International Chili Society

ADAMS MOTOR PARK CHILI COOKOFF

Adams Motor Park Cookoff (Previously Harvest Fair)

With the weather in the high 70’s, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day or location for a cookoff.  The staff under the direction of Timel Sebastian did a fantastic job putting this cookoff together and we would like to thank them all.  A big thanks to Bill and Karen Ray and Mike and Tony Austin for helping us during the planning stages, and to all of the cooks who came out and participated.   Even with the low public attendance, everyone seemed to have a great time during the day.

Now, for the really fun stuff.  This cookoff was held at what is considered one of California’s premier outdoor race tracks owned and run by the Adams family and celebrating their 50^th year.  We had a cooks’ competitive go-kart race which included 16 drivers (5 of which were female) and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  The fence was lined with cooks and very few were in their booths during the 2 preliminary races or the final championship race!   All of the cooks or their designates did a great job driving (a few were a little slower than others but didn’t give up).  Some of them can’t wait to do it again while others who did not compete wish they had.  Bet you never saw chili cooks win racing trophies at a cookoff! 

And the winners of the go-kart race were:

1^st – Vince Perez – representing Richard Martinez Tampico Spice Racing Team

2^nd – Mike Austin – Bun Burner Racing Team

3^rd – Tony Austin – representing B&M Double Flush Racing Team

4^th – Dennis Macklin – Dilligaf Motor Sports

Followed by Jose Guzmanreyes, Mike Stewart and Jacquiline Becerra

We want to thank Mike Stewart for bringing Eric’s amazing off-road racing vehicle to the event.  Too bad Eric wouldn’t let him actually race it!  For more information on Adams Motor Park, go to www.adamsmotorsportspark.com/

Of course, it’s always a pleasure having Claude Covington as the MC keeping everyone in line and the schedule running smoothly.  Thanks Claude!  He shared the microphone during the races with “Chappy” who announces the drifter’s races at the track every Thursday evening.  Thanks to Mary Ellen Weber and Ellen Dyer for assisting with the scorekeeping and to all of you who came out to judge and help in the judging area. 

So, on with the chili winners -

Open Chili (4 contestants) – Jose Guzmanreyes from Mi Tortilla Mexico Grill

People’s Choice – Frank Howe from Tres Hombres Chili

Salsa (11 contestants)

3^rd – Tish Crawford

2^nd – Jim Rasey

1^st – Barbara Ward

Verde (unfortunately only 3 contestants)

3^rd – Nick Donato

2^nd – Tish Crawford

1^st – Charlie Ward – does not advance to 2011 WCCC, but got the prize money!

Red Chili (19 contestants – VERY GOOD for a first-time cookoff!)

5^th – 3-way tie:  Charlie Blosfield, Marian Donato, Sashiko Brecke

4^th – Steve Crawford

3^rd – Mike Austin

2^nd – Bill Ray (Lost by one point – I know the feeling!)

1^st – Barbara Ward – WOW!! What a day for the Wards!

Thanks again everyone.  Hope to see you here next year!  Be prepared to race!

We welcome your comments and suggestions to make this an even better cookoff next year.  Just drop us an e-mail at firefrog1@sbcglobal.net

Allene Macklin (oh yeah,  Dennis too)