Garrett Duke

Well do I dare to reopen this can of worms? Well it is NASCAR news and it is my job to report...so agree or disagree with it. Here it is. On April 13 both Penske cars (Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski) were found with their rear housing being wrong before the race and got hit with NASCAR's penalty. Last week they appealed it and lost, so today they took it to the last step...took it to NASCAR's chief appellate officer; John Middlebrook. Middlebrook has reduced both crew chiefs suspension from six races to two races. Logano and Keselowski has been docked with 25 driver championship points and their crew chiefs has been fined $100,000 as was stated before. The article I read was kinda confusing...but perhaps it is just me . All I really got out of it that the only thing that really got reduced was the amount of races the crew chiefs were suspended for. Matt Kenseth will be appealing his penalty of the faulty engine from a couple of weeks ago tomorrow... And NASCAR has said they will not be fining Ryan Newman for his post race comments he had made after Talladega on Sunday. Newman was frustrated after Kurt Busch's car landed on his hood...and used bad language to display his displeasure at NASCAR for being able to make advances in the car safety wise, and yet not keep it on the track. (This wasn't the first big wreck he has been involved in at Talladega). He was also upset that NASCAR had decided to go ahead with the race after the three hour rain delay... Will let you know how Kenseth's appeal goes tomorrow...if he doesn't like what he gets, he too will be able to take it to Middlebrook.

After several minutes of impatiently looking for Luke, Bo finally finds him in the barn. "Hey there ya are, Luke," Bo states with a casual grin and Luke slowly turns around to face his younger cousin, "you see today's paper?" Luke slowly nods. "Of course I did," Luke states, "and before you go and throw your sales pitch at me, may I remind you who drove last year? Or remind you what you promised last year?" Bo's look of enthusiasm is quick to drain from him and he slowly looks away from Luke while nodding. "I guess I did," Bo slowly states as he forces himself to look up, "but you also said you'd rather be the mechanic. Not the driver." Luke gives Bo a small smile. "Look we still have some time to worry about that. First off we got to worry on whether or not we got the money to pay the entry fee," Luke responds as he gives Bo a pat on the shoulder. "Look we should start to work on that fence before Jesse comes out here and accuses us of slacking."

Welcome to Hazzardnet Melissa! It is always great to meet new friends...Dukes of Hazzard fans. From Italy, huh? What's the weather like? Who is your favorite Dukes of Hazzard character? Bo will always be my favorite Duke character, but I love all of the Dukes. Plus Cooter...and Rosco (even named my dog after Rosco!) Anyway, welcome to Hazzardnet.

Well after the wild race at Talladega, here is the official point standings: 1 - Jimmie Johnson 2 - Carl Edwards 3 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. 4 +1 Clint Bowyer 5 +1 Brad Keselowski 6 -3 Kasey Kahne 7 +4 Aric Almirola 8 +1 Paul Menard 9 -2 Kyle Busch 10 -2 Greg Biffle wc 11 +2 Matt Kenseth wc 12 -3 Kevin Harvick 13 +2 Martin Truex Jr. 13 +1 Jeff Gordon 15 -3 Jamie McMurray 16 +2 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 17 -1 Ryan Newman 18 -1 Joey Logano 19 - Jeff Burton 20 - Kurt Busch 21 +2 Marcos Ambrose 22 -1 Tony Stewart 23 -2 Mark Martin 24 - Casey Mears 25 -1 Juan Pablo Montoya 26 +2 David Ragan 27 -1 Danica Patrick 28 -1 Bobby Labonte 29 +4 David Gilliland 29 -1 Dave Blaney 31 -3 Denny Hamlin 32 - J.J. Yeley 33 +2 David Stremme 34 -3 David Reutimann 35 -1 A J Allmendinger 36 +1 Landon Cassill 37 -1 Travis Kvapil 38 +2 Scott Speed 39 -1 Michael McDowell 40 +3 Michael Waltrip 41 -2 Terry Labonte 42 -1 Timmy Hill 43 -1 Ken Schrader

I really think the Dukes of Hazzard writers went way out of their way to make it hard for us fan-fic writers to get any detailed information from the show. So many things change from one episode to the next that it is hard to know what to use or to go by. But do love the fact that I was not imagining the TV set...LOL.

Sorry to hear you are disappointed with thirteenth Hoss...but with all things considered, Ricky did pretty good. He over came the pit road speeding penalty and the touch up with the wall during the last accident...yeah thirteenth is pretty good. Especially when you look at Newman and Kurt Busch...or even my fourth favorite driver...Kasey Kahne who finished 42nd. Eleventh is nothing to write home either for Jeff Gordon but after hanging out 28th for the most part of the race due to the damage on the toe of his car during the first big accident and then sliding through the mud during the last big accident, eleventh is a lot better than what I was fearing. So I will take it. Long shot from a win, but it feels like a win with all things considered. As of now, I am just hoping that Jeff Gordon can find his way to the front for a top five finish...compete for the win. Last few weeks it has been one thing after another for the 24 team...and I have to admit, it is frustrating. We are onto Darlington next Saturday night...the track to tough to tame. Or the Lady in Black...

Well after eight hours from the drop of the first green flag at Talladega...the checkered flag has just dropped. Giving David Ragen his second Cup career win. Congrats Roger...bet you are excited about your win! Both Front Row Motorsports driver came home first and second...David Ragen first. David Gilliland came home second. Great to see some underdog teams to win and come home so strong. As I said, it took eight hours for this race to end. It took so long due to a three hour red flag delay due to rain and for the air titan's to dry the track. Matt Kenseth had the dominant car today as he led 142 out of 188 laps today. Talladega with their high speeds is always known for causing the big one...as in accidents. First one was during the start of the race as Kyle Busch got into the back of Kasey Kahne and took out them two cars as well as Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton was tagged in it, and Gordon got some toe damage to his car that had him in the back of the pack all day due to the accident. Trevor Bayne had his engine blow up and leave him in a cloud of smoke right after that accident. Then fast forward three hours and the BIG ONE came at the end of the race where Kurt Busch got hit and flipped over a couple of cars and landed on Ryan Newman's car. Took out Kurt Busch, JJ Yaley, Danica Patrick, Ryan Newman. Stenhouse Jr was hit the wall...and Jeff Gordon slid into the mud in the infield grass. Scary accident and luckily, everyone climbed out. Kurt Busch accident Here is a video of the last big accident. Carl Edwards regained the lead afterwards but got it taken away by David Gilliland pushing David Ragen to the wild finish. As I said, congrats Roger on your driver winning. Bet you are smiling tonight. Here is the official finishing order: 1. David Ragen 2. David Gilliland 3. Carl Edwards 4. Michael Waltrip 5. Jimmie Johnson 6. Regan Smith 7. Martin Truex Jr 8. Matt Kenseth 9. Scott Speed 10. Aric Almirola 11. Jeff Gordon 12. David Stremme 13. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 14. Marcos Ambrose 15. Brad Keselowski 16. Dave Blaney 17. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 18. Clint Bowyer 19. Josh Wise 20. Bobby Labonte 21. Michael McDowell 22. Landon Cassill 23. Jamie McMurray 24. Casey Mears 25. Juan Pablo Montoya 26. Paul Menard 27. Tony Stewart 28. Jeff Burton 29. Terry Labonte 30. Kurt Busch 31. J.J. Yeley 32. Ryan Newman 33. Danica Patrick 34. Denny Hamlin 35. Joey Logano 36. Greg Biffle 37. Kyle Busch 38. Travis Kvapil 39. Joe Nemechek 40. Kevin Harvick 41. David Reutimann 42. Kasey Kahne 43. Trevor Bayne Well we are back to racing under the lights next Saturday night at Darlington. 6:00 PM EST on FOX! (Oh yeah that was another problem they had today. Talladega didn't have no lights so they were worrying about running out of day light...which they almost did!)

WOO HOO! Drivers are NOW getting back INTO their cars...getting ready to go back racing. They got 63 more laps to get in 45 minutes or so.

Well they had another storm cell move in so now they are back trying to dry the race...though there is no lights at Talladega. DW said perhaps another hour and a half to two hours before the track will be dried. Would give them 45 minutes to race63 laps before it gets dark. All this talking on FOX is making me nervous...really want this race to get green! Will let y'all know when I can...

Nice one Hoss...though Jeff Gordon led a lap too today. What about him? LOL

Congrats to your Penguins...you are having a pretty good day. Even David Ragen led a lap. Sadly Jr got hit by Kvapil.. We are now under rain delay, but they are talking about getting it started again. Carl Edwards is in front followed by Hoss' Stenhouse Jr. Busch and Kasey Kahne and several other drivers (will talk more about it in my review). Gordon can get his car fixed if we do go back to green and Gordon can find another driver or two to help him out... C'mon...this is my birthday race. Can't Gordon at least have a top ten? A good point race? This race is soooo frustrating to me right now... Ah well. Though am HAPPY to hear that they are planning on going back to racing...now if only Mother Nature will hold off for the race to finish...am hoping for a good finish from the 24 team!

Well the race is on right now...earlier than what I thought it was going to be on. Sorry I didn't write this sooner. Dale Jr got tagged by another driver (think it was Kvapil. Could be wrong) gave him a flat tire and JR now a lap down. They are now under caution as Trevor Bayne's car went up in smoke as his transmission blew... Will write my full review once the race is over...

Well perhaps I am wrong...it has been known to happen a time or two ... but it does seem like I remember an old TV set in one of the episodes. As I said, I could be wrong - sadly it has been a long time since I had time to sit down and watch an DOH episode, but it does seem like there was one at least once...but perhaps it is just me.

Ah OK Hoss...you had me wondering there for a minute if I was losing my touch. I am generally really good with who races with what number so when I saw the 34 on the car it didn't register as her. Had me arguing with myself if it was ten or if it was just me...guess it wasn't. HA. Yeah I bet David Regan would miss the 34 on his car if she stole it from him too. Talking about the Nationwide Series sounds like it was a lot of accidents. I didn't get to see it but sounds like they had a three hour delay, the big accident, and then had to call the race short due to the lack of day light left. Congrats to Regan Smith who ended up the winner in what sounds like a close finish between him and Kasey Kahne. Regan Smith was driving for Dale Jr in today's race. So congrats to Regan Smith and Dale Jr for today's...er...tonight's win.

That works...don't know why it wasn't showing up on my computer. Sorry Hoss. Though don't understand why they show Danica driving the number 34 car when she normally drives number 10? Or perhaps my memory is fading...LOL Thanks Hoss.

Sorry Hoss but at least on my computer your picture didn't come through...but do have to say I love Jeff Gordon's car that he will be racing tomorrow! I agree . . . it does make it hard to find them sometimes when their cars are different, but it is nice to see different paint schemes every once in awhile. And yeah, the sponsors would NOT be happy if they would stick with only one paint scheme. And at a time like this when sponsors are dropping left and right and are getting more hard to find, I think it would be wise if they would do all things possible to keep them HAPPY. As for the time... I do the best that I can. Sorry if that is not satisfactory for you Hoss...went out for lunch and church. Got to it when I got home afterwards. I didn't know you were an impatient NASCAR fan...that it was only me who got impatient to see who starts where.

Well Mother Nature got in the way of qualifying today...hope she got all the rain out of her system until at least Monday. Qualifying was rained out so they will line up on how they finished in practice on Friday. Here is the starting grid for tomorrow's Talladega race: 1. (99) Carl Edwards 2. (56) Martin Truex Jr. 3. (9) Marcos Ambrose 4. (22) Joey Logano 5. (39) Ryan Newman 6. (20) Matt Kenseth 7. (11) Denny Hamlin 8. (48) Jimmie Johnson 9. (24) Jeff Gordon 10. (5) Kasey Kahne 11. (2) Brad Keselowski 12. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr. 13. (18) Kyle Busch 14. (55) Michael Waltrip 15. (21) Trevor Bayne 16. (27) Paul Menard 17. (16) Greg Biffle 18. (43) Aric Almirola 19. (34) David Ragan 20. (15) Clint Bowyer 21. (17) Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 22. (13) Casey Mears 23. (10) Danica Patrick 24. (29) Kevin Harvick 25. (14) Tony Stewart 26. (35) Josh Wise 27. (30) David Stremme 28. (1) Jamie McMurray 29. (31) Jeff Burton 30. (42) Juan Pablo Montoya 31. (38) David Gilliland 32. (93) Travis Kvapil 33. (78) Kurt Busch 34. (51) Regan Smith 35. (83) David Reutimann 36. (95) Scott Speed 37. (32) Terry Labonte 38. (98) Michael McDowell 39. (47) Bobby Labonte 40. (7) Dave Blaney 41. (87) Joe Nemechek 42. (33) Landon Cassill 43. (36) JJ Yeley, Well I have learned not to just go by Yahoo! Sports on their line up once again this week. Jimmie Johnson said on Facebook that he would be starting eighth...and Jeff Gordon said he would start nineth if qualifying got rained out. So when I went to Yahoo! Sports to see it showed Jeff Gordon 13th and I don't know where they had Jimmie Johnson lined up at, but it wasn't in the top ten. Back to using NASCAR.com on Chrome for info... Tomorrow's Sprint Cup race at Talladega will be on Fox at 2:00 EST...

Jesse's hat was red...his overalls light blue color or blue. Hope that helps or what you were looking for.

Well several years ago in high school when I took a writing class, they had us do these writing exercises...one that I liked was where someone started the story with a sentence or a paragraph before passing it on to someone else to add onto it with their own paragraph or a sentence. So there is no theme or plot to plan ahead or to really think about, but just to write. So where one person takes it one way the other person can take the story/exercise to a different direction...if that makes sense? I had thought about starting this a long time ago, but chickened out not knowing how well it would go online, but with how quiet it has been around this forum, I thought I would try it out. I will get it started with the opening paragraph and if anyone wants to add on, feel free. But please keep it clean and fun...keep it G or PG rated...Thanks. *********************************************************************************************************** Staring down at the black and white photo that takes up most of the front page of the newspaper a wave of excitement hits Bo Duke as he reads and re-reads the big bold letters that read: HAZZARD COUNTY ANNUAL RACE! WINNER TAKE ALL! Not that he didn't know that the race was coming up as the race was held on the first weekend of every June, but seeing it in the paper makes it a reality. The race was coming up. Not only that he already knew who he would take to the big dance that is held afterwards. Looking up from the paper and out through the open window at the bright sunny day a smile spreads broadly across his face with the strong conviction that life was good and all was as it should be. For now at least.

Well perhaps we can agree to disagree? I have already said that I do see fans' point of view on all of this...but just because I say I also see NASCAR's side of all of this, don't make me all wrong either. And yes I do love NASCAR and perhaps I am biased in my opinion on all things NASCAR due to that...and just because I love NASCAR don't mean I think they are always right. No one is always right...I am not blind enough not to see that. Trust me...I can think of several instance that I didn't agree with NASCAR. And yeah perhaps Keselowski and Logano didn't race with the illegal parts or whatever was wrong with their cars, but they would have if NASCAR didn't check their cars out. I wasn't going to say this since I haven't heard anything factual about it...but did read an article on Yahoo! Sports that it was rumored that before that race started (that they were found with the issue) that Keselowski was parked next to Jimmie Johnson in the garage. Joey Logano was parked next to Jeff Gordon in the garage. That Keselowski and Logano was listening into Johnson and Gordon's communication with their team and that Rick Hendrick took it to NASCAR. As I said, the article even said it was rumored so obviously there is no factual information to it...which is why I didn't say anything before. So perhaps there is more behind all of this than what NASCAR is willing to let out to the public... And perhaps I am wrong to state this, but highly doubt NASCAR is trying to prevent competition...but where is the competition where a driver has parts on their car that is bigger or smaller than what they should be? Why make rules if you aren't going to give consequences to them if broken? You might as well as let the Cubs play with more players on the field than the Pirates...you get the point - it wouldn't be fair. As I said we can agree to disagree...I may not be right, but don't really see where I am all wrong either. So with that said, perhaps it would be best if I leave my opinions out of my posts and just stick with the facts.

Very true...it is hard in any league to keep the number one spot. Especially with a lot of people who are into sports like you described. Thanks for the smile...you are deserving of first place. Except for the fact that you already won your fantasy hockey league...think it is my turn to win. HA HA.

I have read people's comments of the sort on other sites or articles and I do see where they are coming from and I assume you are agreeing with them, Hoss? As I said, I do see where they are coming from, but do also see NASCAR's side. So perhaps I am in the minority here...but if NASCAR lets Penske's deal slide or Kenseth's deal slide, then another team is just going to go up and try to do the same thing, but perhaps make it more big. They are going to keep pushing the rules just to try to up the competion. Also, you have to throw in the fact that these here cars that they are messing with is NASCAR's baby. They have worked hard the past few years to put this car together...so they are being over protective of it. Just as they were when the Gen5 or COT car came out. They are making a statement that you don't mess with it. I do admit that they are a bit harsh on the whole Kenseth deal and perhaps they will lesson it on May 9 (I think) when Kenseth has his appeal. And trust me, I feel for Kenseth, Logano, and Keselowski for being put in this position...and their fans. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson were in the same boat, as they are in, when the COT car came out and a part of their cars where too big or too small (wasn't the engine though as Kenseth's was). They got fined, docked points, and crew cheifs suspended and fined. Same sort of thing. And trust me when I say I wasn't happy when it was Gordon AND Johnson in that position...it did seem unfair and harsh. Well you read their opinions, Hoss...well, there was mine. Though I do agree...I do NOT like NASCAR's new web site. I guess it is OK if I am on Chrome, but anything else it just doesn't work or make sense.

Well team Penske has lost their appeal to drop their charges of illegal parts they were found with before the Texas race a couple of weeks ago (for Joey Logano's and Brad Keselowski's cars. They were found with their rear housing not being up to NASCAR's standards.) So Penske is going to take it another step take it from the three person panel to NASCAR's Chief Appellate Officer. (From Penske's appeal ) Also...after missing four races or so due to a back injury, Denny Hamlin has finally received the OK by his doctors to get into the race car for Sunday's race at Talledega. Team says they will make more plans once they get to the track, but sounds like they plan on Hamlin starting the race and having a back up driver get in the car sometime during the race. (Denny hasn't gotten any points from Mark Martin or Brian Vickers driving his car while he was out with the injury, but Denny can get points if he starts the race and has someone finish it for him.) I understand Denny Hamlin wanting to get into the car as soon as possible...it had to have killed him to sit on the side lines and watch someone driving his car and seeing his chance at the Chase dwindling down to next to none. But at the same time, do feel like Denny needs to think about what is best for him - long term. Talledega is a Super Speedway...restrictor plate racing. Talledega and Daytona are two of the fastest tracks on the circuit...Talledega is always known as having the BIG ONE or as Darrell Waltrip would say checkers or wreckers. Personally I would feel Talledega to be one of the worst tracks for Hamlin to return at...I mean if he gets hit or involved in the BIG ONE before he gets out of the car, what will that do to his injured back? They already have stated he will need surgery on it whether it be now or during the off season...why risk hurting his back worse by getting into the car now? (This past paragraph is of MY OPINION...for how little it is worth. I am not a Denny Hamlin fan by any means, but do feel bad for him to be put in this situation and am hoping for the best for him and his team this Sunday. Am sure he will be excited to get back into the car...)

Thanks Roger! Honestly don't know how I am doing it since I am doing HORRIBLE in my other two fantasy baseball, but as long as I am doing good in one, I am happy. It has been fun so far...hopefully can keep it up. Really? Your Pirates, first place? Saweet! LOL. That is something to be happy about...wish I could say the same about the Cubs. Sadly I can't. Aw well...I will take my lead in your fantasy baseball league and be happy with it. Especially knowing who I am up against - makes it even better. Thanks Roger.

Well I feel the need to vent... Must admit I did not watch the Nationwide Series race last Friday night and all that I know about what happened between Nelson Piquet Jr and Brian Scott is from what I read and the small video I have seen online. So perhaps I am missing something...I don't know. But apparently in NASCAR it is OK for a driver to kick another driver below the belt, but it is not OK for the crew members to fight that driver. Those two crewmembers of Brian Scott that had been arrested Friday night now have been suspended for four races and fined $15,000 as well as put on probation through the end of the year for not representing NASCAR well by the fight or something like that. Piquet Jr and Scott have been placed on probation through June 26 for their banging of cars...and yet nothing for the kick. Perhaps I am the only one not understanding NASCAR's reasoning behind this? I am a die hard NASCAR fan and will back NASCAR til the day they bury me, but all the same, just don't make sense to me.