CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Β Nathan’s Famous has announced that the official 2014 qualifying tour for the annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating contest will stop in Charlotte for the first time. Β The official qualifying event, which is part of more than a dozen contests in cities across the United States, will take place at the Speed Street 600 Festival at 6 p.m. this Saturday.
Β Β Β World Champion Joey Chestnut will be on hand to oversee the 10-minute, all-you-can-eat contesst on the Coca-Cola Main Stage. Β The event will feature top-ranked eaters, including a hometown favorite, Army Specialist Ronnie Hartman, as well as world sweet corn-eating champion Crazy Legs Conti and chicken wing and Β hamburger eating veteran Damien Boykin. Β This is the first time the qualifying tour has taken place at the Speed Street 600 Festival, or in North Carolina.
Β Β Β The top male and top female finishers will earn a spot to compete in the finals at the original Nathan’s Famous in Brooklyn, NY. Β In recent years, an estimated 35,000 fans have traveled to the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island on July 4 to watch the contest in person. Β
Β Β Β I was able to catch up with homegrown competitor Ronnie Hartman to discuss his preparations for the regional qualifier as well as his future goals once he leaves service.
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