and now the longest three months of the year

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:04 PM)

Wow...now I'm feeling the pressure too..Let's pull this thing out..Jimmie's in cruise control. I don't see him taking any chances and will be conservative, which is what you or I would do too. You'd better off pairing the 24 with the 5..Of the other four drivers 00 and 1 feel like pretty safe picks top-15 or better picks to me..20 might be close..Junior's luck so bad ..if it weren't bad luck he have no luck at all....Gloom, despair and agony on meeeeee...

Tazman (Detroit,Michigan)

Mark, scord big last week 374 moved from 5th to 2nd and put my rivale into 5th. In 2nd by 66 points the only drivers I cant use are the 2,11,42 & 24. Give me your top 20 for Miami. Thanks for all the help this year.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:06 PM)

I did my top-30 at the top of the chat so check out the transcript for that..as far as these guys rated them like this 42,24,2 and 11..all will be pretty strong..and you're welcome.

Joe (LA)

Mark-It wasa great year again talking to you and the feedbacks you provide on race day. even though I started off bad on scc due to crashes and other mishaps, playing the scc game was still fun because of your insight chats on race day. I llook forward to next year starting in feb and more race day chats. Thank you.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:06 PM)

Thanks for the kind words Joe...good Lord willing and the creek don't rise I'll be back here in February.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Mark, I want to thank you for the chats this season. I'm ready for the off-season and this Friday when I turn 21. Anyways, I'm out of picks for the 48 and 5, so I picked the 24 then 42-9-44 to round it out. Or should I switch the 24 for the 16? As always thanks Mark!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:07 PM)

You're current four are pretty solid..At this point, before qualifying and practice I'd leave the 24 alone and not make that trade.

RAYGORDON REID ( TALLADEGA ALABAMA 35161)

COMMENT TO MARK GURU GARROW AT 3.20 PM THANKS MARK FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS PAST 20R 3YEARS

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:08 PM)

Ray Gordon...it just wouldn't be an "official" chat session unless I heard from you...You take care of yourself and you're welcome!

Al (Philly)

Guru, thanks for a great year. It's amazing to think that another season is about to be in the books. Could you talk a bit about your Kenseth pick for 1 please.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:10 PM)

Thanks for the kind words...As for Kenseth, I'll admit I'm going out on a limb but hear me out..He won at Homestead in 2007...and since he missed the Chase the team has done quite of bit of R&D and seems to be going in right direction..In last two races on the 1.5-mile tracks he was second at Charlotte and third at Texas..I believe they have refound their intermediate speedway "mojo"..

Terry (FL)

Get well, Ken. How do you see Johnson running this weekend? Will he play it safe and hope to finish better than 25th or will he race for the win?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:11 PM)

I sure Ken will appreciate the shout out...Johnson is going to play it safe..He is not going to try and win the race...That would be crazy and unnecessary..

Matt (Roanoke, VA)

Where is everybody?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:13 PM)

I don't know..hope they aren't having a hard to time getting in...So how have you been?..lol..

Billy Bad Butt (NC)

Is the 09 with Streme a start n park this week?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:16 PM)

No he's not...this is a tryout for him with car owner James Finch. He's trying to figure out who will take Keselowski's place next season. Tried out Gilliland last week and finished 30th..So, no it will not be a start and park.

Denny Hamlin (Homestead)

Brad should be looking over his shoulder for the entire Nationwide race. You just never know when and what I might do.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:17 PM)

I hear you brother...I like Brad and all, but don't let anyone talk you out of evening up the score..If you don't he'll have your number sister.

Corey Hodges (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

Not sure if my 1st question came through....Anyway....I want to personally thank you for your help throughout the entire season. The crew chief notes were a blessing...if only the drivers could be as candid!I am second in my league, 360 pts back....so I am going for it all in Miami! My team: 48, 11, 16, 1, 02Changes? Thanks again, Mr. Guru, and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas! Keep up the good work!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:20 PM)

First, it's not Mr. Guru..only Guru..we're buds right?...Secondly I think the 17 might be better pick than 11..but Hamlin should be good..I'm doing the 02 thing too to open up some cap space...Thirdly, thanks for the Holiday wishes!

Denny Hamlin (Homestead)

What do everyone think I should do...Take him out in the first 10 laps or toy with him for a while?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:26 PM)

Why wait? But I would get behind him and ride awhile..just to get him thinking..cat and mouse kind of thing..but what are we talking about here..someone will talk you out of it...

kevin (tx)

i get points for qualifying, pit jimmie on the squad and then start mark on sunday? or no jimmie period?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:27 PM)

I don't see Jimmie forcing the issue at all..they haven't done that in the past in the same situation and I don't see them doing that now..I picked up Jimmie last week because I knew he was going for it...and dropped him this week because I know he isn't at Homestead.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

Well, I guess that's going to do it for our final Wednesday chat of the year..don't forget race day chat from Miami coming up at high noon eastern this Sunday...Until then keep Ken in NC in your prayers and may the force be with you...Now, I exit stage left with the announcer booming out to the great multitudes.."The Guru has left the building!"

Janet (Ascutney VT)

Thank you Mark for your help for another great year. Between you and FNP, right now I am 33 points ahead of 2nd place in our yahoo league of 39. I hope you have a great winter and can't wait for this to start again in Feb. A. 5,24,31,29 need 2, B. 2,00,1,9,6 or 26 (need 4) and C. 44,77, 43,or 71 (need 2). Thanks again.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:34 PM)

Oops...can't pass up Jane in VT...been to Ascutney..live three miles from there....First what's FNP?...test lingo I don't know I guess..ol...A..5-24....B..2,9,1, and 00..C...44 and 43..and thanks for kind words...have a great holiday season..

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:35 PM)

Now..for real...no tricks..."The Guru has definitely left the building!"...Talk to you Sunday!