by Mark Gibbs, Pitmaster of The Checkered Flag 500 BBQ

The McShin Foundation held its 7^th annual KCBS sanctioned BBQ competition the weekend of September 9^th and 10^th.  25 teams came together in the 95 plus degree heat to compete and support the McShin Foundation in this annual BBQ battle.

The folks at the foundation put on a great contest with full amenities.  The music, fellowship, cause and location of this contest make it a “must do” for many competitors.  Despite the hot temps, all 25 teams got their entries in to the judges on time to make this contest a Jack and Royal qualifier.  Honesty Liller, CEO of McShin did a great job of presenting the awards and taking care of the competitors.  They really do make us a part of the family at this contest.

The results are in and I am happy to say that the Checkered Flag 500 BBQ Team repeated as Grand Champion this year successfully defending our title from 2015.  Old Virginia Smoke of Bristow, Virginia with Luke and Kim Darnell and Leigh Anne Terry brought home the Reserve Grand Champion honors.

The Checkered Flag 500 team brought home top honors in Chicken and Brisket.  Don and Sandy Wallace of Life is Good, but BBQ is Better from Purcellville, Virginia took home their first ever 1^st Place Rib finish!  Great job Don and Sandy!  Top Pork honors went to J.D.’s Smokin Misfits of Virginia!

The Checkered Flag 500 Team also qualified for the OBR/BBQ for a Cause Virginia Champions championship at the 2017 contest in Urbanna, Virginia.

Congrats to every team that got a call and we are really looking forward to the 2017 event at McShin in Richmond!

First place winners:
Chicken – Checkered Flag 500 BBQ
Ribs –Life is Good But BBQ is Better
Pork –JD’s Smokin Misfits
Brisket –Checkered Flag 500 BBQ

Grand Champion –Checkered Flag 500 BBQ
Reserve Grand Champion –Old Virginia Smoke