Garrett Duke

I am glad someone is happy about the Super Bowl score... Now onto the real sport... NASCAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well here it is as promised...my 2013 NASCAR race reives and results thread. With only ONE week until the Sprint Unlimited (use to be Bud Shootout) means only one thing...speed weeks is only ONE week away. Daytona 500 - the race that starts the 2013 season off- is only two weeks and one day away. And this NASCAR fan is...excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First off, here is a look at this year's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Well there has been a lot of changes done to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during this off season. Major one being the NEW car that they got. Looks pretty slick. They are moving from the COT (car of tomorrow) to the Gen -6. Gen 6 There is a good site that will show what the new car is going to look like. Of what I have been hearing, a lot of drivers are liking the new car. Also what I have heard that this car is a lot like the old car which is more to Jeff Gordon's liking. (Sorry had to include that...) Also with the changes to NASCAR Sprint Cup comes with testing that the drivers and teams will now be able to do indepent testing at the tracks...I guess up to four tracks. Another change comes to qualifying. Before the top thirty-five teams in owner points were locked into the race...this year the fastest thirty-six cars will be locked into the race with the top six owner point cars being locked in. There has also been a few changes with cars and drivers. Main big changes is that Matt Kenseth has left his long time team at Rousch Fenway Racing and is now driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. He has moved from the number 17 car to the number 20 car. Joey Logano moved from JGR car number 20 to Penske's 22 car. Ricky Stenhouse Jr who won the Nationwide Series championship last year will take over the seventeen car at Rousch Fenway Racing. And Danica Patrick will be running a full time schedule with Stewart-Haas racing from her part time gig she had ran last season. This will be Kevin Harvick's last season with Richard Childress and he will be moving to Stewart-Haas Racing next season...but we will worry about that next year. We also have five new members of the NASCAR Hall Of Fame that was inducted yesterday...Rusty Wallace, Herb Thomas, Leonard Wood (from the Wood Brothers - own Trevor Bayne's 21 car), Buck Baker, and Cotton Owens. 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame Congrats to them all...and thanks to them all for helping NASCAR be what it is today! With all that said, this is where I will be posting my pre race write up, my race reviews, where the top fifteen or so will qualify and how who finished where at the end of the race...starting next week for the Sprint Unimlimted...use to be Bud Shootout. Which is a non point race...first point race will be Feb. 24th at Daytona 500! After ninety LOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG days my count down is slowly coming to an end...and with it, my NASCAR withdrawal will be cured! Hope you all are as excited as I am!

Thanks Roger. I was excited last night when I logged in and saw that we got ten members in my league! Would like a few more, but if this is all that I will get for my league, I will be happy. Thanks for your help...without your help, there probably only be four or five in my league. Sixteen more days til the Daytona 500...a week from tomorrow is the Sprint Unlimited. Use to be the Bud Shootout. Though if you ask me, I think they should have stuck with the Bud Shootout. But then again, no one asked me. So next Saturday is the beginning of Speedweeks! I will be making a new thread for the upcoming 2013 NASCAR season soon...

This has got to be one of my favorite Toby Keith songs...

Guess what y'all...there is ONLY 20 LOOOOOONNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG days until the Daytona 500! Who else is excited?????

LOVE this song and the emotions that Lonestar puts behind it. Loved it when I saw them sing it in concert!

Congrats MM and Roger on your win

Well we are only in the third quarter and in delay due to the lights and all...but so far I am LOSING big time. Guess there is always hope for a huge comeback...

OK Hoss you asked for it...here it is: This has got to be one of my favorite Backstreet Boys songs...the video is kinda creepy though.

This is such an awesome song...an awesome video. Then again my opinion is biased...Kenny Chesney is my favorite Country artist.

Jeff shakes his head as he slowly stands up. "I've been in the Sprint Cup Series for twenty years Commissioner Hogg. Be hard to be in something for that long and not know or appreciate the history behind it all. I know where NASCAR has came from. The history behind it. Trust me, I know. And never before had I heard of that...that name just said," he pauses as he begins to walk towards the door, "So no, that is not why I race you. To be honest with you, I refuse to race someone I don't trust. Too dangerous to be racing someone as fast as I drive with someone you can't trust. Have a nice afternoon gentlemen." With that Jeff slowly steps back outside, glad to get some fresh air after being trapped inside with those two. "Well looks like our meeting is over, Commissioner. I am glad we have come to an agreement or a settlement with all of this," Aussler states as he stands up, his folder of the papers tightly in his hands, "you let us know where your sheriff wants to race and we'll make sure to be there. If you don't mind, I need to go check on my client." He nods and slowly walks out to find Gordon sitting on the porch swing. "So Thom," Gordon states looking up at him, "that was a nice settlement you made and all, but I do believe you are missing one thing." "And that is?" Thom states, raising an eye brow. "You have just volunteered Bo Duke into this big ol' mess...as if they all haven't been brought into my mess as it is," Jeff pauses, "you sure he'll want to enter his car into this race? To race me and that sheriff in there?" Aussler nods. "Sure he will. According to folks around here he's the best driver around these here parts. Any local race car driver would love to prove his talents against someone who everyone knows excels at the sport," Ausslers states confidently, "but if for some dumb reason he's not ok with it, it's up to you make it OK with him. I did my part. The rest is on you." Gordon nods. "Sounds fair enough." "Dang right it is fair enough! If you didn't go off on your own all of this wouldn't be happening right now, now would it?!" Aussler throws back at him as he steps off the porch, "Wait til you get back and see the zoo you created with the media, NASCAR, your sponsors. Your team. Your family. You'll have a lot of explaining to do." Gordon sighs and nods. "Well if I knew this woulda happened, I wouldn't have done it. Just thought it would be nice to go for a drive," Jeff defends himself before reluctantly joining Aussler. "But for now I do believe we should go talk to the Dukes. See about them being OK with this deal of your's and perhaps finding a car for me to race." Aussler nods as they look up to find Jesse and the boys slowly walking their way.

Jeff Gordon watches Hogg and Coltrane sign Aussler's papers while arguing amongst themselves before Aussler takes the papers from the sheriff. "Now wait a minute," Gordon breaks his silence to recieve a dirty look from Aussler, "how in the world you expect all three of us to lose? I don't know what kind of race you watch or know about...but every race I have ever watched, raced, or heard about...they all had a WINNER to them. No way you can have everyone lose in a race...there will have to be a first place, a second place, and a third place. End of story." Aussler gives him another look before sighing in defeat and eyes the paper that has been signed. Placing them in his folder that was on his lap, he glances up, "Well it sounds like my client has an legitimate question, Commissioner. What is it that you mean that all three of them is suppose to lose?" With that he leans back in his chair and watches the commissioner and his side kick, watching their reactions while waiting for a response.

Wow what a horrorific story Hoss . Just so sad to hear stories like that. For everyone involved. I can't imagine being in that building when that happened and all the panic. It would be natural for the people to panic and get lost in the mess and then to add the fumes and all that other stuff they mentioned? So sad for everyone. The victims. Their family, friends. The people that survived -their lives are changed forever due to one night that was suppose to be fun. And the band members. Setting fireworks off in a club...not a bright idea. Especially with only way out like that. Should have had it all checked out...and maybe they did and it was something else. I don't know. Either way they got to feel horrible and that night too will change their lives forever too. It is horribly sad no matter how you look at it. I remember being at a concert where the group went off the stage to a back stage. I made the mistake of going with the crowd to get closer...and remember thinking at that moment if the place caught fire or something happened, everyone would be trampled to death. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

What guilt trip and accusations, Roger? I was just laying down the facts. You can't argue the facts, can you? Ah well...was just giving you a hard time. I wouldn't get all upset about it. Jr is a good guy and a great driver. Can't go wrong by going with Jr...though you could do better to. Like going for JEFF GORDON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

34 years ago THE BEST TV SHOW made it's first appearance on TV with "One Armed Bandits". Though I was yet to be born on the date that it aired, I do remember watching it when I was a kid...though was very young. I got back into it in 1997 when it was on TNN (It came on TNN in 1996...) and been hooked ever since '97. Even recall the first episode I watched on TNN...was the second part of "Million Dollar Sheriff". Leave it to me to catch on the last half and not the first...ah well, was good enough to get me hooked on any account. Fifteen years later and I still LOVE the show. Life would sure be different without the Dukes...and boring too. Without the Dukes who knows where my writing would be at (not that I have gotten any writing done in the past MONTHS, but at least I have a show to write about whenever my muse comes alive...if ever!). And without the Dukes...would probably still consider NASCAR the most senseless sport ever. Before the Dukes I had thought of NASCAR or any kind of racing as senseless -after all all they do is chase each other in circles. No one gets anywhere despite the many miles it takes to get there. Might as well as watch the dog chase it's tail...less expensive and in most cases, no one gets hurt. Then the Dukes came around with The General Lee, they raced, and talked about Richard Petty and had Cale Yarboro on the show. Changed everything - now I can't get enough of NASCAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST TV SHOW EVER!!!!!!!!!!!! THE DUKES OF HAZZARD!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Hoss please don't hate me for posting this BRAND new New Kids on the Block song...I am just so excited about the new music and being able to go see them in July, well, I couldn't help it... As I said...New Kids brand new song. In fact they just introduced the song on the tv/radio today or last night. Can't get much newer than that.

Wow Roger...where did I ever steer you wrong?! Don't get me wrong, I do like Dale Jr. He's my third favorite driver. He's a great guy. Great driver..but really? He just got done being voted as the most popular driver for the ninthe time in a row...you really think he needs another fan? What's so wrong with Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson? Oh that's right...they are from California...talk about discrimination of drivers here Roger. As I said, I do like Dale Jr...nothing against him or his fans. If I did, I'd have something against myself. Yep do agree with you. You change drivers like Coltrane changes cars. Like Hogg changes lisence plates. Guess I'll ride this phase out...sooner or later, your favorite driver will have to be Jeff Gordon. Who has 87 Sprint Cup wins, twenty years in Sprint, four championships...and an all in all great guy. Just because he is not a redneck and is from California doesn't make him a bad driver or a bad person...in fact he now has a big ol' house in North Carolina. Is that good enough for you Roger? Ah well if you can't tell, Roger, I am pretty loyal myself. Been a Cubs fan since I was four years old. My favorite TV show has been the Dukes since '97 (I know I know not as long as you...don't rub it in. I can't help it I was born too late! Though I do remember liking the show way back when before they took the show off...if you want to count that.), been a NASCAR / Gordon fan since '98 (somewhere around there), and been a Bears fan for the past few years (took me forever to truly understand the sport of football..as it did with NASCAR). I have only moved away from my home town for a year before going back...though about now I would love to move somewhere WARMER than here. HA HA. So I guess we have that in common, we are loyal. I just like the better teams and driver! If Jr wins it all this year, I will be excited and happy for him. As I said, I do like him. He is a Hendrick driver. He deserves to have a great year...though Roger I do have to tell you what your new favorite driver did at testing in Daytona a couple of weeks ago. He was out with ten other cars...and guess what? He managed to wreck all ten cars! INCLUDING JEFF GORDON!!!!!!! Don't worry Jr drove off while Gordon had to go to the garage...all thanks to your little Dale Jr.(Though guess it is not entirely his fault. I was told he was trying to bump draft with Ambrose - Ambrose drives a Ford. Jr a Chevy. Guess the rear ends of the Fords don't match up with other makes and that is what had caused the accident.) Still it was Jr who caused it...ten cars on the track and he wrecks 'em all...way to go Jr. LOL But I wouldn't count on it (on ol' June Bug (JR) winning it all) Roger...it is Jeff Gordon's turn to shine. After all the bad luck he went through last year, it is about time that luck turns his way. His drive for five is ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And oh yeah, btw, thanks for advertising my league and bringing more people aboard. You seem to be doing better than I am at it. Please feel free to join my league...it will be fun and I promise not to pick on you as much as I do Roger. Also...ONE MONTH from today is the Daytona 500!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone else excited?

Thom Aussler watches Hogg throughout his whole speech before nodding slightly when Hogg is done. Leaning over he quietly whispers into Gordon's ear, "What you say about that?" Gordon eyes Hogg and Coltrane for a long moment. "You thinkin' of caving into them after all that they have done? All that they are doing? They are threatening the very same people the govern every day!" Gordon pauses for a short moment, "It's up to you Aussler. I can beat him with my eyes closed. Easily." Thom nods at him before sitting up in his chair and forces a cold smile. "First off, Hogg, I'd appreciate it if you would stop polluting my lungs with that awful cigar smoke. Bet Jesse would appreciate it too if you'd stop polluting his nice little farm house. You want to smoke, take it outside. And this meeting is over and the deal is off the table," Aussler goes quiet as he watches Hogg for a moment who stares angrily back at him with dark angry eyes. After a moment Hogg hands the cigar to Coltrane who reluctantly stands up and smashes it out in the tin emtpy garbage can. As the sheriff slowly sits back down, Aussler continues, "Thank you. "Second of all, I don't get bullied around by others. Or controlled. I don't normally take offers from the people I am handing out the offer to. But," he inhales heavily as he takes the papers back and quickly writes down something on them, "luckily for you Gordon and I don't have time to waste over petty little details like this. Gordon will find himself his own car, Bo will drive The General, and your sheriff can drive his car. That's it. "And oh yeah. If Coltrane there is driving in the race, well then," Aussler gives them a cool smile, "the moeny I had mentioned that will be going out to you two will be given to Coltrane. If he wishes to share with you, that is his business and his business alone. That is our deal. Take it or leave it." He shoves the papers back towards them. "As I said, please sign and date on the lines. Both of you," he nods as he sets the pen on top of the papers.

I am glad Hoss that you are so excited about the great news that NKOTB has come out with today. If you want...I just got done watching thier portion from today's "The View" on YouTube. I could always post the link here for you to watch... 98 Degrees and Boyz 2 Men are their opening acts...they were on "The View" as well. Dang it Hoss you beat me to it! Ah well here is my song for the thread...by two of my favorite Country singers...together. Just awesome!

Well Hoss, I bet you are just dying to find out what the BIG NKOTB news was that they came out with on THE VIEW today...now aren't you? Well before I tell you the awesome news, let me post my AWESOME song! "Don't Turn out the Lights" New Kids on the Block with Backstreet Boys It is from their performance on Dancing with the Stars and does include a couple other NKOTB / BSB songs if you are interested. As for thier big news...sorry to say that you are way WRONG with your predictment of what the news is, Hoss. Sorry for you. Happy for me. Their big news is that they have a NEW CD coming out in early April, new single out next week...and get this - you'll love this - TOUR DATES!!!!!!!!!!! Better yet...looks like I may be going to go see them in July...this NKOTB fan is EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Bet you heard me yelling in excitement all the way where you are, huh, Hoss?) So in other words, the New Kids on the Block is going to anything BUT silent this summer. Don't you just love it, Hoss?

Thanks Roger for your support. Yeah if you do know any NASCAR fans please let them know or send the info. Right now there is only a select few signed up...then again we still got a month to go. *sigh*

Well I was listening and watching I like Brad Paisley's music and do love this song...but got to say I absolutely LOVE this video. Once you see it, bet y'all can't guess why? LOL. Yeah...it has to be the best video ever created!

Thom nods as he sits down after he had stood up to greet the sheriff and the commissoner. "As do I, Commissioner," he slowly nods as he glances at his paper work in front of him, "so let's get started. I have spent the past few hours working with the Dukes and well, looking over this weak case you have against my client. Jeff Gordon. "Now before you go and argue against my claim let me let you know that I do have a witness that has stepped forth with new evidence. Including this here picture," he puts the picture Little had given to him on the table, "as well as these," he puts the pictures that Earl and his investigators had taken of the beat up vehicles down at the police garage. "My witness' picture clearly puts your sheriff there at fault. If that is not enough, my investigators' pictures clearly state that your sheriff hit Jeff Gordon's SUV." Thom goes silent as he comfortably leans back in the old wooden kitchen chair, letting what he had just said to sink in for Hogg and Coltrane, giving them time to look at his pictures. After a moment he sits back up and continues, "Now look. Jeff here is a highly acclaimed NASCAR driver. Best there is. Four championships. Eighty-seven Cup wins. Twenty years in the highest level of NASCAR. If anyone knows that accidents happen, it is ol' Gordon himself. So we understand that accidents happen. Perhaps your sheriff got distracted. Perhaps he had a twitch. Perhaps his breaks went out," Aussler shrugs, as if to say it was no big deal, "My point being is, that accidents happen and that is fine. What is not fine is how you treated my client. How you used your accident to frame my client. How you had him in jail for something your sheriff had done. How you tried black mailing him to earn you money. No, that's not OK. That is why I am here..." Once again Thom pauses for dramatic affect as he glances over at Jeff for a long moment who silently watches, sitting tense in his chair. Looking back at the man dressed in white and his sheriff Thom inhales and rests his hands over his papers. "But let me tell you what a great guy Mr. Jeff Gordon is here," Thom finally breaks his silence before Hogg could interrupt his speil, "if you drop these here false charges you have against him, we too will drop our charges of framing him and all the other charges I can come up with against you. "But not only that, you drop these false charges he will agree to race against Bo Duke in the General Lee. You pick the track or location of the race. Three fourths of the proceeds that comes from this here race will go to the Hazzard County Orphanage. The rest goes to you and your sheriff...evenly." Once again, Thom goes silent. Letting all he has said to sink in before he finishes what he has come to say. "You decline our offer, the offer will be off the table and I will make official charges against you and your sheriff for the whole ordeal you had put upon my client. I got a good stable witness that put Coltrane at fault, we got the pictures, and we got Gordon's rock solid background to back him up. I have a pretty strong case and if I was anyone else, I wouldn't be making this here offer...I'd just go and press my charges. But Gordon and I have agreed that it would be best for us all if we all can agree with the offer we just made the two of you," Thom pauses to look through his paper work before he comes forth with his written offer and an black ink pen, "You two discuss what I just said. You agree with it you both will need to sign and date on the line there...then we can discuss where this race will be located at and when. Understand?" With his offer on the table, Thom leans back with his hands behind his head, glances at Jeff before giving Hogg and Coltrane his full attention.

Can't believe I didn't think of this song last night...one of the first things that entered my mind this morning was this song to this thread. Glad it still works. Love this song...and truly miss John Michael Montgomery and his music (on the Country music scene that is...)...saw him seven times in concert and he was AWESOME each and every time. I was 13 years old when this song came out and I still remember it as if it wasn't that long ago. Great song, great video, great singer!