Garrett Duke

Dang...I miss Billy Ray! He was my all time favorite Country singer for a LONG time. Love his old stuff...seen him in concert seven or so times...even been on stage with him for a brief couple of minutes. Love his music before his whole "Hanna Montana" show...wish I could rewind time...now I'm in the mood for some Billy Ray music I'll have to get some of his music going on the computer!

(I haven't wrote here for a long time now and my own solo story has been stuck for awhile now due to my ornery and stubborn muse, so I thought I would try to start writing one here. It is open for ANYONE to join and write in, I just ask for it keep it smooth and following where the story is going. Don't have any real ideas for plots for the story at the moment other than what is written in this here post. Am looking forward to writing this story with whoever wants to join in! It is welcomed to anyone who wants to write with me.) THE RACE Walking up to the Hazzard Garage, Bo Duke comes to an abrupt halt as he notices the thick poster taped upon the garage's walk-in door. A colorful race car is located upon the lower half of the poster while the upper half of the poster is covered in thick bold red and black lettering that reads: LOOKING FOR A TALENTED DRIVER TO DRIVE FOR ME! With a moment of thought, Bo glances back at his cousin who is slow to follow him, "Hey Luke. Have a look at this," Bo states, pointing to the poster. Luke Duke comes to a halt besides his cousin and scans the poster for a short second before shrugging it off. "What about it? You know damn well the General ain't in no condition to be in some race and we definately don't have the money to fix him up for the race," Luke finally states, reluctant to break his cousin's excitement over the race, "besides, with Hogg involved, it reaks of trouble." Bo eyes Luke momentarily and then looks at the poster once again. "Yeah maybe. But why's this the first we've heard of it?" he questions. Races has been held annually in Hazzard ever since he could remember and the last race had been raced two months ago. When he went on to win the race. And yet, here is a poster acclaiming another race is planned to happen in their hometown in the near future. Which isn't neccesarily uncommon, but something of the poster screams that something is different or wrong about this race. "Well hot damn. Look who just found my new poster!" Cooter Davenport states behind them, forcing Bo and Luke to quickly turn around to find their family friend with a huge crazy smile spread across his grease stained face. "Was wondering how long it'd take the two of you to find it hanging up. You'll never believe who visited me this morning to ask me to hang it up. Wanna guess?" Luke shrugs, impatient with this conversation. Impatient in knowledge that it is only feeding onto Bo's pride, Bo's eagerness and excitement about the race. The race they both know they couldn't afford to enter due to their lack of money and now the lack of time. "Who cares, Cooter," Luke injects before Bo can say anything, wanting to end this conversation before Bo is tempted to agree to do something he knew he couldn't do, "Bo and I don't have the cash it takes to enter the race or to fix the General up. You know that. We owe you already for the quick fix last week. The General needs another fix whenever we can find the money. So -" "I have a guess, Cooter," Bo slowly interrupts Luke while elbowing him in the sides, "this is gonna be a hard one, but I'm going to go with Boss Hogg. Though have to admit, he went all out with this poster. Color and all? Must be feeling generous with this race." "Nope...wrong," Cooter laughs crazily, "though I am sure once Hogg gets word on all of this, he's gonna eat it up. Wanna another guess, Bo?" "Not Boss?" Bo questions, "Dang you got me, Cooter. No one else here has the money or the leverage to rent the track or get the road closed for a race. Gotta be someone not from Hazzard." "You got that right, Bo. Way outside of Hazzard," Cooter grins eyeing the poster with pride as if it was him who had made it. Looking back at the Dukes he says, "in fact, he don't even live in Georgia. Lives in North Carolina. What about you, Luke? Got a guess?" Luke shakes his head in disbelief. Knowing he is losing the battle. "You aren't listening to me, Cooter. Bo and I don't have the money to enter to any race. So why does it matter if it is Hogg who is having this race or somem guy living in North Carolina?" he questions, irritated, "It don't matter." Turning to Bo, he questions, "What's his problem?" Bo shrugs. "I don't know. This lack of money thing has put him in a bad mood," he finally answers. "Forget about him, Cooter. You ever gonna reveal who's putting this race on?" "Damn right I will. I've been excited as all gets out to tell you about this race. About the visit I got this morning. It's been the best day of life today!" he laughs crazily and turns to Luke, "And I am not going to allow you to ruin it for me, Lukas." He turns back to Bo and says, "Where's the drumroll when you need it? Anyway, Adrian McDeen was the man who paid me the visit this morning to ask me to post his poster up on my garage. He -" "Adrian McDeen?!" Bo exclaims to interupt Cooter, "The Adrian McDeen that owns a team of cars in NASCAR? Can't be...no way. Why would he come to Hazzard for?" Cooter laughs while he shakes his head. "Damn right it's the same Adrian McDeen. He owns four cars in NASCAR...he's a busy man," he pauses for a long moment as he once again eyes the poster and back at his friends, "According to my new friend, Adrian, his team is doing well enough without him and he needs to catch up on some charity work. After a couple of months of research he finally decided to put his charity race here in Hazzard. He will put on a qualifying run of the men that signs up for the race and he will chose the top ten driver to race against two of his drivers next weekend. They have an off weekend next weekend so they are free to race here in Hazzard." "Damn...Hogg's gonna love the publicity this is going to bring Hazzard," Bo states in excitement. "We got to enter The General, Luke! How can we pass this up?" "Easy. We don't have the money," Luke pestimistically states. "Sorry to interupt your pestimistic opinion on this race, Luke, but Adrian has agreed to fix up all cars that qualifies into the race," Cooter inserts, "and who ever wins the race will recieve a thousand dollars. The rest of the money he earns from this race will go to the children's hospital in Atlanta. The race is in Hazzard, but he's got posters scattered all over. If y'all plan on entering, you better sign up now. He's only going to accept the first hundred drivers to qualify for the race." "This is too good to be true. Gotta be a catch somewhere, Cooter," Luke states, not wanting to believe it. "Nope...all seems legit to me. So you can stop your worrying, Luke," Cooter pats Luke on the shoulder, "I've already signed up. As for The General, bring him in before qualifying and I'll fix him up and put him on your tab. You can pay me back with your winning money." "Why enter if you already pegging us as the winners?" Luke asks, growing excited about the idea. "I'm going to win, just had to say that to give you an added bonus to sign up," Cooter winks at him, "but honestly, you come in before qualifying and I'll fix him up and put it on your tab. You can pay me whenever you get the money to do so." Luke pats his excited cousin on the shoulder and slowly nods. "Well it's looking good on us signing up then. We'll have to run this past Jesse and see what he says, but can't see how we can pass up this offer," Luke states as they slowly walk into the shadow covered garage, "Hogg know about it, yet?" "Adrian tol' me he had his represenative talk to Hogg about it, but didn't give Hogg Adrian's name or any detail. Just wanted to rent the fair grounds for a couple of weeks to put on a charity race. He agreed to Hogg's prices and that was it. Adrian said he'd talk to Hogg himself when the time came for that. He wants people to sign up for the race on reasons for charity. Not for his name or his driver's names." Luke laughs as he pulls a bottle of beer out of the fridge before grabbing one for Cooter and one for Bo and hands them out. "Hogg's gonna be rolling in dough once he hears this," Luke states and holds up his beer, "thanks for the beer, by the way. Looks like you're in for a busy day." He motions at his empty garage. "Well how can I be busy at work if the two of you are in it?" Cooter asks as he opens his beer, "After all, it is the two of you that keeps me in business." Bo takes a drink of his beer and states, "Well, don't ever say we don't do anything for you, then, Cooter. Looks like ol' Rosco is parked in front of the Sheriff's Station as well. He's the one that truly keeps you in business. Not us." "True. But if you two didn't keep him busy in his pursuit to arrest you, he wouldn't need my business as much either," Cooter adds, "and trust me, I appreciate the business you bring me." Bo and Luke nod, eyeing each other a moment before they both set down their half empty bottle of beer. "Well, Cooter, we appreciate the drink," Luke speaks up, a protective hand goes on Bo's shoulder, "but we really ought to get our tails in gear and get on with the chores Jesse sent us in town for." "Sure thing. But boys," Cooter brings their attention back to him, "keep this thing about the race being held by Adrian between us until he reveals himself. He as real adament about not letting his name out about it." "That's a big ten four," Luke nods silently, "it's safe with us." "Figured as much. Have a good day," Cooter waves them off before they walk out of the garage and back out into the sunny day. (FYI - Adrian McDeen is a fictional name and character that I created. As far as I know, there is no car owner by that name in NASCAR and created him out of my imagination...and will do so with his drivers in his team. CUE ANYONE!)

From Toby Keith's first album that made it big...love TK's music!

NKOTB Dang we could be on this initials thing forever...LOL. Listening to the New Kids as I am on here, so had to use them!

Probably used this one already, but was really love this song and this video...as well as Toby Keith. Just awesome. Had to use it! Plus, in the mood I am in, could really use some TK music!

NASCAR Figured since y'all were going for innitials I'd throw in NASCAR...hope that is accepted. Couldn't think of anything else...

Well the chase will officially start on Sunday at Chicagoland...meaning we have ten races left of the season. Thought it would be interesting to see who y'all think may win the championship in ten weeks. My opinion may be biased, but with how he's been racing in the past few weeks and how dominant he has been, I voted for Jeff Gordon. (Y'all surprised?) (Please disregarud my last predition thread...I did the pole wrong. . .)

Well the chase will officially start on Sunday at Chicagoland...meaning we have ten races left of the season. Which of the twelve chase contenders do you think will win the 2011 championship: 1. Kyle Busch (18) 2. Kevin Harvick (29) 3. Jeff Gordon (24) 4. Matt Kenseth (17) 5. Carl Edwards (99) 6. Jimmie Johnson (48) 7. Kurt Busch (22) 8. Ryan Newman (39) 9. Tony Stewart (14) 10. Dale Earnhardt Jr (88) 11. Brad Keselwoski (2) 12. Denny Hamlin (11)

Hoss, tried playing your video and my computer is being ornery and freezing up on it. Sunday's race is at Chicagoland...am super excited for it! Well as always, but Chicagoland is a track that I have been at. Sadly not for a race, but to ride in Richard Petty's driving Expereince. It was awesome and would love to go again! Nothing like going over a hundred miles per hour next to the wall as they do on the TV...only thing better is if the driver had been the king himself or Jeff Gordon. HA HA. Almost had a chance to go this weekend to Chicagoland on a bus, but it didn't pan out . Which is probably for the best financially wise plus I'd be going alone on a bus full of people I don't know and was nervous about that. But it sounds like I may be going next year...but knowing my luck, Gordon will get spun out on the first lap and won't be able to come back in. Anyway, as I said, Sunday's race is at Chicagoland at 2:00 EST on ESPN (I think). And since we got the twelve chase contenders set for 2011, it will also start the chase! Am I the only one depressed knowing that means we only have ten races until the end? I am excited to see who will win the championship since there seems to be people online pointing at Gordon to break JJ's streak of championships...which also makes me nervous as well. Could this possibly be the year he finally clinches his drive for five? I really hope so...would love to experience that. Know he has four already, but I had only been a fan of his for the last two of them and when he won them, I didn't know enough to know he won them! But really don't want to see the season come to an end...those ninety some days until Daytona is the LONGEST days ever for me! Chicagoland at 2 EST on ESPN for the start of the 2011 chase to see which of the twelve drivers will be the 2011 championship.

Well just read on Facebook that the Phillies has clinched their spot in the playoffs...is any other team clinched in yet?

Welcome to Hazzardnet Hope! It is always great to meet Duke fans no matter what the age is. I was about your age when the Dukes came back on TV on channel TNN and I became a BIG fan for the second time. Fourteen years later, am still a big fan. Always will be if I have a say in it. Anyways, great to see another great Duke fan...welcome to HNet!

You are very welcome...you know how much I love talking about the races and NASCAR! I feel for you...you are way more dedicated to a sport that's not your number one favorite sport than I would be to stay up that late. It was an exciting race last night...that is for sure. Just wish Gordon would have ended the way you fell asleep. I am out of town that weekend...but would normally still be in bed at that time. My w eekenedns are my time to catch up on some zzzs. LOL. Glad you got to watch most of it Hoss...you didn't miss much after that time!

Well my baseball ends when the Cubs end...but since you asked, I'm going for the Yankees though I am not a big fan of American League baseball.

We missed you Roger! Hope you had a great time with your family.

Well Richmond just got over, meaning that the chase will start next Sunday. Also meaning that the points are now all messed up according to wins. Here is the top twelve chase drivers... 1. Kyle Busch 2. Kevin Harvick 3. Jeff Gordon 4. Matt Kenseth 5. Carl Edwards 6. Jimmie Johnson 7. Kurt Busch 8. Ryan Newman 9. Tony Stewart 10. Dale Earnhardt Jr (two wild card drivers) 11. Brad Keselowski 12. Denny Hamlin Personally am excited about the chase to see the momentum on Gordon's side...plus my four top favorite drivers in the chase! (Gordon, Johnson, Jr, and Edwards.) (Make sure to look at my review under the NASCAR review...)

Wow! Talk about a high energy and a high accident race. Fifteen cautions throughout the four hundred laps. Don't even know where to begin...know I'll miss something. Jr struggled all day and ended up in two accidents and gaining the lucky dog three times to get back on the lead lap all three times. But through out his rough race, made it into the chase! Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson has had a long history with one another. Kurt spun Jimmie Johnson out...looks like not on purpose, but think Johnson took it as it being on purpose. Johnson went after Kurt and spun him out. Just an odd night for team forty-eight. Johnson is normally calm and collected, not his style going after another driver like that. Kurt Busch went on to get a top ten finish...Johnson took it to the garage for eight laps before coming back out. Sad to see Johnson have such a tough night. Kasey Kahne got spun out once and then twice when Ambrose bumped into Vickers. (Kahne's team mate) Vickers got mad and wrecked Ambrose under caution...NASCAR parked him for several laps. Gordon had an up and down night...was twentieth at one point, but his crew got his car in gear and he raced his way past Kevin Harvick with 22 laps to go. Only for Paul Menard to spin out and throw a caution...Harvick's crew got his car out first while Gordon came out of pits second. Gordon got passed by a couple of cars at first but was able to race on for a third place finish. Great finish for team 24, but disappointed with the caution. Was tasting the win at that point! Kevin Harvick held off Carl Edwards to win his fourth win of the season... Here is the top ten finish of Richmond: 1. Kevin Harvick 2. Carl Edwards 3. Jeff Gordon 4. David Ragen 5. Kurt Busch 6. Kyle Busch 7. Tony Stewart 8. Ryan Newman 9. Denny Hamlin 10. Mark Martin Well the regular season is now over and the chase is on starting at Chicagoland next Sunday on ESPN...meaning there is only ten races left of the season. So hard to believe that we are at this point of the season already. It has gone by so quickly so far and now the last ten will go by just as fast...sadly.

My money's going on the Chicago Cubs. Never give up hope. HA HA. . .