MIS To Host Inaugural Michigan International PITmasters State BBQ Championship

BROOKLYN, June 29, 2010:The Show Me the CARFAX Race Weekend in August at Michigan International Speedway, will bring together two of America’s favorite pastimes – BBQ and NASCAR.

Smoke on the Water Productions joins forces with Michigan International Speedway to stage the inaugural Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned Michigan International PITmasters State BBQ Championship during the CARFAX 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Saturday, August 14.

Michigan International PITmasters will feature more than 50 of the top BBQ competitors in America displaying their finest skills for a share of a $30,000 purse, including a $5,000 champion’s purse — the largest in the state. Categories include brisket, chicken, ribs and pork.

The winner will also represent Michigan at the USA BBQ Championship in Little Rock, Ark., and the World BBQ Championships in Memphis, Tenn.

Race fans will be able to watch the competition in the track’s North Village, outside Turn 4, beginning Friday evening through the first round of judging on Saturday. No grandstand ticket is needed to attend the Michigan International PITmasters.

“PITmasters was created to bring the best of the best BBQ teams to Michigan,” said Ron Cates, event organizer. “Even though there is $30,000 up for grabs, it’s really about more than prize money; it’s about respect among BBQ peers. BBQ teams that compete at MIS know the winner will be recognized as one of the best BBQ teams in the world.”

“I’ve known for a long time how talented our race fans are with barbecue,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “So now it’s time to put them to a real taste test of some certified judges.”

Cates, who created the Smoke On The Water brand and has awarded some of the largest purses in BBQ history, expects the top teams on the competition barbecue circuit to compete at the Michigan International PITmasters. There will also be an “Average Joe’s” Competition that will tour around to the campground for the everyday back yard grill master can compete in.

In addition to traditional BBQ categories, the event will host a “BBQ Alley” for backyard grillers who want to learn more about smokers and the difference between barbecuing and backyard grilling.

“We are proud to have two great sports, Kansas City Barbeque Society and NASCAR, coming together for one unforgettable experience at MIS,” said Carolyn Wells, executive director of KCBS.

For more information about the Michigan International PITmasters State Barbeque Championship, visit www.smokeonthewaterbbq.com.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

Sprint Cup Series tickets for the CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.