Bubba Watson's victory at the Masters showcased golf at its best and the sport's athletes at their best. But how could a nearly 45-year-old Dodge Charger put a damper on golf's recent week of great public relations?
Watson's skills and personality were captivating, and so, too, were the refreshing approaches to golf displayed by other young and aging players in the field, Rory McIlroy to Fred Couples.
But now its seems Watson's choice of cars, a 1969 Dodge Charger named The General Lee that once “starred” in the Dukes of Hazzard television program, isn't exactly an image appreciated by NASCAR and likely not the PGA Tour, either.
The General Lee was driven by Luke and Bo Duke in their weekly episode of mischief. The car was named for a Southern hero, General Robert E. Lee, leader of the Confederate forces in the Civil War.
Watson bought one of the 321 General Lee models used in the program in Janaury at auction for $110,000. Like its siblings, it has a Confederate battle flag painted on top, according to a detailed account of the car and the controversy its caused in an article in the Washington Times newspaper.
According to several Internet sites, 17 of the General Lee Dodge Chargers used in the television series are still in existence. The cars feature a 440 cubic inch Magnum V-8 engine that produces 364 horsepower and 490 pounds of torque.
To read the complete article, visit: Bubba Watston's 1969 Dodge Charger
Lucas?
his name was luke not lucas. “a detailed account of the car and the controversial its cause”, controversy, not controversial. caused not cause.
how redickuless now a car is racist, when will this PC crap end?
I think the racistness of it would confer to the owner not the car itself.
the Smithsonian owns one, are they racist?
“Lucas”? “and the controversial its caused” [sic} ? Marse Lee needs no introduction to those who studied history. BTW, Bubba purchsed #1 of the series in case you need more specificity for your re-write.
I think this article lack of proof-reading skills is controversial.
And yes the mistake is intentional.
He just bought the car a couple months ago….
The only thing “racist” about “dukes of hazzard” was the “racist-phobia” way that the car was dealt with in the poor attempt at a movie in 2005.
Neither the show, nor the car, were ever racist.
Anyone who says otherwise obviously never watched the show.
Just a side note, “on the show” the car had a 440 engine, but in reallity, many had 383s or even 318s.