Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:57 PM)

Good afternoon everyone...glad to have you with us and let's get this partaaaayyyy started!

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will win the Aliance Truck 250 & the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (2:58 PM)

How about let's get crazy...Paul Menard on Saturday...Matt Kenseth on Sunday.

mark (baden, pa)

who threw out there water bottle for the last caution @ pocono ? he should be fined !

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:00 PM)

No idea Mark...If NASCAR finds out they'll deal with it secretly..with all the in-car cameras these days it should show up somewhere. It used to be a common thing - they'd throw out water bottles...roll bar padding, basically anything that wasn't nailed down.

Bill Scott (Lake Summerset, Illinois)

Hell-o Mark, I'm 72nd of 2173 in Fantasy Cup with 2 races to go in the 1st half. My team going in is the 17, 11, 48, 88, 2, 5, 27 and the 16. Looking forward to your top 30 rankings. I feel a need for the 14 and maybe the 99. Will the 21 be a good bargin in place of the 27? The "Rice Burners" make me nervous with the re-pave at Michigan. Is the 29 a better pick than the 11? Thanks for your time and look forward to your insight, Bill

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:06 PM)

I think Bill, the 14 and 99 would be good additions this week..straight up I like the 11 over the 29...but the engine problems the 18 has had scare me a little..but they'll probably de-tune a bit this week and go to a different gear and be okay. I know a lot of teams are looking hard at being very conservative with the gearing...This is Menard's kind of track so I'm not sure that's even up in a trade with the 21..Bayne should be okay though with the Wood Brothers connection to Roush..and the top-30 is on the way.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:06 PM)

1.Matt Kenseth2.Tony Stewart3.Denny Hamlin4.Jimmie Johnson5.Carl Edwards6.Dale Earnhardt, Jr.7.Greg Biffle8.Kyle Busch9.Kevin Harvick10.Joey Logano11.Martin Truex, Jr.12.Ryan Newman13.Mark Martin14.Kasey Kahne15.Clint Bowyer16.Marcos Ambrose17.Brad Keselowski18.Jeff Gordon19.Paul Menard20.Jamie McMurray21.Jeff Burton22.Juan Pablo Montoya23.A.J. Allmendinger24.Aric Almirola25.Kurt Busch26.Trevor Bayne27.Regan Smith28.Bobby Labonte29.Austin Dillon30.Casey Mears

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:07 PM)

As an addition to my top-30...I really think Kyle Busch will be bad fast and if not for problems he's had the last two weeks, I'd have him up around second or third in the rankings.

Delmarva (NY)

I am struggling badly these last few weeks. My roster is 17 48 18 2 78 and I need a shakeup to turn things around. Any suggestions?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:13 PM)

Well last week I decided to make my floor picks for the next couple of races, Mark Martin and Joey Logano and that worked out. I got burned by Kahne's wreck and you got burned by Busch's blown motor and Keselowski's so-so run. The fact Smith finished 16th at that price is as good as you could possibly hope for. If you want to shake things up you could trade either 17 or 48 and move down to Stewart..that saves you money and sets up nicely for Sonoma too..You could also trade the 18 for say Logano..that will open up some cap space and if you trade 2 for the 5..that's even more space and might be able to move enough $$ around to trade 78 for the 9...all that, of course, if you dare to be great...lol

JJ GLOOR (Hicksville Ohio)

Guru Im in an eliminator game and there is 8 of 100 left! I am still in i need one driver for MIS the best shot at a top ten finish???? Winner gets free tickets to first race for chase! Keep your eye open for me at MIS im the Bald one in turn one LOL Have a good one and thanks my man!!!!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:15 PM)

I don't think you can go wrong with Matt Kenseth...and as far as top-10s are concerned Dale Jr. has been a machine for the past couple of months...Stewart and Johnson would be good too. Hamlin..That's where I'd look first and good-luck...and since you'll be the only bald guy in turn one I'll be sure to find you...lol

Steve (Indiana)

Expectations for 33 Dillon? Foolish to chance him? Now, 5,14,48,55,9. Could be 5,14,48,88,33. Just dropped Shrub for Smoke after 2 blown engines. Thanks.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:21 PM)

Steve, here's the deal...this car is coming from RCR..the #33 lately have been run by a guy who bought the number and some cars from Richard Childress with the agreement Childress can use the number a little bit this year as he works to make his grandson eligible to run all the Cup races next season..So, it's a good car and will have all the tires they need..On the flip side doesn't have much experience at Michigan..What I see happening is a potential top-25...that would be nice at his price and would certainly opening up cap space..other problem there it's a one and done and you'll have to completely revamp for Sonoma...and the 14 for 18 is a good trade for this week and next I do believe.

paul (flagstaff,az)

hi-mark what isthe 18 engine prblms the last 2-races cause 11-18 did nt hve engine prblms the last 2 races or is it a toytoa thing cause 55 at darlingtn&charlotte or kansas had enjine prblms are thy setting it up the wrong way[18] than 11-20/anyway does kurt busch gts in with gibbs or childress after he put his ft in mouth/thnx

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:25 PM)

Paul, they all get their engines from Toyota's engine shop in California..It could be part failure and with the electronic fuel injection perhaps the wrong program with too many rpms. I'm sure countless hours have been put in this week to try and figure it out and you've got to believe Toyota camp will go conservative this week...As for Kurt Busch's future no idea...Tony Stewart said it best...he's got a ton of talent but as a car owner you'd have a hard time hiring him because of sponsors or lack thereof if he scares them away..He's so good, though, he'll get another shot in a top flight car and let's hope he can keep himself out of trouble because honestly he's not a bad guy, he really isn't.

hi-mark (flaggstaff,az)

hi-mark is the 13 a start & park team last week at poccno or did thy hve prblms with the new surface at poccno?/is the 13 short on funds 4 tires like the 34 was at texas?is there a new surface on the track at mis this week?/

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:26 PM)

I don't think they intended to be start and park at Pocono...but yes 13 doesn't have the money to fire tires like the top teams and that's held them back, just like it has the 34...Yes as well to question about Michigan. The two-mile track has a new surface and corner speeds during tire test were over 215 mph...wow!

paul (flagstaff,az)

hi-mark i see that dillion is on the entry list 4 mis in the 33 car will that car be= [2 ] 29-31-27 or junk thanx 4 answering all my ? 2day

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:27 PM)

Again, this #33 coming from RCR shops so it will be a good, fast car..and mechanically will be the equal of the 29,31 and 27.

Jason (FL)

With the new pavement for the Michigan race, what are some things we should look for in regards to picking teams and how much does qualifying play into it? Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

I think one of the things you look at this week Jason is who performed well on the new surface at Pocono and who showed to have a lot of speed because this race Sunday is going to be all about speed...and of course engine reliability. I think a look at the Fontana results could add some insight. As far as qualifying here's something to think about...No one who started top-10 last week at Pocono finished worse than 16th...how about that one?

Jason (FL)

Also Guru,Just wondering when teams say they are a top 10 team going in are they just saying this as pride or doing a comparison with other teams? Haha, on race day seems like many teams feel that they are great and how do you rank them based off of what the garage says. Thank you for the hard work you put in every week Guru!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:31 PM)

Some guys mean it when they say they're top-10 and other are hoping it and still others are praying to the dear almighty...I try to cut through that the best I can...

Tim (San Francisco)

Hey Mark! If you had a choice to trade for one MWR driver to have the rest of the year, who would it be?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:32 PM)

I'm thinking Bowyer in close call over Truex.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Mark, hope your doing well, it's a hot one here in Central FL. For Y I have the 17-55-20-21 for a prelim lineup. However, I have a backup of the 11 to the 17 and the 16 and/or 27 for the 55 and 20. I'm set on the 21 over the 43 so just need some advice on the other two. Thanks Mark!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:34 PM)

I'd keep the 17...16 for the 55 I can live with..The 27 will be bad fast, but this track has not been that good to him..I would definitely stick with Logano though. I think he's about to "roll".

paul (flagstaff,az)

hi-mark-the reason i ask all the 13?S are i hve what i thought was a good keeper team in 17-11-14-18-78/& rt now with all the 18 engine prblms i wouls swap 18[4]88 thats ok but swap out 78[13] which ??? 78 at least gve you 17-24 everyweek or better best out of the 13 i can gt 20-22 hoping he will finish no worst than 25/also at poccno was 20 a clean pass on 55 at end of race ?/thanx no more?S 2day

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:38 PM)

How about Paul switch out 18 for the 5 or maybe even the 20 if you dare to be great....Going down the path with 13 is not the way to go...As for Pocono I have no problem with bump and run pass...as long as guy you bumped doesn't wreck and finishes up front still...When did it even become a debatable point it might be a bad thing for goodness sakes...We need more of that kind of thing, not less. It's why these cars have bumpers and fenders for crying out loud!

Windy City Dan (IL)

Who do you think will start in the front 2 rows this week? (FYI-The reason I ask is because of bonus pts in Y! Fantasy Racing)

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:40 PM)

I think you look at Pocono hard Dan..The 20 and 11 for Gibbs will be fast again..I think Fords will be a little faster and Hendrick will put at least a couple of cars up near front...

devin bachman (whitmore lake mi)

what is in keselowski stock this sunday

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:41 PM)

He's a "tweener" for me this week Devin. He'll be fast, but I was a little concerned about what happened at Pocono and recent inconsistency.

Jill (OH)

Hi Mark! What do you think of this team: 88,11,24,42,& 55? Any changes? Thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:43 PM)

You're daring to be great Jill...24 has been a heartbreaker lately..I know believe me...and I'd go Regan Smith over Montoya down the value chart..I think down the road I like 5 over 24...Kahne bounced off the wall at Pocono but prior to that had seven consecutive top-10s and a win..Might want to take a fresh look at your team.

Joanie (Michigan)

Guru, can we expect Austin Dillion to have RCR Equipment in the 33 this weekend? I'm not altogether sure what the deal is with the 33 now, but will Paw-Paw make sure Austin has The Goods to compete? As always, thanks!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:44 PM)

Answers are yes and yes and you're welcome!

GIGI (UPPER SILESIA)

Did the popular but unproductive Casey Mears S and P? I see Geico is not on the car this weekend...Any worries, Mate?ps; any props for young Dillon?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:45 PM)

Mears will have Valvoline on the car this week so they'll be trying to go the whole way...Dillon could be a top-25 player this week..and where is upper Silesia?

Mikey (EG, RI)

Great Guru, my team last week consisted of # 18, 55, 9, 5 & 48. I'm thinking about upgrading to D. Hamlin, but I feel that Ky. Busch will be good this week... he can't have 3 bad weeks in a row, can he ? Thanks for your time, Mikey.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:47 PM)

Mikey, sooner or later Kyle Busch is going to finish another race right? He'll be fast at Michigan no doubt about it but will he be trouble free? That's the rub...but if you stuck with that team..on paper you should be in pretty good shape if Busch doesn't blow up again..

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:47 PM)

Mikey, sooner or later Kyle Busch is going to finish another race right? He'll be fast at Michigan no doubt about it but will he be trouble free? That's the rub...but if you stuck with that team..on paper you should be in pretty good shape if Busch doesn't blow up again..

Walt461 (Eglin AFB, FL)

Hi Mark, The 21 is about the same price as the 33. Both the 33 and 21 are good for yahoo this week. Is the 21 worth a look see for front loading a team?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:48 PM)

Bayne ran top-10 with this car at Vegas and Talladega this year...So, he's got some upside and more than Dillon who's making only his second Cup start and his first at Michigan.

Joanie (Michigan)

I see a few of us have asked the same question on Austin and the 33, and it is answered in details - so - thank you, and...never mind, LOL!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:49 PM)

Sure...now you tell me...typical for your gender of the species...lol....

dave (motor city)

Guru, IF I go with Austin Dillon (big risk) the rest of the team is 48-17-11-14 which ain't bad. Whatta you think?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:52 PM)

Here's the deal..figure Dillon in for 19 points..if all your guys finish top-5 they'd add up to around 214...so I'm saying dare to be great Dave...you can do it!

Tim K (Brentwood, CA)

Trying to put together a team this week that can carry me through next week at Sonoma where I'll spend my 45th wedding anniversary. Looking at 48, 14, 5, 55, and 9. See any improvements? Thanks in advance as always.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:55 PM)

So your wife actually put up with your junk for 45 years? She must be a saint! ..lol...If you're setting up for next week remember one thing Martin is not running Sonoma...Brian Vickers is taking his place..I like what I see though with the other four drivers...or hold on to the 55 this week and then trade for the 42 next week...Seriously, congratulations I hope you and your wife have a great time in Sonoma.

Windy City Dan (IL)

Guru, Couldn't agree with you more about Kurt being an all around good guy. I met him once at a hospitality tent and he hung around and answered all questions and signed autographs for everyone even after they told him 5 times to leave to go to the car. He seems like a nice guy with an extreme competitive side when he gets behind the wheel.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:59 PM)

Part of it is being taught as a child that even when you're mad or something bad has happened, you don't have right to treat other people poorly..and to be honest I used to have a terrible temper capable of major acts or charity or malice..So, I can understand the issues that Kurt has to conquer..What finally did it for me is that I realized I couldn't do it on my own and I asked God to help me with it, sincerely asked, and it changed my life and helped me be a better person and more of the man I wanted to be..People who knew me in my early racing career saw the difference immediately..I'm hoping the same for Kurt...People can't ever say I'm not transparent right?...lol

Sam (ut)

THink JJ gets his first win in MIS this weekend?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:00 PM)

It's possible Sam because Hendrick is building some mean horsepower right now...and you'll need plenty of ponies under the hood this week to win that's for sure.

Sam (ut)

Think the field noticed the 48 driving back from 2 speeding penaltys to a 4th place?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:00 PM)

Uh............Duh..lol

Jill (OH)

What do you think of this lineup: 88,11,99,20,&78? Thanks again!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:01 PM)

That looks a little more sporty Jill...good-luck.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

What women has made their Sprint Cup Series Debut at Michigan especially the Quicken Loans 400 in June?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:04 PM)

I can think of only one and that was Shawna Robinson in 2001 I believe.

Joanie (Michigan)

LOL - it's a good thing I like you so much, I'll give you a free pass on that comment...this time ;D

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:05 PM)

Yeah...like you'd ever really forgive me? Please..I'm a married man who knows better than that..lol

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Did David Reutimann part ways from Tommy Baldwin Racing why is Tony Raines in the #10 Chevrolet at Michigan?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:05 PM)

Not sure, I'll have to check that one out.

dave (motor city)

daring not to be great (lol) but more conserverative what about 48-39-5-20-55

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:07 PM)

So is there darin to be great with a few chicken feathers?..lol..just kidding....Seriously, no one would be shocked if all five of those cars finished top-10.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:09 PM)

Well, folks we ran into overtime, but we got everyone's questions answered..so glad you joined up today with us...time flys when you're having fun don't you know and the more the merrier...Michigan race day chat is 10:30 eastern Sunday morning...until then have a great week and may the force be with you...Sad to say but must "The Guru has left the building!"