[brandon]

It will be fun to see how their predictions will play out. It all is how you cook and how the judges see it that moment that matters. It is also a relief to be predicted in last as anything I do better will be better than expected. This will be a good competition with everyone able to best the next along with a few few who are consistently in the winners circle. My prediction is the teams that advance from here will be the best in the finals.

[RudedoggAZ]

I agree...they have you guys finishing way too high.   

You know I had to Chris....you left that door wide open.

In all sincerity, best of luck to you guys.

Haha... Yep, definitely set myself up for that one! Thanks for the luck wishes Crash!

[Jorge]

Thanks Tom. Same to you and all the AZ teams who made it in.  Conroe is not the toughest Texas field, I don't believe, Austin is. Quau, Smokin Triggers, Them Ohio City Boys, Rib Rangers, Smoke n Ice all ended up there as well as a few tough Texas teams.

However we did pick up Smoke on Wheels who has to be the favorite in our local event.  There are some strong Texas teams in my group but IBCA is, as you all know much different than KCBS.  Especially in Texas.  There are literally HOURS between turn ins and only 3 meats. 

I'm just hoping to not embarass myself.

It's the team from Arkansas, and the lady from Hillsboro you need to watch out for.  I'm just sayin....wave to the island as you float away sarn't;)

[Trailhound]

I have registered to be a judge at the Vegas event waiting to hear back from KCBS.

[grizmt]

I have registered to be a judge at the Vegas event waiting to hear back from KCBS.

We're registered as well, see ya there along with the top 10 from all the locals 

[rgomez99 (Glazed and Confused in Gilbert)]

Has anyone received any information on times for the Sams Club event?

[Harpo]

Has anyone received any information on times for the Sams Club event?

I got and email and this is some of the important stuff it had...

1. A mandatory Cooks' Meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday to go over the rules and to answer any questions about the current contest or about the series as a whole. The location will be communicated by your Event Director.

2. A mandatory Judges' Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday to review the rules. The Event Director will communicate the location.

3. Event Directors will be on-site by 8:00 a.m. on Friday.

4. Official load in time is 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Teams are permitted to stay overnight on Thursday, but they must move as far away from the store as possible.

5. Official Power Time: Friday 12:00 p.m. - Saturday 6:00 p.m.

6. No cooking of any kind may begin until meat has been inspected by the Official Meat Inspector. Meat inspection will be on Friday between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (If a team CANNOT arrive in time for this inspection they must make alternative arrangements IN ADVANCE by calling the Event Director for that contest.)

[Harpo]

28th out of 30 I like that. No one will think of us as a threat. All ways beware of the dark horse. We have know were to go but straight up. See ya'll on Friday, Good luck to all the locals.

[AzScott]

Jerry, best of luck to you out there this weekend!  This should be a fun event and a real nail biter.

[brandon]

Jerry, Time to put all that tutoring to use, I predict you doing well. Best of luck! Looking at the forecast the temps should be in the 60's to lows on the 40's, bring a raincoat!

[Harpo]

Now to prepare for the rain. Looks like thunderstorms are in the forcast. Can't we get a break. See Ya'll Friday.

[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

Yea, it's not looking good for this weekend.  They are predicting High Winds on Friday and Thunderstorms on Saturday.

Be safe out there everyone and good luck to you all. 

[glenntm]

Now to prepare for the rain. Looks like thunderstorms are in the forcast. Can't we get a break. See Ya'll Friday.

See everyone Friday.  Let it rain...Let it rain....

[jmcrig]

In the words of the immortal E.C.,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLf6rhKTRjU

[azkitch]

Mark, you've hit the nail again. I like EC more'n I like hot foods!