Garrett Duke

Well Roger I have to admit...when I went to bed last night I had thought that about my post and how I didn't post Ragen's place. Would have done it today but you beat me to it. And no, it has nothing to do with Ragen being in the top ten. Sorry. Ragen is a good kid and a good driver if he had a better set of wheels underneath him. But since you want to get get technical with stats and all that...well here you are: David Ragen is 26 years old with one win under him right now. Did learn that his dad, Ken Ragen use to drive too. David Ragen That is where I got my info at. Ragen has one win, 31 top tens, and two poles for the Sprint Cup Series. Vs Jeff Gordon who started in what is now known as the Sprint Cup Series (Winston Cup back then) when he was 21 years old. His first race, was Richard Petty's last race. His first race was in 1992 in Atlanta. First full season was 1993 where he finished 14th in points. In 1994 he won his first race at the same track, same race we raced last night (Coca Cola 600. Charlotte). The longest race...he won his first race at. At the age of 22 and a half years old. Jeff Gordon Where I got Jeff Gordon's info...interesting page. As of right now in Gordon's career...he has 85 wins, 398 top tens, 71 poles Well in order for your Ragen to catch up to Gordon...he needs 84 more wins, 367 more top tens, and 69 more poles. Jeff Gordon will be 41 on August 4th of this year...that leaves David with 15 years to catch up with Gordon (which is 540 more races plus 24 more races this year). Gordon may be a bit older, but he is not Jesse's age nor is he slowing down any. That'd be Mark Martin who is 53 years old...be 54 next January.

Well Roger, since you had such a great baseball weekend, I will not feel bad in bragging that all my Hendrick boys had a better finish than poor Ragen. For the longest race of the season...thought it was a good race all in all. Only one accident brought out a caution with Travis Kvapil and two or three for debris. Not much excitement accident wise, but it was a great race all in all. Greg Biffle led a lot of laps, but faded a bit towards the end. Tony Stewart had a pretty rotten race. Was having bad luck that turned bad when Brad Keselowski hit him in the back on pit road. Tony got mad and did a spin out on a busy pit road. Lucky for him he didn't hit anyone else. Jeff Gordon started 23rd but was quick to make it into the top ten before he got off pit cycles but won the lucky dog to get back onto the lead lap. And for the first time in five races, he gets a top ten finish...coming home seventh! Not the win I always hope for, but with all the bad luck he's been plagued with, it feels like a win to me. Jimmie Johnson had a good first half of the race and could have had a great finish but on the last pit stop, the tire changer dropped the car back on track (their signal for the driver to go), before the gas man had the gas can out of the tank. So JJ took off with the gas can still attached and still held on by the gas man. The gas man finally fell pretty hard and JJ got hit with a penalty to put him a lap down. A eleventh place finish for the 48 team . Not too bad all things considered, but unknown for his team. Kasey Kahne went on to win his first race for Rick Hendrick. 16th different driver to win for Rick Hendrick...his third Coca-Cola 600. Here is the top ten finishes: 1. Kasey Kahne 2. Denny Hamlin 3. Kyle Busch 4. Greg Biffle 5. Brad Keselowski 6. Dale Earnhardt Jr 7. Jeff Gordon 8. Kevin Harvick 9. Carl Edwards 10. Matt Kenseth Rick Hendrick had all four of his drivers finish in the top eleven and Jack Rousch had all three drivers finish in the top ten.

Happy Memorial Day...hope you all have a fun and safe three day (for all who have Monday off...) weekend. Thank-you to all who has served or is serving for our great country. Thank-you for your service and for ALL that you have done. THANK-YOU!

Well I listened to the Tom Jones version of the song and only the beginning of the other one so I don't have much say in which one is the best. But do believe I like Tom's voice in his version a tad better than the other guy's voice. The song has a sad touch to it. Very emotional. Like the Hank William's reference...

Well it may not be NASCAR and Jeff Gordon may not be in Indy, but did sit down and watched the Indianapolis 500 today and am glad I did. Anyone else watch it? If so, what you think? I thought it was exciting...but their late race restarts are just as crazy as they are in NASCAR. A lot of names were familiar to me. Don't know if it was of past Indy 500 I have watched or what, but the one that I knew the most, Dario Franchitti went on to win the race. He got hit from behind in an early pit stop taht sent him into a few tires...he had to replace the nose of his car in the pits and he came out 28th after that. He was quick to make it into the top five or so. Was surprised and impressed at how fast he recovered from that. He almost was passed on the last lap but the other driver went on the white line and lost control...Dario won under yellow. All three of Dario's Indy 500's were won under yellow. Dario Franchitti spent a year in NASCAR a few years ago but never really did much and dropped out of NASCAR after a season or two. I assume it was because he didn't do much and probably ran out of contract with either his car or sponsors. But am glad to see him doing well in Indy and to see him get the win. Also NASCAR connection...his car and second place finisher Scott Dixon (I think...not so good with their names as I am in NASCAR...but if I sat down and watched them more than once a year, I bet I could change that...) both cars are owned by Chip Ganassi who co-owns Juan Pablo Montoya's and Jamie McMurray's car. (Co owns their cars with Dale Jr's step mom Teresa Earnhardt). It was 90 degrees in Indianapolis...and 130 on the track. One of the drivers called in and said his boot was melting on the brake petal. Too hot for me. Hopefully it isn't too hot in Charlotte in another hour and a half when the Coca-Cola starts up for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Marco Andretti was doing well and did lead a lot of laps but lost control of his car. There was one big accident when a car lost control and another driver ran into him. So glad they were both OK. Different watching a race without having a prominient driver to go for such as I do with Jeff Gordon. But have to admit, once I saw Dario in there, I was going for him and was disappointed when he had the trouble on pits...and excited when he won. Now onto the Coca-Cola 600 race in another hour and a half...GO JEFF GORDON GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad someone can enjoy in my pain and suffering. I love my Cubs...but eleven in a row? Now that is painful. And losing it due to hitting a player...that is just sad. Ah well...enjoy it while it lasts. Just as for Gordon...bad luck can only last so long before the good luck kicks in. Right? At least I have a good fantasy team... The Cubs may not be statistically the best team in baseball at the moment, but to me, they are number one. GO CUBS GO!!!!!!!!

Congrats Daney on your new granddaughter! How very exciting...you will be a good grandma. Hope your daughter and granddaughter are doing well. (((HUGS)))

You sure a bit confident Roger. That's alright as long as you are prepared to be disappointed. The Cubs have felt a tad bit generous today and gave your Pirates the win...musta felt sorry for 'em since they seem to be confused on what their name is. Or perhaps have a hard time deciding if they like Pirates better or Buccos better. Don't worry none...MY CUBS will win tomorrow as will my fantasy team...

*Shakes hand* Well Roger, I do believe you need to get your eyes checked and your ears checked as well. His name is NOT Gordon Jeff. It is Jeff Gordon and he will finish better than David Ragen this weekend.

The Coca-Cola 600 will be Sunday, May 27th at 5:30 ET on FOX.

OK fine...Charlotte. Still think they shoulda kept it with Lowe's...or Jimmie's House as it is nicknamed.

Well the LONGEST race in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule is this Sunday night at Charlette (did I spell it right, Hoss? LOL) for the Coca Cola 600 (sure wish they woulda just kept it at Lowes...or perhaps they could name it Jimmie's House). It will be on FOX (just two more races are on FOX...and then it will be on TNT (I think?) personally I wish they would stay on FOX. Love DW and Michael in the booth as well as Jeff Hammond. But perhaps that is just me. . .). Here is the top ten starting positions for the race: 1. Aric Almirola 2. Marcos Ambrose 3. Jimmie Johnson 4. Greg Biffle 5. Clint Bowyer 6. Mark Martin 7. Kasey Kahne 8. Denny Hamlin 9. Paul Menard 10. Regan Smith Well at least I have five out of eight in my fantasy NASCAR team that is starting in the top ten...including Aric Almirola. Perhaps he'll bring home a win for the King and for me. HA. Though personally, would rather to see Gordon in Victory Lane at the end of the LONGEST race.

Well Roger...the way I look at it, you have no room for complaints. Your Pirates are beating my Cubs in the games win category and if truth was known, I don't feel as if I do have the best team. I think if you would look outside of our match up you would see that...I was thinking you were just taking pity on me and all that...HA HA. Not a chance am I benching my best players...they are there to stay! If my Cubs can't beat your Pirates and I can't win our fantasy league, well then, you should be happy for me that I am doing good in at least our match up.

Thanks Roger. I will always love my Cubs, but it is definately not the same without Kerry Wood in the dug out. Am happy for him and that he was able to walk away on his own terms. But sad to see him go. Am going to a Cubs game next month and was really hoping to see him pitch (last year he was on the DL when I went...he came off the day after I went to Wrigley). Guess that won't happen...now the Cubs better WIN on June 14th! I guess I did hear the Red Sox were in a slump but don't pay that much attention to the standings unless it is the NL Central to see where my Cubs are at. Which isn't too pretty right now. . .

You are welcome, Roger. I enjoy writing them. Would enjoy writing them more if I could write about a dominating run and win by the 24 team, but enjoy them all the same. Perhaps one of these weekends, I'll be writing up a win for Jeff Gordon...I can only hope. As for JJ and his money...I feel like he should share with me since I've been a secondary fan of his from the get go. After all my number one driver owns over half of his car so logic being is that some of that money ought to be handed to me. Or either that he can buy me one of the cars sitting on Jeff Gordon's Cheverolet Dealer lot and a ticket and trip to go see them at the night Bristol race in August. Would be nice.

If it is something that would get you in trouble if found out about, as it sounds like it would, I wouldn't do it. Is this event worth getting in trouble for? Plus you say now that you would use it for this one time, but I can see how it would make it easier for future events or other things you may use the fake ID for in the future. Just my two cents worth. . .

Friday was a very sad day in baseball for this die hard Chicago Cubs fan. My favorite current player (second favorite all time favorite after retired second baseman Ryne Sandberg) KERRY WOOD (relief pitcher) retired his baseball career after striking out one White Sox player. Kerry has had a pretty poor season thus far which I think was a factor in his decision to retire. Kerry Wood struck out 20 Astros on May 6, 1998 and was a great pitcher until he had to have Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow. His hall of fame career he had started out with was robbed with injuries that had started with the surgery. He may not have been the best pitcher or had the stellar career he may have had if it wasn't for his injuries, but he was a great player for the Cubs. A great guy that has supported Chicago in many ways. A fan favorite who will be missed. Sad to see him leave, but glad to see him leave on his terms, when he was ready, and glad to see him retire in a Cubs uniform. Baseball will not be the same without him...but wish Kerry and his family the best of luck with the next chapter of their lives.

JIMMIE JOHNSON JUST BECAME A MILLION DOLLARS RICHER! Jimmie Johnson won the first segment...and now just won the entire All Star race. (He is a tad excite...just said over the radio that he doesn't want to this week to end. HA) JJ has gave a great spin out and then gave team owner Rick hendrick a ride in the window. Too funny. Jimmie Johnson won the first segment. Then Matt Kenseth the second one. Brad Keselowski won the third segment...and then Dale jr won the fourth segment...then Jimmie Johnson won the final ten lap dash to the finish line. Carl Edwards' engine blew, caught a fire a bit. He spent the rest of the race in the booth helping to announce the race. Love his attitude. Right after getting out of his blown car, he told the interviewer "This race has just lost a driver, but has gained a fan." Later on Edwards' team mate, Greg Biffle's engine blew. But worse. His car was on fire and was very relieved when he finally got out of his car. Scary wreck. 1. Jimmie Johnson 2. Brad Keselowski 3. Matt Kenseth 4. Kyle Busch 5. Dale Earnhardt Jr 6. Kevin Harvick 7. Marcos Ambrose 8. Kurt Busch 9. Kasey Kahne 10. Ryan Newman 11. AJ Allmindinger 12. Regan Smith 13. Jeff Gordon 14. Clint Bowyer 15. Trevor Bayne 16. Paul Menard 17. Tony Stewart 18. David Ragen 19. Bobby Labonte 20. Denny Hamlin 21. Mark Martin 22. Greg Biffle 23. Carl Edwards BTW...Jimmie Johnson's crew won the pit crew competition last Thursday night. Gave him the key pit stop on pit road today. Next week the Sprint Cup will be back at Charolette (where they raced tonight) for the Coke 600 next Sunday night. Racing under the lights on Sunday at a track that was once known as Jimmie's house. My opinion is, I am excited JJ won two in a row, but this 24 fan is hoping his bad luck ends now and he comes home with the win next Sunday night.

Do like BackStreet Boys...just not as much as the NKOTB. Was awesome seeing them both in concert.

The Sprint Cup Show Down has just ended. AJ Allmedinger and Martin Truex Jr started up front...AJ had a flat tire before the race went to green flag! (I only saw the last twenty laps or so...) Ol June Bug came to life tonight and led a lot of laps...including the last lap. The real race was for second place. AJ raced hard at the end as he had fresher tires than everyone else. He came to second and fought hard with Jamie McMurray for a lot of laps until he was able to pass Jamie on the last lap. So...Dale Jr won the race and AJ Allmindinger has raced t heir way into the All Star race. (It is worth $70,000 dollars just to enter the race...if I remember right...dang I should enter my car for that price!) Which leaves the fan voted driver for the race...which in the past few years, it has went to Dale Jr. Who doesn't need it today since he won his way into the race. The fan vote goes to (drum roll) Bobby Labonte! Bobby is a great guy and am happy for him...though am kinda sad to see Jamie sent home when he was so close to coming home second tonight. Here is the three drivers that are now entered into the tail end of the line up for the Sprint Cup All Star race: Dale Earnhardt Jr AJ Allmindinger Bobby Labonte So excited for the All Start...about to do the driver introduction. Love the All Star driver introdcutions! #can'twait!

One of my favorite NKOTB songs...

Well the Sprint Cup Showdown (the race to get into the All Star race) will start at 7:00 EST on SPEED (not FOX) and the All star race will be starting at 9:00 EST...once again on SPEED. The All Star race will be seperated into five different segments. First four segments will be twenty laps. The fifth segment will be ten laps. The winner of the race will get a million dollars. Here is the link of the article I got it from if you want more information : All Star Race info. I pretty much summed up what Yahoo NASCAR editor Jay Hart had said during the two minute video that is half way down the screen. I love his pick to who wins tonight's race...JEFF GORDON. Here is the qualifying order of the race: 1. Kyle Busch 2. Ryan Newman 3. Denny Hamlin 4. Greg Biffle 5. Kevin Harvick 6. Jimmie Johnson 7. Paul Menard 8. Jeff Gordon 9. Tony Stewart 10. Regan Smith 11. Trevor Bayne 12. Clint Bowyer 13. Carl Edwards 14. David Ragen 15. Matt Kenseth 16. Mark Martin 17. Kurt Busch 18. Marcos Ambrose 19. Brad Keselowski 20. Kasey Kahne Those are the ones that were gauranteed a spot in the All Star race due to a win last year or one this year. A lot of new comers to the All Star race this year with the first time winners last year. 21. will go to who ever wins the Showdown race 22. will go to who ever comes in second in the Showdown race 23. will go to the fan voted driver (Most likely JR unless he comes in first or second in the Showdown race tonight. . .) Don't know about y'all, but I am excited for the Showdown and the All Star race and to see who will win and how it will shape up. Y'all surprised?

They will be racing under the lights Saturday night in Charolette where there will be NO points on the line...every driver will be going for the million dollars that the winner will recieve. IT'S THE ALL STAR RACE!!!!!!!!! So with that said, the race will be different. They got the pit crew challenge tonight. Be interesting to see which team has the fastest pit crew...if I had to guess, I'd go with Kyle Busch. He has an awesome crew working for him. (Though in my opinion, Jeff Gordon has the best crew! HA HA) Also, there will only be 20 or so cars in the race...read somewhere that the rules have changed this year so I will have to read up on that tomorrow when I have a faster computer and more time to read things. But in the past there was a certain amount of drivers that qualified...drivers who won a race the year before, perhaps a pole. Something like that. There will be a shorter race before of the drivers who are not eligable for the All Star race and the first two drivers will drive their way into the race. And then there is one driver that the fans vote in...and since Jr didn't win a race this year (as of yet) or last year, if he doesn't get first or second in the pre race...you can assume he will be the fan voted in driver as he was last year. Or at least, I am assuming he will be the fan voted driver... I don't have the list of drivers as of now...can think of a few of them that will be on the list, but don't have an actual list to type up. I will look that up and post it tomorrow. I should write this up tomorrow for you all, but felt like posting something NASCAR. So here is my pre-pre race write up. HA HA. Sorry for not more information, but as I said, will do more research and add on here tomorrow night or Saturday morning sometime when I have more time and a faster internet connection. Dial up is too slow and four am comes too early.

Well NASCAR has came back with their verdict for Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman's crew. Kurt Busch has been fined $50,000 and put on NASCAR probation until July 25. Ryan Newman's crew cheif has been put on probation until June 27 and another crew member of Newman's has been fined five thousand dollars and put on probation until June 27th (for not complying with a NASCAR official). Glad NASCAR saw Kurt Busch's part in it...no need to be throwing such tantrums on track like that. Understand Newman's crew being upset as they were, so feel like that was kinda uncalled for. But at least they got the light end of the deal...people could have gotten hurt with Kurt driving like that. My two cents worth on the whole ordeal...

I thought you use to like JJ Roger...what happened? LOL. Though would be nice for Jr, his fans, for me, and for NASCAR if Jr would win. HA