News Archives - HazzardNet

Flying Again: Raymond Kohn’s General Lee Jump Thrills Fans in Somerset, KY

Flying Through the Air Again: The Spirit of the General Lee Lives On

On a summer day in Somerset, Kentucky, fans of The Dukes of Hazzard were treated to a spectacular sight—a modern-day General Lee (really a Crown Vic dressed up as the General) soaring through the air in a tribute jump that channeled the heart-pounding energy of the original TV series. Behind the wheel was Raymond Kohn, founder of the Northeast Ohio Dukes, known for his daring recreations of classic stunts from the show.

It may come as no surprise that Raymond Kohn is a huge Dukes of Hazzard fan. His jumps aren’t random—they’re calculated, choreographed, and executed with reverence for the legacy of the General Lee and the countless stunt professionals who brought it to life between 1979 and 1985.

The Somerset Event: A Celebration of Speed and Spirit

Held during the Somernites Cruise, Somerset’s nationally recognized car show series, the event drew thousands of spectators eager to witness a real-life General Lee launch into the air. The jump was staged on a ramp with a specially prepped 1969 Dodge Charger—orange paint, decals, and all.

As the crowd roared, Kohn gunned the engine, hit the ramp, and sent the General Lee flying just like Bo and Luke would have done—if they had a little more safety gear and GPS telemetry. The path of the jump was right through the water gushing from the Somerset fountain, dyed blue for the event.

The landing was rough—as they always were—but the Charger held together just long enough to complete the tribute. As always, it was a one-and-done stunt. Just like in the show, these cars don’t get second chances.

For fans of The Dukes of Hazzard, seeing a General Lee in flight isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a reminder of what made the show iconic: action, fun, rebellion, and just enough wild charm to make you cheer. Raymond Kohn keeps that legacy alive, not just through his jumps, but through the incredible amount of care and respect he and his team puts into each one.

It’s not about breaking records—it’s about honoring a moment in TV history when cars flew, the good guys ran moonshine for good reasons, and a Dodge Charger could defy gravity on a weekly basis.

And when that Charger leaves the ground—even for just a few seconds—it brings back the thrill of outrunning Boss Hogg and Rosco P. Coltrane, one more time.

Got a favorite General Lee moment? Or were you in Somerset to witness this incredible jump? Share your memories in our forums and keep the spirit of Hazzard alive.

Remembering Rick Hurst: A Kind Soul and Hazzard Legend

January 1, 1946 – June 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that we at HazzardNet mark the passing of Rick Hurst, best known to Dukes of Hazzard fans as the lovable and bumbling Deputy Cletus Hogg. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79.

Rick brought heart, humor, and humanity to the role of Cletus, making him a fan favorite across generations. But beyond the screen, Rick was every bit as warm and genuine as the character he played. He wasn’t just an actor we admired—he was a man we were lucky to meet in person.

I had the honor of meeting Rick on the set of the first Dukes of Hazzard reunion movie and again on the set of the second. Over the years, I also had the pleasure of speaking with him at several fan events. Each time, he greeted me with a big smile and an open heart. We shared wonderful conversations, and I always walked away feeling like I’d just caught up with an old friend.

Rick had a special way of making fans feel seen and appreciated. He loved being part of the Dukes family and was deeply grateful for the fans who kept its spirit alive. Whether on a convention stage or just chatting in the autograph line, he gave his full attention, always ready with a story or a laugh.

His passing is a loss to the Dukes of Hazzard community and to all who knew him. But his kindness, his talent, and the joy he brought to so many lives will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Rick. Hazzard County won’t be the same without you.

Visit Cooter’s Good Ol’ Boy Fest!

August 10th and 11th, 2019, you can meet the cast of The Dukes of Hazzard, watch live stunt shows, and listen to live music at Shenandoah Speedway in Virginia.

Cooter’s getting the gang back together. Rick Hurst (Cletus), Sonny Shroyer (Enos), Tom Wopat (Luke), Cathy Bach (Daisy), and, of course, Ben Jones (Ol’ Cooter himself) will be there to meet fans, sign autographs, and take photos.

Legendary country and rock artists will be there to entertain, including: Wynona & the Big Noise, Exile, Confederate Railroad, Billy Dean, Tom Wopat, Whey Jennings, Catherine Bach, and Cooter’s Garage Band.

And last, but not least, James A. Smith and The Northeast Ohio Dukes will be there to put on a spectacular live stunt car show for the fans. Don’t miss it! See CootersPlace.com for more details.

Cooter’s Country Christmas Shenandoah Jamboree

The holidays will soon be upon us. In less than a month, December 2nd to be exact, ol’ Cooter will be celebrating with a good old-fashioned jamboree! The fun starts at 7pm at the Cooter’s Place in Luray, VA. Daisy Duke herself, Catherine Bach will be there too!

Speaking of Cathy, she’ll be at Cooter’s earlier in the day, December 2nd, and again on December 3rd to sign autographs and take photos with fans.

To buy tickets or find more information, visit Ben Jones’ website.

Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane Screen Used Shirt For Auction

Up for auction on eBay right now is a screen used, autographed Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane shirt. It has been authenticated by James Best himself. The current owner is a law enforcement officer and cherishes this shirt, but must sell it in order to pay for hospital and funeral costs for his mother who recently passed away. If you can afford to put a bid on it, please do to help out this man. This collector’s item deserves to go to a Dukes of Hazzard fan that will love and cherish it as much as he does. Click here to bid.