We’re getting things rolling for Hazzard Homecoming 2012 and just want everyone to know where to find the most up to date info. The official page can be found here or you can just go straight to www.cootersplace.com/hazzard-homecoming . Over the next few weeks we will be adding details on Appearances, Entertainment, Accommodations and a whole lot of other important information.

See ya soon!

Is Nascar right to ban the General Lee, or overreacting? Click here to vote on USA Today Poll

Former Georgia Congressman Ben Jones, who starred as ace mechanic “Cooter” Davenport on the hit television series “The Dukes of Hazzard”, has condemned the decision by NASCAR to prevent the use of the popular “General Lee” 1969 Dodge Charger at the Phoenix Sprint Cup race in March. In a statement Friday, NASCAR said The image of the Confederate flag is not something that should plan an official role in our sport as we continue to reach out to new fans and make NASCAR more inclusive.” “The General Lee” has a Confederate Battle Flag on its roof.

Jones said in response:

“At a time when tens of millions of Americans are honoring their Union and Confederate ancestors during this Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, NASCAR has chosen to dishonor those Southerners who fought and died in that terrible conflict by caving to “political correctness” and the uninformed concerns of corporate sponsors.

This is also an extraordinary insult to rural Southerners, who are NASCAR’s oldest and most fervent fan base, and it sends a message against inclusion and against the need for diversity. Many of us who are descended from ancestors who fought for the South see this as a crude dishonoring of our kinfolks and our heritage. Our ancestors were proud Americans who had fought for our Nation before the Civil War and have served honorably in every conflict since then.

The Confederate Battle Flag is on display at many National Battlefields and is displayed by countless historical and heritage groups who are descendants of those who fought in that crucible of the American experience.

“The Dukes of Hazzard” remains a beloved classic television show which is watched by Americans of all races and regions and is watched internationally as an upbeat reflection of the American Spirit. It is also watched by our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world.

While it is true that the Confederate Battle Flag has been desecrated by bigots and racists, these groups also misuse the American Flag and the Christian cross in their shameless rituals. The vast majority of the display of the St. Andrews Cross Flag is in a benign spirit of remembrance and reverence.

I am a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, a Life Member of the NAACP, and a proud member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. As a cast member of the Dukes of Hazzard and the owner of several “General Lees”, I can attest that the car and our show reflect the very best of American values, and that Hazzard County was a place where racism was not tolerated.

This action by NASCAR is a provocative and unnecessary over-reaction to a problem that doesn’t exist. It is a disgraceful and gratuitous insult to a lot of very decent people. It is prejudicial toward those good-hearted folks who, like Uncle Jesse Duke, are in fact “never meanin’ no harm”.

Please read this and contact NASCAR at fanfeedback@NASCAR.COM with your feelings. Please be respectful in your comments.

Thanks, Ben aka “Cooter”

Click Here To Read ESPN Story:

Did you attend “Hazzard Homecoming 2011″ @  Thornton Hill Hounds Racecourse. We would like to invite everyone to another event at Thornton Hill. Ben “Cooter” Jones will be in attendance! Thornton Hill Fort Valley Hounds Point-to-Point Races Saturday, March 3, 2012 Enjoy a full day of timber, hurdle and flat racing, as well as our hound race, at one of Virginia’s most beautiful and challenging racecourses in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

We have premium reserved parking available in advance, along with corporate and personal entertainment tent packages for those who want to watch the races and entertain in style.  Call or email us today!
The races will be held at the Thornton Hill Racecourse 2 miles south of Sperryville, Virginia on Route 522 (90 minutes from Washington, DC, 35 minutes from Warrenton and 25 minutes from Culpeper)

First race 12:30 pm.

For additional information call 540-987-8338 or email us at info@thorntonhillraces.com  www.thorntonhillraces.com/home.html

Come Meet Ben “Cooter” Jones at International Auto Showcase. Ben Will be Appearing with “General Lee” Signing Autographs and Taking Photos.

The 2012 show will be a walk down memory lane.

We will be back in the Center of Progress Building and also back to a three day show. *New for 2012 – In addition to all the awards that every car entry will be competing for, there will be a new category - An Elite 25 by invitation only. The top 5 from this group will receive a jacket.
Cooter from the Dukes of Hazard will be appearing all three days. Autographs and pictures with your camera will be FREE!
On Friday, March 23rd from 11:00am- 4:00pm we are offering a group rate of $5.00/person for all schools or groups interested in attending during these hours. 
On Saturday, March 24th, we are having the Chris Taylor and the Custom Taylor Band. They will play from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. This is one of the best country bands around.
Also, there will be a Model Car Display all weekend.

Show dates and times are: Fri., & Sat., Mar. 23, 24 – 11am – 9pm Sun., Mar, 25 – 11am – 5pm Admission: Adults – $10.00 (Groups between 11am-4pm $5.00 Friday only) Children 12 and under are always FREE

REMEMBER THE DATES: MARCH 23,24,25,2012. As always PARKING IS FREE at the New York State Fairgrounds

Sperryville, VA

Mark your calendar for 2nd Annual Hazzard Homecoming August 11-12, 2012!!

Same Place as 2011 Going to be very EXCITING

Ben “Cooter” Jones and Miss Alma present the 2nd Annual Hazzard Homecoming back in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Sperryville, home of the original “Cooter’s Place.” Featuring personal appearances by your favorite “Dukes of Hazzard” stars and dozens of “General Lees.” Also featuring bluegrass and country music by Cooter’s Garage Band and County Music legends to be announced. Children 10 and under, Senior’s 65 and over and Active Military w/ ID are free.

More info to come!!

Accommodations: We have put together a list of some places that are close by. We will update this page often as more info becomes available

Click here to see preview of Last Year’s “Hazzard Homecoming”

www.cootersplace.com/general-store/2011-hazzard-homecoming-dvd-pre-order/

Cooter’s Place Gatlinburg
542 Parkway 
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-9909

Mon- Sat: 9 AM- 9PM, or later
Sun: 9AM- 7PM

Free Admission

If you are in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee don’t miss a visit to Cooter’s Garage in downtown, Gatlinburg. Ben “Cooter” Jones is your host at this tribute to the Dukes of Hazzard . It features Pictures, Props, Costumes, and Memorabilia from the beloved hit television show. New location with Indoor Duke’s Themed Go-Karts and the Hazzard Country Club 18-hole Mini-Golf Course.

Rick Will be signing autographs Sunday 10am-5pm