Garrett Duke

Very small Duke connection for tonight's race. Denny Hamlin has Cale Yarborough paint scheme tonight. Cale was taking pictures with Denny during the pre race show...Cale was on two Dukes of Hazzard episodes. Not a Hamlin fan, but thought that was neat.

Jesse Duke slowly hangs up the phone to slowly walk over to the kitchen sink to turn the cold water on and for a long time he watches the water stream down the drain. His mind filled with the little info Cooter had shared over the phone and more on the troubles that has currently plagued his family. Closing his eyes he falls back onto the only line of defense he currently knows and he starts to pray heavily for his boys. For Gordon. For a solution to their problem. "Amen," he finishes as he opens his eyes before he places his hands into the now icy cold water. Sighing heavily he splashes a couple of handfuls of water over his face before turning the water off and grabbing the towel to dry his face off with. Turning around he slowly walks into the living room, feeling lost as he awaits for his nephews to return home. "Was that the boys?" Daisy asks, coming out of her room. Concern a lit in her soft eyes. Jesse slowly shakes his head. "Only Cooter," Jesse states giving Daisy a small comforting hug, "to say they are on their way home. We've waited this long for them to come home, don't know why they bothered with having him call and tell us. What's an extra few minutes to wait? Since we have to wait anyway." She flashes a small smile. "That's the boys for you. Probably Luke's idea," she states as she sits down in the chair, "I'm worried Uncle Jesse." "Worried? 'Bout what?" Jesse asks as he forces him down into the couch, "There's no need to be worried. The boys are as of yet not in trouble with the law and that is a good thing. They're just working on clearing Jeff's name." "Exactly. You know how much Bo looks up to him...he's going to be crushed if Gordon goes off to jail. Only other person he looks up to more than Jeff, is Luke," she responds, "I'm surprised Bo's been able to stay as calm as he has so far..." Jesse hears himself give a sarcastic laugh. "I doubt Bo has been very calm. Perhaps to us he has been, but I bet you ask Luke, he'd tell you something else," Jesse goes silent as he hears a car pulling up, "I assume they're here by the sound of things. Cooter wouldn't answer my questions...he says the boys will fill us in on their progress and what is going on." Daisy nods silently as they both slowly stand up to go greet Bo and Luke. "I just hope they got some good news," Daisy says, hanging her head.

Hamilton has had a great week. Hopefully he will keep it up...only thing better is if he'd play for the Cubs. Think Josh is a great guy and had felt incredibly bad for him last year...that had to have been hard on him. On another baseball note....the young sensation from the National's, Bryce Harper, has seemed to have learned a valuable and painful lesson as to never hit anything other than the ball with the bat. He got mad in the eightth inning and hit the dug out wall with his bat. Well the bat took vengence on him and went back to hit him in the face...left him with a big ol' lump over his eye and a bloody face...and ten stitches above the eye where he cut it open. OUCH.

NASCAR Sprint Cup is racing TONIGHT at 6:30 EST on FOX. Greg Biffle will be taking the checkered flag from the pole followed by Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne. They are racing at Darlington.

LOL Hoss. Thanks...knew someone would throw that in my face. Is that all you gained from my post? KHEE!

I think that was awesome and it couldn't happen to anyone better than him. I still feel bad for him for what had happened last year...hopefully he'll have a great year this year. Just not against the Cubs. HA HA.

I was really hoping for a win from Gordon for my birthday or at least a storng finish. And for some reason, he didn't give it to me. Nor did Johnson. Don't know what I did to upset them so much that they decided not to even finish the dang race. Very disappointing gift they brought me. As for your question, Roger, I don't know for sure but do have an opinion on it. My opinion agrees with Hoss. I think it has to do with all the popularity she has (or the popularity of her name...) and are hoping she will bring that popularity as in more viewers to NASCAR. They suspend her they are probably figuring on they would upset quite a few of them. NASCAR upsets me in that figure when it comes to punishing drivers. They seem to be so lopsided. I know they have a rule book that they quote numbers and such out of when they dish the penalties out, but I don't think they go by that. In my opinion, it goes by who the driver is whether or not they will punish them. My opinion, of course...but do have a few scenerios that kinda back it up. This kinda reminds me of several years ago... Think it was about the beginning of the new point system with the chase, when during a Busch Series (now Nationwide Series) race Tony Stewart got into an arguement with one of the drivers (want to say Kurt Busch, but not a hundred percent sure on that). Doesn't really matter. But Tony punched the other driver. NASCAR talked about parking him for the Cup race, but didn't because it would ruin his chance at getting in the chase or at the championship. Which would make his fans upset. To me, that shouldn't come into play whether or not they punished him in that matter or not. It should go as to what they did as to what punishment they hand out and not to who it is or what position in points they are. Guess I understand the fan part...if they parked Gordon, I'd be upset. But I'd also be upset that Gordon would do something to ask to be parked... As I said, I don't have any factual facts to back up what I said, but felt all along that they have declined punishment due to her namesake and her publicity. Which, as I stated, is not right. Not fair. What she did was wrong and could have hurt Sam or other drivers as well as hurt his car further than it already is. Don't know how Danica raced in Indy. I don't really know much about Indy nor followed her there, but it would be interesting to see if she is known to have such fits or if it is a one time thing. Hopefully it is a one time thing...going at the speeds they going...even in a cool down lap...there is no room for such acts. By anyone.

Hoss - Sorry you couldn't get my video. Didn't even think of that. I am glad I am not the only one to view it like that. I feel like she was way out of line. Know NASCAR had talked about handing out punishments on Monday, but it looks like they changed their mind about that. I understand nudging him back to say she didn't appreciate that, but that was more than a nudge. I have seen Cup drivers hit the other driver in the rear to show their displeasure, but wrecking like that was uncalled for. I also got that impression from her interview or thought that perhaps she was trying to fit in by her attitude. But I could be wrong about it.

Funny I just got done writing my last post when my uncle sent me this link of the incident and the interviews. Can't say I am too impressed with Danica with what I saw or her attitude during the interviews. Danica Patrick and Sam Hornish Jr. Glad I finally saw what had happened and to me it looks like, just like Sam said, his tire blew and he was sent up the track in front of Danica. At least, that is how I saw it. Understand Danica being upset, but I am willing to bet that Hornish Jr wasn't very happy his tire going out on the last lap like that either. Uncool that she would wreck him after the race for something he didn't do on purpose. Ah well, that's Talledega. Lots of emotions at going 200 MPH...(this was in the Nationwide Series race Saturday..) Interesting to see how she will do in a Cup car on Saturday night...hopefully better than her Daytona debut in February where she wrecked on the fifth lap with Jimmie Johnson...

A Christian song by a Christian artist. Love this song...great message to it. Trivia info...Jonny has a brother who plays for the Atlanta Braves. Matt Diaz. Must be an athletic family...Jonny coulda played baseball but felt pulled to be a Christain musician. Glad he did...love baseball, but he is great at what he does now.

You are welcome Sissy Duke and Roger. I am a normally quiet person, but when it comes to NASCAR, baseball, and the Dukes I can talk forever. HA. Love talking NASCAR and love writing my reviews...especially if I can say Gordon and Johnson had good races. HA. LOL. Haven't been able to do that lately, but that time is comin'...they are both too good to be down for too long. Of course t hat is all of my biased opinion. LOL. Was thinkin' last night if anyone was interested we could put a Q&A thread up...may not know all the answers but may know some. HA. Let me know if you are interested..if not, I won't do it and it won't hurt my feelings any. Danica "Daisy Duke" Patrick? Well I don't know if I should say anything since I missed the Nationwide Series race last week, but it sounds like she got herself in trouble due to her driving style. I heard both ways. But it sounds like she wrecked Sam Hornish Jr during a cool down lap (I assume they meant caution) after they bumped. Though they have talked, Hornish said he bumped her due to his tire going out...still retaliation during a yellow? Not cool. But perhaps other than that her driving skills are similar? LOL Just a reminder...next race is Saturday night. You tune in on Sunday to watch Darlington, unless they get rained out (Fingers crossed that they don't...) you'll be missing the race.

Not a stupid question...had to go look it up. Says it is in SC...so I figure that has to mean South Carolina? LOL. Thought of you, Roger, when I saw Ragen with a top ten. At least someone I knew had a driver that had a good race. Guess I know a couple Jr fans and he finished nineth, so two drivers. Last year at Darlington was when Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch got into it after Harvick knocked Busch a couple times on the last lap. Kyle got tired of it and turned Harvick. Harvick then blocked Kyle in pit road and got out of his car to punch Kyle. Kyle in turn hit Harvick's car and drove away. Both were fined and put on probation...and Regan Smith went on to win his first race. Darlington is also know to collect it's fair share of stripes on the wall with the drivers banging on the wall. See how many stripes she collects Saturday night...hopefully none from Gordon. Danica Patrick will also make her second appearance in Sprint Cup. For her sake, hopefully she has a better race than her first race at Daytona...

Well the Sprint Cup race at Talledega has just gotten over and Brad Keselowski has held on to win his second 'Dega race. His second win of the season. THere was four or five cautions or something like that today. Not as much as normal, but enough. Jimmie Johnson suffered through some sort of engine problem. Think they said some sort of pump broke in half and he was sat out for the rest of the race. Jeff Gordon complained about his water temp. being too hot. But at the end it didn't matter. Halfway through or so Dave Blaney was having gas issues and went up to collect another driver, sent Truex Jr down who hit Gordon who went down the track to miss the wreck. He was then sent up to hit the wall hard. To end his day as well. My top two driver's with DNF's today. Another sad racing day for this 24 fan...and 48 fan. The wreck also took out Carl Edwards. Casey Mears who had led some laps had spun out and bumped Trevor Bayne, but not too hard. There was another multi car accident that collected Michael Waltrip and other drivers..then during the restart after that, AJ Allmindinger went to block Denny Hamlin only to cause another big wreck that collected Tony Stewart as well. Hamlin's tire blew up to shred his car on the track. Matt Kenseth led the most laps only to pull too far ahead at the end of his team mate Greg Biffle and Kyle Busch pushed Brad Keselowski past to the win. They just said there was 19 cars that was taken out of the race due to accidents. Most this season thus far. Here is the top ten finishing spots: 1. Brad Keselowski 2. Kyle Busch 3. Matt Kenseth 4. Kasey Kahne 5. Greg Biffle 6. Clint Bowyer 7. David Ragen (You should be proud Roger!) 8. Trevor Bayne 9. Dale Earnhardt Jr 10. Jeff Burton Next race will be next SATURDAY night at Darlington.

Well they had a great extended pre race show today on FOX. Michael Waltrip is in the race so he wore his fire suit under his suit...too funny. Shown a lot of bad wrecks at Talledega...too scary. Hope we don't see any today and that all our favorite drivers will have a great race today and avoid the big one. But the pre race show is about over and it is about go time for all who are wanting to watch the race. Can't wait to hear Darrell Waltrip say his trade mark "Boogity, boogity, boogity!"

Another one of my favorite Country artist. Great song by a great artist.

"Somebody Like You" Keith Urban LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!! Well OK, know I say that about most of my songs I pick out, but really, do love this song. Love this whole CD of Keith Urban's that this song is on. Keith Urban is one of my favorite Country artist and this entire album is so upbeat and helps pull me out of a bad mood or a bad day. Saw him twice in concert and would love to see him again. Perhaps one day...LOL

Well the Nationwide Series race at Talledega was today. Joey Laganon held on to win the race...seemingly to avoid a huge wreck right at the end that had taken Eric McLure air lifted to the hospital. Eric McLure accident Really hope not to see any more of accidents like this in tomorrow's race. Pray and hope Eric is OK. Darrell Waltrip said on Facebook that Eric was concious and talking to the medical staff, so that is a good sign. . .just how scary that was!

LOVE this song!

Well y'all the NASCAR Sprint Cup has had their qualifying run in today to determine to see which driver will start where. And this 24 fan is extremely happy and proud of the top line up and to see how the race will start out. But I will let y'all guess why...HA HA. Here is the top ten starting line up for the TALLEDEGA race tomorrow: 1. JEFF GORDON 2. AJ Allmindinger 3. Marcos Ambrose 4. Aric Almirola 5. Kasey Kahne 6. Carl Edwards 7. Greg Biffle 8. Tony Stewart 9. Michael Waltrip 10. Matt Kenseth (Dale Jr will start 18th - he seems to be the favorite to win on Sunday. Johnson will be starting 19th.) Well by now I am sure you all have a strong hunch as to why I am excited. Know it is only a starting spot...one he may lose quickly...hoping not...but am happy and proud of Jeff Gordon's strong run. He wrote in Facebook that he had a bad fast car. Just hope he didn't have it made up for a qualifying run...would rather start ten with a fast car all race and not just a couple of strong laps and then fade away. Really am HOPING this is where the 24 team will turn things around and have a STRONG finish. Perhaps I am biased here, but with all the bad luck he has faced and endured this 2012 season thus far, I feel he deserves a win...a good race. But first he will need to avoid "the big" one. Talledega is a restrictor plate race...one of the fastest tracks they visit. And since it is so fast, it tends to provide a lot of accidents. Bad accidents. Such as this one where Brad Keselowski flipped Carl Edwards right before going across the finish line: Love how Carl Edwards' attitude. Found it ironic him running across the finish line like he did. Remember watching that race and feeling so bad for Edwards.(Edwards later flipped Keselowski in Atlanta after Keselowski wrecked him first in the race. Those two have a history with each other starting with this race...though Edwards didn't blame Keselowski at the time. Each time, to me, Keselowski had started it. My opinion on that though.) Sadly some fans did get hurt in this accident, Edwards felt bad about it all and remember the year after this he had invited at least one of them to the race and all that. But it was real scary to watch. Hope we don't see a repeat of that wreck with anyone...hope all your favorite drivers will have a great race tomorrow!

Well the Richmond race just got over and it was an odd type of race. One that this 24 fan isn't too happy about, but then again, what race has this 24 fan been happy about? He started sixth and t hen during a restart got bottled up and hit the wall...lost two laps from early on in the race. Made it for a long race to watch knowing he was all the way back there with little hope of getting back up on the lead lap, but I watched til the end. Gordon ended up finishing 23rd tonight. There seemed to be a few pit problems today. Paul Menard's crew lost a tire across pit road where the pit member ran into the pit road to get it (where he could have gotten hit by another car!) and later was talked angrily to by an official for doing that. Guess it had something to do with JJ's car or crew that was next to them...one of the crew members it sounds like went to talk to the 48 crew and the crew cheif for Menard told the member he try that again, he'll be fired. Then after fighting to the front from the 27th spot, JJ's crew had tire issues when the rear tire changer went to give the tire to another member who had left...he rolled the tire to the wall. Which is a no-no and Johnson had to be put at the end of the longest line...with 60 some laps to go. Then on the restart Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart had an issue. Don't exactly know what had happened other than I feel like NASCAR wasn't quiet clear and ruined Carl's night. Carl led the most laps and after the restart his spotter told Carl that NASCAR said he had the lead...Stewart said that NASCAR gave him the lead. Stewart spun the tires and couldn't start and NASCAR blackflagged Edwards for accelerating before the green flag box...his front bumper was just on the line. So he was sent to the end of the line and went a lap down before gaining his lap back. So disappointing for the 99 team of Carl Edwards. Had another caution...according to Stewart it was for a water bottle. Which I understand his displeasure at it being thrown for a water bottle, but also think NASCAR is searching for ways to get cautions since there has been so few cautions in the past five races...as Darrell pointed out, cautions breed cautions. Except as late...everyone's been playing nice this year. Kyle Busch has an awesome pit crew supporting him every race...and well he beat Stewart (who had a slow pit stop) out of pit road. Kyle Busch went on to win the race. His first race he won this year...and the fourth time in a ROW that he has won the sprint Richmond race. Dale Earnhardt Jr came home second with a great comeback of the night. Stewart came home third and wasn't too happy about it afterwards. Here is the top ten finishes of the Richmond race: 1. Kyle Busch 2. Dale Earnhardt Jr 3. Tony Stewart 4. Denny Hamlin 5. Kasey Kahne 6. Jimmie Johnson 7. Clint Bowyer 8. Mark Martin 9. Brad Keselowski 10. Carl Edwards Well once again Rick Hendrick had three of his four cars in the top ten...everyone BUT Jeff Gordon. We are off to Talledega next Sunday afternoon where they always have 'the big one' so am almost sure that NASCAR will have the wrecks and cautions that fans are looking for. I just hope Gordon or the rest of the Hendrick cars will steer away from the wrecks and come home with a clean and good finish. Perhaps Gordon will give me a win on my birthday...after his year this far, I think Gordon DESERVES the win. How much bad luck can one driver have?

Jimmie Johnson's new Sprint Commercial Love this new Sprint commercial with Jimmie Johnson. Then again it has Jimmie Johnson and that may have something to do with it. Am seeing a pattern here...Jr, now Johnson...all we need is a new Jeff Gordon commercial. Hope to see this one during the race tonight...