Garrett Duke

Happy birthday Enos!

Well I doubt I will be of much help here but had to say something...LOL. 1. I am sure there are some, but can't really think of anything at the moment that seems like a must go. 2. Once again, I am sure there are, you pointed out a good one. But once again, my mind is too tired think. LOL. 3. Personally I use the NASCAR thread the most and do enjoy the way it is...but that is my opinion so don't go by just me. It is easy for me to find and to go to...but like I said, that is just me and don't feel like you have to go by it.

Well I got some more sad news for you all. Looks like Bobby Labonte will be missing this upcoming race after getting in a bicycle accident near his home where he will be spending the night in the hospital with three broken ribs. Well y'all know how much I love NASCAR and talking about NASCAR, but this is getting out of hand with all the injuries in NASCAR. Of all the years I have watched NASCAR, I can't remember a season with so many drivers injured, missing races, or the amount of rumors going around of who is leaving what team and who is going to be driving for what team next season. . . Guess it is giving me lots of opportunities to talk about NASCAR, of which I love, just wish I could come here spreading good news and not sad news...

You are welcome Roger. I am glad my NASCAR updates come into use for you...you must have some pretty good friends if they are crazy about racing.

Well I had a feeling that Martin Truex Jr. had gotten hurt in that horrible accident he was involved in last Saturday night at Bristol where Denny Hamlin got a flat and took out several Chase contender cars. The camera showed Martin Truex Jr (who seemed to get the hardest hit) when he hit the wall and afterwards he was holding his hand. He went back to the care center as is expected of drivers in wrecks and then the pit reporter had talked to him and asked him if he was OK. Martin had said he weas fine, just frustrated with the accident with the points and all that. Had me a little relieved but skeptical just on how he was holding his hand after the accident. And sadly my feeling was correct. They just came back that an MRI has shown Truex Jr has a fractured and sprained right wrist...will be racing with a special cast and is Ok to race this Sunday NIGHT. (YAY another night race! Sorry Hoss, know they are late for you...) Also, Chip Ganassi will make an official announcement on Friday as to who will be replacing Juan Pablo Montoya in the 42 car next season...though it is already rumored that it is going to be Ganassi's rookie Nationwide driver, Kyle Larson, who is 21 years old. But like I said earlier today...will keep you posted when all of that comes official Friday.

As for those Kurt Busch rumors they seem like they weren't much rumor to them after all. Kurt Busch has just told ESPN that he has already signed the deal to race for Stewart-Haas Racing next season. Stewart - Haas Racing will look like this in 2014: Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Danica Patrick. And for more NASCAR rumors...LOL.... It is looking like ESPN and TNT are wanting to end their contract with NASCAR a year early (remember they are leaving at the end of next year's season. As of now...) but they are wanting to pull out after this season. Leaving FOX and NBC the only NASCAR coverage. Looks like NBC would have to OK it first before they would be able to drop it. As always, will keep you updated when I learn something more official.

Oops...sorry.

Well perhaps wasting my time on Facebook has finally paid off . . . Dukes of Hazzard wise at least. I just read that there is a company (think it is Figure Toys) that is making Dukes of Hazzard action figures. The first set will have Bo, Luke, Rosco, and Boss in them. The second set will have Daisy, Enos, Jesse, Cooter, Cletus and more in them. Both sets will come in eight inch or twelve inch. With the carrier case, it is $49.99 (that is with eight figures in it). So I don't see how much it will cost for only one set at a time or what not... Dukes of Hazzard Action Figures Well it may not be as great news as if someone would actually show the Dukes on TV again, but at least the Dukes are coming back in one form or another.

Well the 500 laps of the night race at Bristol has just ended up with Matt Kenseth getting his fifth win of the season. So far Jimmie Johnson and Kenseth are pretty much clinched for the Chase that will be starting in couple of weeks. Great comeback from a pit road penalty from Matt Kenseth. Kurt Busch led several laps before having to take it to the garage due to some mechanical issues, came back twenty-five laps later. Carl Edwards led over a hundred laps before his engine blew and finished his day early. Jimmie Johnson had a rough night today as he got into some contact with another driver only for Juan Pablo Montoya and David Stremme get into each other and Jimmie had no where to go. Took him to the garage. The big one came when Brian Vickers cut off Denny Hamlin who then cut a tire and wrecked him into Kevin Harvick and wrecked several top name drivers such as Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. Debris went everywhere and had red flagged the race. Meanwhile Harvick parked in Hamlin's pit stall and Hamlin's crew instructed him to move Harvick which he did by running into the back of Harvick's car. Harvick was quick to go talk to Hamlin but was cooled down by Hamlin's explanation of what had happened. Kyle Busch started 43rd and came home eleventh. Jeff Gordon started 32nd and was as high as third at one point...came home seventh. Kasey Kahne gave Matt Kenseth a run for his money with a few laps to go as he tried passing for the lead, but Matt held on to win the race. Official results of the Bristol race: 1. Matt Kenseth 2. Kasey Kahne 3. Juan Pablo Montoya 4. Brian Vickers 5. Joey Logano 6. Paul Menard 7. Jeff Gordon 8. Marcos Ambrose 9. Greg Biffle 10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 11. Kyle Busch 12. David Ragan 13. Jeff Burton 14. Clint Bowyer 15. Aric Almirola 16. Travis Kvapil 17. David Stremme 18. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 19. Jamie McMurray 20. Mark Martin 21. Ryan Newman 22. Dave Blaney 23. Landon Cassill 24. J.J. Yeley 25. David Gilliland 26. Danica Patrick 27. Ken Schrader 28. Denny Hamlin 29. David Reutimann 30. Brad Keselowski 31. Kurt Busch 32.Tony Raines 33.Casey Mears 34. Kevin Harvick 35. Martin Truex Jr. 36. Jimmie Johnson 37.Josh Wise 38. Bobby Labonte 39.Carl Edwards 40.Scott Speed 41.Michael McDowell 42.Ryan Truex 43. Joe Nemechek We will be racing next Sunday NIGHT on ESPN at Atlanta...before going to Richmond the Saturday night after that. After Atlanta and Richmond the Chase will start at ChicagoLand. Two more races before the Chase field is set for the final ten races.. Where has this season gone?

HA HA Hoss...enjoy your commercial less race. As for me, I am too nervous to watch commercials. 21 laps to go. Jeff Gordon in top ten. Eleventh in points as it stands...21 points of holding my breath!

Jeff Gordon could only qualify 32nd? He did a lousy job at qualifying, sure, I will give you that. But he was one of the fastest cars on the track during both pre qualifying practice. Don't know what went wrong in qual but do have faith in him to bring it back around by tonight. As for his paint scheme last week...I missed the race, but did get to see the car plenty on FB and I liked it. It is different than his "normal" car but it is nice for a change every once in a while. Plus he has sponsors that he needs to satisfy as well. So you don't have a problem with night races...just Bristol? What's wrong with Bristol? Good luck with your race.

Well we are racing at Bristol this weekend...or if you are in the truck series, you raced at Bristol last night (Kyle Busch won). Not only are they racing at Bristol (my FAVORITE track!) but they are also racing Saturday night! Bet y'all can't guess who is excited?!!!! I AM!!!! Night racing at Bristol = NASCAR heaven! LOL. This race probably ranks right up there with Daytona 500 for me...and you all know how big the Daytona 500 (NASCAR's Superbowl!) is! The race will be at 7:00 EST (I think) on ABC...though you may want to check your local listings. I have read on Facebook that in some areas the NASCAR coverage will be interrupted due to preseason football. I checked mine and my listing still shows the race and not football. (Which I am glad for...I'd be beyond upset if I missed the race for football. And yes...even if it was the Bears football game (which they play tomorrow night...) I would still be mad.) Here is a video of a NASTY wreck at Bristol several years ago...think I read 1990 where Michael Waltrip connected hard against the concrete wall which cut his car in half. If you don't believe in miracles, you better watch a GREAT miracle happen as Michael Waltrip is able to walk away from one of the nastiest wrecks I have yet seen (in video) as they literally had to pick his car off the track, piece by piece. Just too scary...hope we don't see anything like this Saturday night... Dang, both Mikey and Darrell looks so young in this video...

Here is a great Keith Urban song...love the emotions he puts into his songs! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ-15YIvH5Y

Thanks y'all. I have been a Cubs fan since I was four...and don't see that changing. EVER. LOL. I may disagree with their trades and what not, but will be a fan, no matter what. I hope you are right, K-Duke. That I will be able to see them in the World Series before I die. Roger your post reminded me of an article I read today about which football team has the most loyal fans. Cowboys are ranked as the team with the most loyal NFL fans while the poor Raiders have the least loyal fans. The Bears came in seventh...guess they didn't know me when they made this post. LOL

I am so sorry to hear that you are having head aches and heart problems...very scary. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Well I got some more Tony Stewart news and as a big NASCAR fan, this has hit me harder than what I thought it would... Tony Stewart will be out for the rest of the 2013 season due to breaking his leg in a sprint car accident in Iowa two weeks ago where he broke both his tibia and fibula...and had a metal rod surgically implanted into his leg. Mark Martin will be his full time replacement with the exception of the October Talladega race where Austin Dillon will substitute. Tony Stewart will be back for the 2014 season. This has all been confirmed by Stewart-Haas (or according to Hoss...Stewart-Hoss) Racing. I have never been a big Stewart fan but have had more of a fan the past couple of seasons now that he hasn't been as aggressive as he had been in the past and due to the fact that he does use Hendrick engines...but still, to see Tony Stewart sit out the rest of the season is HUGE. . .and sad to see. Though I have to admit I do think it is for the better for him personally to sit out and allow for his leg to heal properly and come back in full form next season. Smart choice on Tony's part, but still sad to see. Hope he will heal quick and well. Oh and while I am here...it is always RUMORED (haven't heard for sure as of yet) but have heard that Kurt Busch has been offered a ride at Stewart-Haas Racing for a fourth car in 2014. IF this is true and IF Kurt accepts (which I don't know why he wouldn't accept it...if it is true) it will make for a race team full of aggressive drivers. Stewart, Harvick (who will be joining next season), and Kurt Busch are known as aggressive drivers and then there would be Danica Patrick who has had her share of being aggressive (though am not sure if I would rank her as aggressive as Stewart, Harvick, or Kurt Busch.) As I said, the whole Kurt Busch thing so far is only rumored and I will let you know if and when it becomes more official...

HA HA K Duke...Very funny. LOL. Just because Roger's pirates (shouldn't they be in jail instead of on the field. Pirates are normally known for being mean and stealing and such...just sayin' ) have won a game or two more than the Cubs, don't mean the Cubs haven't won a game this season. Though I have to admit it is a pretty sad season...I am sure I have cursed all my teams. Well at least Gordon and the Cubs at least. Perhaps if I start going for Roger's Pirates and his Dale Jr...the Pirates will start to lose miserably and Jr will be plagued with a bunch of bad luck. Well the Pirate idea sounds good...not so much for Jr. Jr is my third favorite driver and hate to see him have any more bad luck than what he had yesterday. *SIGH* Well, K - Duke, all I can say is that NEXT year is going to be the CUBS year...forget that I have been saying that for over fifteen years now. I say it long enough, it is bound to become true.

Thanks everyone for filling in for me while I was gone and helping out. It means a lot to me. Just wish I came home to better results...LOL. Thanks again.

Well the deal has been made . Brian Vickers now has a two year contract with Michael Waltrip Racing...starting next season. Also... I have heard on Facebook, that Juan Pablo Montoya will not be returning to Chip Ganassi Racing next season... Ah the irony of it...one deal seals while another one opens. Will keep you updated if I hear any more on where Juan may land for next year or who will be taking his ride in 2014.

Well y'all they have finally announced who will be driving for Tony Stewart this upcoming race at Michigan...they had said his name yesterday, but it was only rumored, so I wanted to wait to see it official before posting it this time. Seeing how it is NOT Ragen Smith as I had said it was... Richard Childress (RCR - team owner of Richard Childress Racing) grandson Austin Dillon will be driving the 14 car at Michigan. Richard has two grandsons who are in the Nationwide Series...Austin and Ty. I believe it is Austin who will be moving to the Cup Series next year...in what is rumored to be the number three car. If Richard goes through with it and it isn't all talk and rumor...Austin will be the first driver to drive the number three car since Dale Sr died in 2001. Richard Childress owns the number three in the Spint Cup...Dale Sr use to drive for him before having his own team. But as I said the whole number three deal so far is only talk, will let you know if there is more to it. Also for more NASCAR news (as Rosco would say, I love it, I love it!) Brian Vickers will be driving FULL time for Michael Waltrip Racing with the Aaron's sponsor car. The past couple of years he has been forced to drive part time, sharing a ride with Mark Martin. Of the article I read, said that Martin has said he will not be returning to the team next year...though it has yet to be made official. Someone from MWR put out to the media that they had a big announcement that they would make on Tuesday... See where I stand in NASCAR? I know stuff before the media! Just forget the fact that I read about this in an article online that a friend of mine posted on Facebook...LOL. Brian Vickers MAY be racing full time next year So I guess we will see tomorrow to see if that turns OFFICIAL...will let you know...but I am thinking it is real due to the fact that there has been talk about it. Just nothing concrete until what seems to be now... I have nothing against Mark Martin and I hope him the best with his future whether he finds another ride for next year or if this his slow step back into retirement (that he said he was going to do years ago when Rusty Wallace retired...). But I am super excited to see that Brian Vickers has finally found a full time ride for next year! Also, I just read another article on Tony Stewart where Tony Stewart MAY be sitting out the rest of the 2013 season. I guess Stewart-Hass Racing competition director, Greg Zipadelli (use to be Tony's crew chief when he was racing the 20 Joe Gibbs car) and team are talking to Tony and they will come out on Wednesday with word on if Tony will return and who will be driving the 14 car at that time...if NOT Tony. As always, will keep you updated.

Hope you had fun at the wedding. You are welcome...and yeah, I wish I had better news to share. Onto next week.

Tony Stewart has been released from the hospital and is resting at home. They said they are wanting to pick an replacement driver by tomorrow...will keep you updated with the official driver. Get better soon Smoke!

I think you were reffering to the race on TNT...they had commercial breaks every other minute...or perhaps every other lap. ESPN is a little better. "Crank It UP" was a FOX feature...one that I love having. Then again, I love it when the races are on FOX. To me the announcers are more positive about everyone, less commercial breaks, and they are or seem to be excited to be there and know their stuff. I really wish all the races were on FOX. My opinion...of course. As for the roof flaps...well I better read more closely. I read that part of your post a couple of times and thought it said roof flaps...but doh me. Obviously Gordon was missing some safety there and didn't have all of his car. Trust me, Gordon wasn't happy about it. I don't know if you heard his interview after the accident, but that was the most disappointed and the most depressed I had ever heard him. It was very hard for me to see him so down, so disappointed, and so depressed about it. Normally he tries to put a smile on, tries to put some positive spin on it. There was none of that today. He was upset to have to race what is left of his car the rest of the race. All I know is that it had to be OK with NASCAR otherwise the officials wouldn't have let him back on the track, they would have back flagged him. Which they didn't...have seen other cars out there (not today) that looked like his car so I think as long as all the inside parts are working great and they can keep the car up to speed, they are OK to bring it back out on the track.

Am glad that you are a fan of F1, Hoss and that you like your coverage better than NASCAR. I am not a fan of ESPN's coverage but mainly due to the announcers who make comments like Rusty Wallace's today about how "Gordon was so upset with his car that he wrecked it." Hmmm, yeah sure, Rusty. Gordon May have struggled with his ill handling race car ALL weekend long, but I can guarantee you that Gordon didn't wreck it on purpose like Rusty made it sound like he did. Hoss...believe it or not, Gordon is NOT the first one to be out driving a car that looks like that. Or end a race with a car without the hood. I am sure he was perfectly well within limits of NASCAR's expectations. As long as he was able to keep it up to speed...which he was...there wasn't a problem. As for safety concerns, the only thing Gordon was missing was the hood and front side of his car. The roof flaps are on top of the roof...Glad you found so me humor in it. Max did a good job driving Stewart's car to fifteenth position. Am sure it isn't easy taking over someone else's ride in a series where he doesn't normally race in and have to work with a team he has never worked with before. Stewart is a great road racer, drives in that car every week, and works with his team week in and week out. I do believe Stewart would have a better shot at a better race in his car than Papis or anyone else.

Well the race at Watkins Glen has just finished...the last road race of the season. No more right turns for the Sprint Cup this year. LOL. Marcos Ambrose had won the last two Watkins Glen races and led from the pole to lead 51 of ninety laps before being shuffled towards the back due to pit road strategies. We had eight cautions today due to accidents and what not. Jeff Gordon had fought his car all weekend and started the race 28th which put him on the defensive end before he went to pass on lap fourteen and violently spun into the wall and he was forced to call for a wrecker to pull him to the garage. He later came back out without a hood and a sad looking race car to finish 36th. Later in the race Matt Kenseth spun Kasey Kahne out and into Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr was able to stay out, but both cars were pretty badly wrecked. Glad everyone is ok. Race came back to green and Marcos Ambrose who by now was in tenth had a hard time getting started and Kevin Harvick bumped Max Papis (who was racing for Tony Stewart) who wrecked Marcos Ambrose and Brian Vickers out of the race. After being wrecked out of a win last year at the last lap, Kyle Busch went on to win the race today. 1 Kyle Busch 2 Brad Keselowski 3 Martin Truex Jr. 4 Carl Edwards 5 Juan Pablo Montoya 6 Clint Bowyer 7 Joey Logano 8 Jimmie Johnson 9 Kurt Busch 10 A J Allmendinger 11 Jamie McMurray 12 Casey Mears 13 Kevin Harvick 14 Ryan Newman 15 Max Papis 16 Greg Biffle 17 Paul Menard 18 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 19 Denny Hamlin 20 Danica Patrick 21 David Ragan 22 Boris Said 23 Matt Kenseth 24 Owen Kelly 25 David Gilliland 26 Jeff Burton 27 Dave Blaney 28 Landon Cassill 29 Alex Kennedy 30 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 31 Marcos Ambrose 32 Brian Vickers 33 David Stremme 34 Kasey Kahne 35 Ron Fellows 36 Jeff Gordon 37 Aric Almirola 38 Michael McDowell 39 Brian Keselowski 40 Travis Kvapil 41Victor Gonzalez Jr. 42Tomy Drissi 43 David Reutimann We are back to turning left only next Sunday at Michigan. Heads up...I will be out of town next weekend so it is looking like I will miss the race (sadly) but w ill keep you updated once I read up on the race. On a positive note...before the race, they had said that Tony was hoping to be getting out of the hospital after he got done watching the race. A step in the right direction on Smoke.