CHESTNUT: 50 HOT DOGS!!!

Joey Chestnut devoured 50 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes today to set a new American record in the Las Vegas qualifier of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Said IFOCE President Richard Shea: "This is the greatest thing to happen in the history of American sports. Joey Chestnut's accomplishment may change the course of a nation."

Chestnut's record tops Sonya Thomas' mark of 37 HDBs in 12 minutes, set on July 4, 2005.

The amazing Rich LeFevre set a personal best of 30.5 HDBs while Ron Koch ate 15. Screenwriter Josh Heald ate 11.