Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon everyone...let's get this Wednesday afternoon fantasy racing partaaaayyyyy started.

Ross (Cuba/Fl)

I read where Urt said they had to piece together a car that could turn left and right late Monday night. Can things get any worse for Finch?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:01 PM)

Ross, their a small team that is just getting it done..doing what they have to do...would they like more help? Sure...Would it have been better if they had not wrecked so many cars early? Yes. But they are making due.

Bill Scott (Lake Summerset, Illinois)

Mark, Did the Kenseth "Bombshell" affect where he is your top 30? Thanks, Bill

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:05 PM)

No Bill it doesn't. I thought a lot about that. And my belief is that he and the team will be super-forcused at Kentucky to try and prove they are not a lame duck deal..Yes, it could go the other way..but it's a veteran team with veteran crew chief and veteran driver that have proven they can out distractions behind them..This is a BIG one, but until proven otherwise I think they will have a strong run at Kenstucky as they did at Kansas.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:06 PM)

Speaking of my top-30 pre-race rankings..here you go.......1.Jimmie Johnson2.Greg Biffle3.Matt Kenseth4.Denny Hamlin5.Martin Truex, Jr.6.Carl Edwards7.Kyle Busch8.Kasey Kahne9.Tony Stewart10.Kevin Harvick11.Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 12.Brad Keselowski13.Clint Bowyer14.Joey Logano15.Jeff Gordon16.Marcos Ambrose17.Ryan Newman18.Jamie McMurray19.A.J. Allmendinger20.Kurt Busch21.Paul Menard22.Jeff Burton23.Juan Pablo Montoya24.Aric Almirola25.Regan Smith26.Casey Mears27.Michael Waltrip28.Bobby Labonte29.Landon Cassill30.David Ragan

Bill Scott (Lake Summerset, Illinois)

Mark, I'm a die-hard Kenseth fan. Will he have a shot at the title this year? The best case I see is he goes to Penske and bumps into the 22 but Jack let's him take the # 17. Stenhouse could run the #6. I'm a little surprised because Matt is ON TOP OF THE STANDINGS! What input does Ford have? I really want to see Matt win another Cup. Your thoughts? Thank-you for all you do. Sincerly, Bill

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:10 PM)

Bill, he is not going to Penske...Penske would not poach a driver from Roush the first year he joins Ford..there is too much respect between the two. From what I'm hearing it's Joe Gibbs to drive the 20 car..Does that mean a fourth car for Logano or moving him full-time to Nationwide with part-time Cup or he moves on entirely..don't know..but I think it's a good bet..Ford has some input sure, but I think their full court press to keep Carl last year rubbed Matt and Biffle the wrong way. Matt certainly has positive feels for Ford overall, but that deal there might have got him started going somewhere else and now he's going to end up in Toyota.

paul (flagstaff.arz)

hi-mark-topic=17 i know why now[lack of money lack of sponsor lack of money left 2 pay matt after thy lockup 99]17 4 sure going 2 gibbs what abt 20 future at gibbs if nt gibbs were?what does that mean now 4 the 17 chances 4 a realistic chance of winning it all this year with lack of money this year how can he compete with the yankees now [hendrick ]also next 2 races who looks better 18 or 5 ? thnx/what is roush that poor are thy like the 34 at texas were thy could nt buy tires 4 thewhole race/maybe cutdn on any testing that will help win races in the chase

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:11 PM)

Again, Paul I think Kenseth will have no problem competing for wins and the championship despite this decision. Again, what a move to Gibbs would mean for Logano is a big unknown.

Don (Kenosha, wi)

Could we see Ky step up and come out with 3 or 4 of these drivers? a Dodge team with Ky, Mat KU Bayne and Vickers, or Kz? If they could get sponsership.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:13 PM)

No Don don't see that at all. Kenseth is not going someplace now to build a team. He can still win and compete for the championship and he's moving to another team like Roush that can provide that..which is why Gibbs is on the radar...and if silence speaks volumes? Have you heard Gibbs deny any of this? Wouldn't he just to take the pressure off of Logano? I think so.

Hector (Miami)

Did Urt's "Jimmy Swaggart" moment after the Sonoma race help him in his quest to attract a sponsor/owner for the 2013 season? Thanks.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:14 PM)

Hector what he did on and off the track had to help, but remember this he's got to do it consistently before a sponsor will take a chance on him..He knows that and knows he can ill afford any other black eyes.

Hot Lap (Toronto Canada)

What is wrong with Carl and the 99 team this season.It seems that every week that the car is not set up for the race !!

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:16 PM)

It's close, but they have a hard time finding the set-up they need when it comes to crunch time. That used to be the criticism about Dale Jr...It's really tough when you're that close because it's usually some small stuff that puts you over the top and it's not easy scratching around looking for a tenth....tenth and a half.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Mark, all I can say is wow. Kenseth leaving RFR, didn't see that happening at all. Is Penske an options for him to stay with Ford, esp when I'm not sure if Dinger has what it takes? This mean RFR stays at 3 for next year or is a 4th car an option?For KY this week, temporary line-up is 14-20-15-43, however should I look at maybe using one of 6 starts of Biff or Jr and save the 20 or 15 who have 7

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:23 PM)

Again, Nick Penske is not the deal..I actually think the worm is turning for Allmendinger and they like him. Roush Fenway probably does have only three cars next year..unless a big sponsor deal emerged from out of nowhere...actually two..one for Stenhouse and the other for whoever...Tough call on the team...with all the rumors swirling around about his future at Gibbs, I'm not sure what Logano does this weekend...Usually, there's no in between either drivers in this situation are either lights out trying to prove people wrong in this situation or they try too hard to prove people wrong and that just gets them in trouble. Almirola will be an interesting pick and it seems anyone who gets in the MWR number 55 is top-20 or better..and in the case of Vickers..top-5 in two out of three filling in for Martin..which is why Michael Waltrip is a possible this week as crazy as some people might think I am.

KARL (COLUMBIA MO)

Waltrip is making a huge mistake not running Vickers at Kentucky. I guess it's Mikie's home track or something with Aarons but I think a 30 something at least 2 laps down is in the cards..Ok rant over.. Question> Edwards to the front? I think so if practice and qualifying go well at all. I also think lots of upside in Ambrose.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:24 PM)

I think Waltrip actually does better than that..He was 19th at Talladega...Vickers worst finish is 18th in that car in three races...I can see Waltrip at least top-25 if not a little better...I do think Edwards will be strong and I think Ambrose is a lock top-15 and could sneak a top-10.

Jason (FL)

Guru,What should we look for in picking teams? Overall speed, starting position, etc? Montoya burned alot of people last week including me. Still not sure what happened to him as I didn't get to see the race. Also, do you think Logano and Kes picked together could be treacherous? (word of the day) :)

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:28 PM)

I'll raise you treacherous with "perilous"..lol..The big thing to look at in my opinion is the Kansas race. Most of the drivers say that Kansas before the repave that's going on right now was worn out, slick, and hard to get a handle on which are the same attributes as Kentucky. Last year did you know six of the drivers who were top-10 at Kansas were top-10 at Kentucky...and expanding it to top-15...12 of the top-15 drivers at Kansas were top-15 as well at Kentucky...Montoya got me last week too, but I will not give him that opportunity at Texas...lol

Taylor (VA)

Hard one to handicap, Guru. I like the MWR cars here, especially after the tear they've been on. Is there any track that we could look to for guidance?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:29 PM)

As I just mentioned Taylor I think Kansas will be a very good gauge. It won't be after the fall because it's being freshly paved but right now I think it's a pretty close apples to apples comparison KY and KS.

Zipnada (St Paul MN)

Mr Man with all the answers . . . who will Kenseth drive for next year?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:30 PM)

I'm hearing again..Joe Gibbs number 20 with Home Depot..Maybe Dollar General will ramp up to be full-time Cup sponsor for Logano or they have someone else to step in for a fourth team..They could also move him back to the Nationwide Series full-time or he could leave..IF...IF...that is indeed the deal for Kenseth.

greg (la)

where do u think logano will end up next year

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:32 PM)

J.D. Gibbs said last week they wanted him to stay at JGR, but didn't necessarily know what that would look like...so I'm assuming both sides working on keeping him with Gibbs.

greg (la)

do u think rpm mite sign logano

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:32 PM)

That's a possibility I guess if they had the sponsorship.

Zipnada (St Paul MN)

BTW glad your article was posted before the chat started. Make questions a little easier to ask.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:33 PM)

Thanks...I sent it over to ESPN.com last night...correct that this morning at 3:00am....these shorts weeks after a red-eye are killers..lol

Zipnada (St Paul MN)

After your convo with Matt and knowing how big a hand he had in bulding the 17 team do you think many of the team will go with him to his new home? Will Fenning stay with Roush?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:34 PM)

Zippy...those are two questions that can't be answered now...but my guess if he goes to Gibbs a few might follow Matt...but most will stick with Roush if he wants them to work with Stenhouse. Fennig has made noise in recent years about slowing down just a bit. Could this be a chance for him to step back? I can't wait for him to talk about that.

Zipnada (St Paul MN)

Any chance of finding your interview with Matt online somehwere seeing as I don't have Sirus?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:36 PM)

Not sure...but we'll have most of it on the Jayski.com Podcast tomorrow morning at ESPN.com....Go to Jayski and there's a button to hit and it will take you over there...by the way please all of you tell your friends..I need to get the numbers up for the people listening to the podcast each day..really important.

Bowtie51 (md)

Is it possible that RCR gets rid of Jeff Burton next year??? If not..why?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:37 PM)

I don't see that happening..Jeff is still competitive not for wins, but for top-10s and he's really good with sponsors.

dave (ny)

hows this team 17,16,88,48,14,15,11,20

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:37 PM)

I don't see a bow-wow in that group Dave. Good-luck!

Zipnada (St Paul MN)

Mears will have Valvoline on his car for Kentucky so deos thos mean he will have money to buy tires and run hard the whole race?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:38 PM)

I had a long talk last week with his crew chief Bootie Barker...He said they've accomplished being the 22nd to 23rd place car and now feel they are about to improve up to 20th. Yes, they'll have a little more to work with at Kentucky, but still not enough.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Gotcha Mark. sorry forgot to maybe add the 9 in for the 20 then? I take it with all this Kenseth stuff this means Bayne will be their fourth car eventually? Also, I'll send some homemade spaghetti and garlic bread your way bud, lol I can smell it all the way from the kitchen.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:41 PM)

I think you'll need to see how Logano practices and qualifies..If he's on game..still might be better pick than 9...just have to see...I think Roush had to make a choice Bayne or Stenhouse and he chose Bayne which is why he's got a full-time Nationwide deal and Bayne doesn't...Dude..the food thing is killing me..I've been working since eight this morning and just got done four hours on SiriusXM without a morsel to eat...not that I'm going to waste away or anything...lol...but I AM JUMP IN MY BELLY HUNGRY...LOL

Joe (Miami)

How about Logano or Newman to JTG instead of Labonte?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:42 PM)

Nope...JTG doesn't have enough money or team to attract either of those two...Sorry Joe.

Matt (ny)

Hey Mark, I'm wondering which is the better team: 17,55,99,5,51 or 18,24,17,20,31. Also, who do you think crew cheif is for Kenseth next year. Does he get to bring Fennig with him to gibbs/wherever?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:42 PM)

I think the other one is safer...and no Fennig does leave with Kenseth..do not see that happening at all.

Matt (ny)

Thanks! And if he does go to Gibbs in the 20 does he get Jason Ratcliff and the 20 crew or a new operation?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:54 PM)

No idea man...that's where we need to get the blanks filled in.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

Forgot to add there is also homemade guacamole and chips as well. lol Sorry about that one Mark, I'll send you the spaghetti if I can help on your radio show? :)

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:55 PM)

Dude...you are KILLING ME!

bowtie51 (md )

well did you see Kenseth leaving Roush....Its possible for RCR to get rid of Jeff then

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:56 PM)

No, not really...but the seeds for this might have been sewn last year when Roush and Ford gave the moon to Carl Edwards...can't be sure of that or this..that it didn't sit will with either Kenseth or Biffle..but that's what I was told and again don't know if there's any truth to that or not..Burton is about to turn 43..not sure how much longer he races..but think he's got a year or two left on his RCR deal.

Bowtie51 (MD)

Do you see Ryan Newman back with Stewart Hass in 13?? By the way I hear one of the reasons Sponsorship is sooooo tight is because of the Olymipcs...any truth to that?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:59 PM)

I know Tony wants to keep him and has said that publically and I believe him....as for the Olympics..anytime you pull 300-500 million dollars out of major sponsor marketing budgets that hurts everyone who isn't involved with the Olympics..and it may be more money than that..That certainly has to be some kind of factor whether little or big I can't say for sure.

Ken (Hendersonville)

What happened to Montoya last week. The only announcement I heard about his car was the tac was not working but he was running in the top 10 at the time?the next time I checked he was 24th or 25th and it was further downhill from there.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (3:59 PM)

His electrical system melted down Ken...They finally stopped long enough to fix it, but by the time he was up to full song again he was five laps down.

Zipnada (St Paul MN)

How is the hip and back doing with the long days and running around?

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:00 PM)

Doing okay...a year ago I could barely crawl up the hill at Sonoma..what a difference a year has made or actually what nine months. Thanks for asking.

Mark "Guru" Garrow

  (4:01 PM)

That's going to do it for today everyone..please check out our race day chat Saturday afternoon from Kentucky at 4:00 eastern time...until then have a great week. Sad to say but must "The Guru has left the building"!