Chip Simpson beats Sonya's Record for Hot Dogs!

In a surprising win in today's Minneapolis qualifier, Chip "The Phenom" Simpson ate a whopping 38 hot dogs to beat out Sonya Thomas's 2005 record and set the second highest US record for hot dogs and buns. Pat Bertoletti, one of the favorites going into the competition, came in second with 32 HDB. People, we are witnessing some EATING HISTORY this year!

We talked to Pat after the competition and he answered some questions for us. Even though the competition is tough, we're feeling pretty confident that this powerful eater will find his way to the big table. He was planning on an appearance at Shoo Fly Pie, but now his sights may be set on another qualifier this weekend.

Give us the quick lowdown on the event:

Chip, Kevin Carr, Skinny Boy. Chip won with 38; I got second with 32. I think Skinny By got 3rd with 12 or so. There were a lot of people there, probably 300 or 400 hundred.

How did you feel about your chances going into this qualifier?
I felt like I had a chance, but thought that it was going to be close between me and Chip.

Did things go like you expected, or were there some surprises?
I am not too happy about my number, as I was hoping for more. But the Nathan's dogs are very humbling; I would have liked to have done at least 35.

Tell us something funny or unusual that happened during this qualifier:
There wasn't anything too funny. I did have fun going on two of the rides and watching the US vs. Italy World Cup in the stadium club.

At the ice cream competition, you mentioned wanting to add a "signature" to your look. Any more thoughts on this?

I haven't done anything to that extent. I try to keep my mohawk shaved close for every contest. I was thinking about shaving a design into the side of my Mohawk; maybe a hot dog or something.

Last question:

And the winner of the competition, Chip Simpson, talked to us about the thrill of victory.

Where you expecting to do so well?

I always expect to do well when I go into a competition. I am competitive in every single thing that I do. Did I know I would do as well as I did...no. I knew that Pat would be there and that he would put up a good fight. I did not know who else would be there so I just came in as prepared mentally and physically to do the best that I was
able to and on that date my best was good enough.

What so you think drove you to make such a great showing?

I have always been driven to try and do the best and to become one of the best in anything that I do. I think my natural competitors attitude was the driving force behind it...plus those dogs are tasty :-)

Was there a certain point during the competition that you knew you were going to win? If so, what was it?

The only time I knew I was going to win was when Ryan Nerz announced me as the winner. Pat made a mention that he knew that I was ahead the whole time but it is actually very rare that I know where I am at during the competitions. I just get into a zone and try to block everything out except for the food in the time frame allotted.

Did the added pressure of competing against Pat Bertoletti push you to do so well?

Pat is one of the top 4 eaters in the world and competing against the best always drives a person to put on their best showing. I knew it would come down to Pat or me but I don't think Pat being there necessarily put more pressure on me. I think that it is fun competing against the best and seeing where you stand and Pat is
definitely one of the best there is without a doubt.

Did you hold back at all? For instance, do you think you can do better on the 4th?

Being this was my first qualifier, did I hold back? No. Do I think I can do better? YES!

Did Joey's earlier qualifier performance inspire you to push your limits?

I think everyone pushes everyone to be the best that they can be. I looked not only at Joey's total but Sonya's, Rich's, and everyone else who qualified. These are the eaters that I have seen before and watched on TV before I was eating myself. Knowing that I qualified with such a high total makes me very proud to be mentioned in the same
breath as them... even though I still feel that I have a long way to go to be considered on their level.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I just want to thank the Mall of America for putting on a great show and heavily advertising the contest. It seemed like everyone I talked to in Minneapolis knew about the contest so it was obviously publicized well. The set up was perfect and made it so the large crowd had a good time. I am looking forward to making my debut on the big
stage on ESPN. The talent of American eaters has soared in the past year and I look forward to representing the US on the 4th of July.

Last question:

Aha a trick question... the answer is of course lymon.